If Buick, as part of GM, is calling it a PHEV (not EREV), then it will run its engine regularly, if hard on the throttle. That's the concept being tried on the menu. Maybe someone can explain how PHEV ICE assists under heavy load, when the engine starts off stone cold? Will it cycle in 'Sport' mode, and simply deliver lower EREV performance numbers with an economy setting? The Volt already starts out idling low, to presumably warm up. So, I'm assuming that won't change.
Autoweek specifically spoke of a "50kwh" batteries costing "$40,000", as part of their favoring PHEV, over BEV, in the latest "green" issue. $800 per kwh is grossly out of step, not to mention that the appetizing 20-40kwh market with range extender is completely untested. Get the ICE/Battery ratio wrong, and EREV/BEVs or a smarter ratio will win.
Not looking for any inside info. Just wondering if tech exists to operate an ICE for performance, when cold?
Autoweek specifically spoke of a "50kwh" batteries costing "$40,000", as part of their favoring PHEV, over BEV, in the latest "green" issue. $800 per kwh is grossly out of step, not to mention that the appetizing 20-40kwh market with range extender is completely untested. Get the ICE/Battery ratio wrong, and EREV/BEVs or a smarter ratio will win.
Not looking for any inside info. Just wondering if tech exists to operate an ICE for performance, when cold?
