The Volt has one propulsion system (electric engine) and two power sources (gas and battery).

The Volt's propulsion system is more complicated than that; the gas engine can be coupled to the drive wheels anytime the gas engine is running. The Volt's two electric motors can operate independently or together. Motor generator A (MGA), when coupled to the output of the gas engine, operates as a generator producing electricity to drive motor generator B (MGB). Guaranteed brain hurt here.

 

The Volt's propulsion system is more complicated than that

I would agree with that, 100% - It's one of the most complicated drive systems on 4 wheels, especially for the Gen 2's

Don

 

This is one of the reasons why I wanted a Volt over a Prime or a Clarity PHEV-- that if the engine died, I (at least theoretically) could drive 53 miles or so in an electric car.

 

Near as I can tell, MGA IS a motor/generator, but MGB only generates when driven by the wheels. Therefore we should call it a motor/regenerator. Correct me if this complexity has jangled my aging brain.....

 

Correct me if I am wrong. I thought the gas engine NEVER drives the wheels directly. Only the electric motors drive the wheels. This is one thing that makes it different from the plugin Prius which uses its gas engine to provide additional power (to supplement the electric motor) via direct drive to the wheels.

 

As mentioned a few posts above, when the ICE is running, it can actually be partially coupled to the wheels.
The volt remains completely different from traditional hybrids. Traditional hybrids are basically ICE cars with an electric engine to improve efficiency. The volt is an electric car with an ICE to provide electricity and sometimes improve efficiency.


If you search YouTube, you will find some good video explaining the Volt drive train in details. The Gen 1 and gen2 are slightly different, so check which video you are watching.

 

The engine running when the hood is unlatched is for safety. You do not want the engine to start when someone has their hands on something on the engine and it suddenly starts. So before you can open the hood the engine is always running when the ignition switch is on.

 

Interesting, thanks.

 

There is anecdotal evidence of 1st gen Volts running fine with a disabled (for various reasons) ICE all over the WWW. 's why I bought one. Shame the ICE can't be removed entirely to make a lighter "around town" vehicle.

 

Used Spark EVs are about $10k, if that's what you really want. Probably get cash back from a trade for a Volt with even double the number of miles on it.