writer has question about battery SOC/recharge

4265 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by nlh_90210, Apr 11, 2008

pnieder

Discussion Starter · Apr 6, 2008

I'm writing an article about the Volt. I need a technically correct/sourced answer to a question. In a posting on this site from August '07 (NEW FACT: Volt generator starts when power hits 50%, stops again at 80%) it confirms that the generator (when running) will recharge the batteries to 80%. That means that only 20% of the charge will be available for recharging during the pug-in mode. This seems substantially less than is usually intimated. I understand this would only happen during usage cycles when the generator kicks in, but can someone either confirm this, or provide updated info?

Also, the actual electric energy consumption info I have found on this site states .3kwh/mile. This is the same as I have found stated for the Tesla Roadster, which is a much smaller vehicle with a substantially lower frontal area (drag). I am a bit skeptical about this claim for the Volt. If it's not true, range will be substantialy affected. Any comments?

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Eric E

· #2 · Apr 7, 2008

Generator/SOC details

This is the most accurate info we have to date. (That I'm aware of)

The "range extender" will definitely NOT charge the battery more than approx 35-40% soc (state of charge). Which makes sense, as the goal is to require the car to be plugged in when not in use. The purpose of the range extender is to maintain the battery at a 25-35% soc while providing power to operate the vehicle and all accessories.

Please see the graph at this link:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2008/112_0804_chevrolet_volt_update/photo_03.html

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Eric E

· #5 · Apr 7, 2008

Actually the entire thread that Texas recommends you look at pertains to your question.

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