Does the Chevy Volt have a transmission?

Question

Some electric cars have transmissions, like the Telsa. But does the Volt have any kind of transmission? If it does not, how will it be able to accelerate to over 100mph?

Answer 1

The volt will use what's called an AC drive system.  It is the more efficient of the available drives.  The motor has has only one moving part and can spin up to 15,000 RPM.  With this wide speed range all that is needed is a single speed 9:1 gearbox to turn the wheels.

Gas engines only work between 800 and 5,000 RPM.  Below 800 the engine wont run so some method to disconnect the wheels when you want to stop has to be provided.  Above 5,000 the engine's efficiency falls off dramatically along with a lot of vibration.  The transmission helps to compensate for the engine's short comings like limited torque at low RPM.

With electric motors the game is completely different they have no inherent vibration problems.  They can go from zero to max speed with full torque.  Electric cars don't have to disconnect the wheels when the car stops because the motor can go to a complete stop thus no clutch or torque converter required.

Answer 2

"The Chevy Volt, however, is never powered by mechanical energy--it has no transmission. It is always powered by electricity. The on-board motor is a tiny, 3-cylinder generator that supplies electricity when the battery runs low."

Answer 3

Yes the Chevy volt will have a transmission. The Volt will run 40 miles off electricity. After that 40 miles, a small 1.3 or 1.4 liter internal combustion motor will kick in to provide power -this will work just like most cars today utilizing a transmission.

Answer 4

The Volt as a minimum will have a gearbox to mate its electric motor to the wheels. Tesla has changed from a 2 speed transmission to a gearbox with a single direct drive (ie. one speed). electric motors enjoy an improved torque curve that allows this to happen. Still, I'm hoping the Volt will have at least a 2 speed transmission..