Chevrolet Volt

Its to be launched in 2011 which is not basicaly a hybrid model.It is being called as plug in series hybrid vehicle.Unlike current commercially available hybrids, the actual propulsion of the Volt is accomplished by the electric motor, as the ICE is not mechanically connected to the wheels. With fully charged batteries, this electric power will initially be sourced exclusively from its on-board Lithium Ion batteries for up to 40 miles (64 km),After 40 miles (64 km), the range of the Volt will need to be extended through the use of a small 4-cyl ICE which drives a 53 kW generator. The electrical power from the generator is then sent to either the electric motor or the batteries, depending on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery pack and the power demanded at the wheels. The distribution is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle.

It introduced the E-Flex drive system, which is an attempt to standardize many components of possible future electrically-propelled vehicles, and to allow multiple interchangeable electricity-generating systems. The initial design as envisioned in the Volt combines an electric motor and 16 kWh (58 MJ) lithium-ion battery plug-in system[33] with a small engine (1.4 liter) powered by gasoline linked to a 53 kW (71 hp) generator. The vehicle is propelled by an electric motor with a peak output of 120 kW (160 hp).
Since the electrical drivetrain is not affected by the method used to charge the batteries, several options could be available for acting as an electrical power source. The primary configuration specified in the Volt promotional literature uses a turbocharged 1.0-liter engine with three cylinders, a flex-fuel engine capable of running gasoline or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).
E-Flex Powertrain


Another engine-driven power option would be a pure ethanol (E100) engine, a diesel engine capable of running biodiesel fuel, or even a hydrogen fuel cell, once that technology becomes practical.