Here is an interesting video describing how the Volt’s drive system actually works.
If the main video is too technical, then here is a simpler explanation!
It is interesting to note that the first official video subtly avoids mentioning the point during “high speed” driving where two of the clutches lock up, essentially creating a direct connection between the wheels and the petrol engine – that is the “contentious” feature mentioned in the second video.
It is actually GM’s purposeful avoidance of mentioning this fact that actually made it “contentious” – the connection is only ever very brief and only usually happens under high speed, heavy load situations that we in New Zealand would never really experience (unless you are breaking the law by a fairly decent margin…).
During driving, you can actually feel the clutches operating (if you are paying attention) when the battery is drained and the petrol engine has kicked in, but only under full-throttle situations, such as passing. It is utterly fascinating to think of how much is actually going on under the Volt’s bonnet when you are driving it in complete ignorance of it all!
