Hi,
I'm new to the forum, but have been an avid follower of EV's for a long time. I am excited about the Volt's attempt to ween us off gasoline as it makes more sense than any other design at the moment.

However, out of all the specs I've been able to read and search for, I haven't read anything in regards to how many wheels receive power? Some future designs discuss the use of in-wheel electric motors (which I prefer), but this one has one primary electric motor. So how many wheels are going to be powered? (crossing fingers for all-wheel drive).

Thanks for any input,
Derek

I'm a skier, and I too require all wheel drive. I won't buy a vehicle anymore without it.

Take a look at GM's MPV5 crossover, which will be receiving the Voltec power train (i.e. is a range extended electric vehicle). However, I believe that the MPV5 is also front wheel drive.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/22/beijing-2010-chevrolet-volt-mpv5-crossover-revealed/

Front wheel drive I believe, but there are a few on the site that can say for sure. Pretty sure I've seen a picture of a Volt burning rubber, but can't recall it vividly enough. Definitley two wheel drive.

The Volt is front wheel drive, driven by a single 117kw motor housed in the modified 2 Mode FWD transaxle.

No idea how emergency traction control is achieved, probably by electronically controlling the brakes on either side of the car.

The problem with motor-in-wheels is the cost.. now you suddenly need a motor/inverter for each wheel.. probably an additional $2500 expense on an already expensive car.

Front wheel drive. See 1:35 into the Chevy Volt brake testing video where they discuss the traction control system. Clearly shows front wheels spinning under acceleration.

http://www.chevroletvoltage.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&task=videodirectlink&Itemid=3&id=202

The problem with motor-in-wheels is the cost.

And unsprung weight.

I do believe though that the future is in motor-in-wheels, it's just going to take a while yet. The BMW concept car has it, for example. I think we'll start seeing these come to market in 3-5 years, but probably at the exotic/supercar end of the market. It'll work its way downmarket though, it's too compelling.

apparently the unsprung weight problem has been solved.

apparently the unsprung weight problem has been solved.

Solved or ignored? This may only be important for sports cars. I am concerned about the reliability of expensive electronics in such an extremely harsh environment as a wheel that is under constant vibration, subject to pot hole impacts and water.

Thanks for the response...

I had not thought of the unsprung weight issue of in-wheel, but then again, compared to some of the older steel rims of the past, I can't imagine their is a "significant" weight difference.

As for cost, anytime anything becomes mass produced and reaches a competitive market, the price will drop. $2500 isn't that much more to the overall cost of the vehicle (heck, buying a nav system or a video system in any car costs that much today). And by lowering the center of gravity and providing more flexibility for design seems (skateboard) just seems like the logical pathway.

I still don't quite see the need for in wheel motors. At least not justified by the unsprung weight issues. Why not just have them inboard and connected to the hub with an axle. It's simple effective, and cheap. It's not like these motors are going to be all that big. So long as they're water cooled there's no need for them to be any bigger than a dinner plate in diameter and more than 6 inches thick. Maybe a bit bigger for large vehicles and sports cars.

I agree that motor in hub isn't a great idea for a car - though the axles don't need to be any longer than the suspension members. Would a 4 wheel drive, motor per wheel car be able to turn in place, similar to a tank?

I'm a skier, and I too require all wheel drive. I won't buy a vehicle anymore without it.


AWD/4WD is not a requirement of being a Skier. I have been a snowboarder for 17 years now, I literally go several times per week for the last 17 years. I work at a Ski resort as an instructor. I have never owned a 4wd or awd vehicle and have never had an accident. Ever. Although AWD would be nice to have sometimes there is nothing that can not be managed with a FWD vehicle with snow tires. I drove an XB for 5 years and a Prius now. the prius is slightly better but it is a much heavier car. With the volts Weight I am sure it would do just fine in any terrain with snow tires.

AWD/4WD is not a requirement of being a Skier. Although AWD would be nice to have sometimes there is nothing that can not be managed with a FWD vehicle with snow tires. I drove an XB for 5 years and a Prius now. the prius is slightly better but it is a much heavier car. With the volts Weight I am sure it would do just fine in any terrain with snow tires.

Agreed that FWD and snow tires (studded if you can) are generally adequate for snow and ice. The low ground clearance of the Volt might be an issue in the snow, however.

The only thing I would like to see on the volt would be AWD.