Volt electric vehicle one step closer to production, says GM
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 12 December 2007
GM says the large-scale production of its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle (EV) has moved closer with the optimisation of the EV´s aerodynamics.
GM says improving the Volt´s aerodynamics are a major part in making the concept viable as a production vehicle, as drag accounts for around one fifth of the energy used to move a vehicle, thereby impacting on fuel efficiency.
The Volt´s range, emissions and acceleration will also be affected by the vehicle´s drag coefficient, while the cooling of components such as radiators and brakes are affected by airflow, as is cornering capability, crosswind response, directional stability and on-centre handling.
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in electric vehicle that will run up to 40 miles without ever using a drop of gasoline by utilising an electric motor, which draws its energy from on-board batteries.
The batteries, in turn, are re-charged by an internal combustion engine that runs on petrol, diesel or ethanol. When not in use, the batteries can be re-charged by plugging the Volt into an electric outlet.
Aerodynamics development begins with a 1/3-scale model where basic shape and major features are defined. Simultaneously, computation development takes place to determine aerodynamic drag of design alternatives.
Development continues with full-scale models, where shape is refined and optimised for low wind noise. The development process concludes with a vehicle prototype validation of the math-based analysis and physical testing.
“I´m proud to say that after extensive aero development of the Volt, and more to come, we have achieved a vehicle that had a coefficient of drag that is more than 30% lower in drag than the original concept,” said GM VP Ed Welburn. “It’s not easy, but it is a necessity.”
“We are now in the midst of a new period of aero exploration. There has been a significant effort by all our programme teams to improve fuel economy and now to extend the range of electric vehicles for the future.”
Design studio
GM has also announced the opening of a new studio dedicated to the company’s next generation of electrically-driven vehicles.
The new E-Flex Systems Design Studio will develop a variety of vehicles using the E-flex propulsion system, starting with the production version of the Volt.
Bob Boniface, lead for the exterior design of the Chevrolet Volt concept, said: “We handpicked a team of both young and experienced designers who are enthusiastic, eager and believe in the cause as I do,” said Boniface. “They want to find a better way, a solution to our dependency on petroleum, and that’s what this car is about.”
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