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Originally Posted by CaptainDan
A very good (and often asked) question.
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Yes. And if we're going to say things with so much certainty, - well, just gotta' tighten it up a bit. None of this is anti Volt - its meant to tighten up the pro argument
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This drivetrain configuration is indeed more <gasoline fuel> efficient than a <current > comparable <automatic transmission equipped > gas-engine driven one would be . Even with the same engine. < - except in at least certain relatively steady state highway conditions > Odd, you say?
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There are many, many measures of powertrain efficiency.
As a rule that has yet to be broken and will likely hold for some time, all measures of efficiency involving considerations of things like mass, volume, and cost go to the gasser - or diesel - and that's hands down - no comparison.
However, as we all know, there are other measures of efficiency - and other capabilities worth having and therein lies the appeal of the Volt.
Further more , if we are at all realistic about it, it doesn't matter in the least for the overall argument in favor of the Volt that yep, the exact same 1.4L gasser with some sort of sensible manual transmission choice would in fact out mpg the Volt on the highway - nobody would be willing to buy such a car - or drive it.
You literally wouldn't be able to give it away. Its a useless 'disadvantage' - but we don't need to duck it or misstate it.
All powertrain systems involve all sorts of trade offs and choices - both within and without.
All make optimization trade offs.
There ain't a one thats perfect - including the ones I tend to favor.
The Volt's basket of optimization choices combined with that ridiculously strong PHEV capability are going to be very compelling for more than a few.
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OFFTOPIC:
Another thing - also not intended as criticism - but as a suggestion :
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The gas engine is there as a backup
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GM refers to it as a "range extender" - which sounds better and is more accurate.