News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:Toyota has stepped up lobbying to preserve its investment... by Robotbeat on Wednesday July 28, 2021 @01:21PM (#27986362)
In a Chevy Volt, there’s a mechanism that mechanically attaches the motor to the wheels at speed above 35 mph for greater efficiency but below that it is a pure serial hybrid, disconnected from the wheel directly. But it rarely ever runs the engine. Pretty much only if you run out of charge.
Re:Toyota has stepped up lobbying to preserve its investment... by mikepurvis on Wednesday July 28, 2021 @02:53PM (#27988025)
Ah, spiffy— that's neat to know that it can switch modes like that. Looks like this has been a matter of evolution over time, too:

https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1096942_2016-chevrolet-...

I guess if you were only connected at higher speeds, that would also greatly simplify the transmission story, since you probably no longer need 1-3.

Re:Toyota has stepped up lobbying to preserve its investment... by Robotbeat on Wednesday July 28, 2021 @02:58PM (#27988119)
The Chevy Volt actually uses a continuously variable transmission for that. Makes it sound really weird as there’s not a direct correlation between the sound of the motor and the speed you’re driving.