What is the drivetrain of the 2013 Chevy Volt?
The 2013 Chevy Volt uses GM's Voltec propulsion system—a plug-in hybrid that runs primarily on electric power from its battery, with a gasoline engine acting as a generator to extend range. It is front‑wheel drive and blends electric propulsion with a small gasoline generator for longer trips.
How the Voltec Propulsion System Works
The Volt’s drivetrain centers on an electric traction motor that drives the front wheels using energy stored in a lithium‑ion battery pack. The 1.4-liter gasoline engine serves as a generator, charging the battery and supplying electricity to the motor when necessary. In daily driving, the car runs in electric‑only mode for most trips, with the engine turning on to extend range when the battery’s charge is low.
Electric drive vs. range extension
The electric motor provides propulsion, while the gasoline engine primarily generates electricity. The vehicle automatically switches between these modes to balance efficiency and range.
Key Components of the Drivetrain
These are the core parts that make the Volt’s drivetrain function.
- Electric traction motor powering the front wheels.
- 16 kWh lithium‑ion battery pack for energy storage.
- 1.4-liter gasoline engine (Ecotec) that acts as a generator.
- Power electronics controlling energy flow between battery, motor, and engine/generator.
- Drivetrain layout: front‑wheel drive with a single‑speed, fixed‑ratio electric drive to the wheels.
- Integrated propulsion control system (Voltec) coordinating all components.
Together, these parts enable electric driving with a gasoline-assisted range extender, packaged in a compact, front‑wheel‑drive setup.
Driving Modes and Practical Use
For most daily commutes, the Volt operates as an electric vehicle; when the battery’s energy runs low, the gas engine powers the generator to replenish the battery and, if necessary, supply the electric drive. This arrangement defines the Volt’s extended-range capability without a conventional gasoline drivetrain.
What makes the Volt distinctive
What sets the 2013 Volt apart is its dedicated Voltec propulsion system, an integrated hybrid that prioritizes electric propulsion while providing seamless range extension via a gasoline-powered generator.
Summary: The 2013 Chevy Volt’s drivetrain is a Voltec plug-in hybrid with front-wheel drive, featuring a lithium‑ion battery, an electric traction motor for propulsion, and a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that acts as a generator to extend range.
In short: The Volt’s drivetrain blends electric driving with gasoline-generated range extension, all packaged in a front-wheel-drive Voltec system.
