Abstract
Two test programs were conducted to investigate the on-road performance of model year 2012 Chevrolet Volts in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Specific testing routes were defined for various types of city and highway driving. Data loggers and additional instrumentation were installed in the vehicles to accurately monitor variables indicating the use of electricity for driving, as well as the use of fuel by the gasoline engine. The vehicles were tested during various seasons of the year to record their performance over the full range of climate conditions representative for a large part of Canada (from -27 °C to +37 °C). The test results were subsequently processed and analysed to compare the Volt’s performance in charge depletion mode (electric drive) to its operation in charge sustaining mode (hybrid drive). A ‘Gasoline Displacement Factor’ was introduced, which reflects the amount of grid electricity needed to replace one litre of gasoline used for driving the Volt. Test results show very low Gasoline Displacement Factors of 2 – 3.5 kWh/L for summer driving, while values of 3 – 9 kWh/L were observed for winter driving. The test results were also used to evaluate the additional amount of energy that the vehicles would need for driving, and cabin conditioning (heating in winter, air conditioning in summer) under conditions different from the more optimal 20-25 °C temperature range used for most standard performance tests. The Volt’s relative performance under extreme temperature conditions was compared to those of conventional gasoline vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. Additionally, recommendations for a more optimal use of the Volt under extreme temperature conditions are provided.
Highlights
National emission and fuel consumption standards are becoming ever more stringent worldwide.Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales are one of several critical methods for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to meet the round of emissions and fuel consumptionEVS28 International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition regulations in North America [1]
This paper describes a novel approach to quantifying a gasoline displacement factor based on electricity use, as well as a detailed analysis of the vehicle performance of the Volt as a function of ambient temperature and a comparison of the temperature dependent performance to that of other vehicle technologies
The results for all repeats of a test cycle driven in Charge Depleting (CD) mode on a test day were aggregated into the overall specific electricity consumption rate per cycle for the specific testing temperature on that day
Summary
National emission and fuel consumption standards are becoming ever more stringent worldwide.Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales are one of several critical methods for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to meet the round of emissions and fuel consumptionEVS28 International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition regulations in North America [1]. This paper describes a novel approach to quantifying a gasoline displacement factor based on electricity use, as well as a detailed analysis of the vehicle performance of the Volt as a function of ambient temperature and a comparison of the temperature dependent performance to that of other vehicle technologies. The results from these studies have already been provided to several entities conducting grid impact modelling and may be available for further distribution upon request
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