I think it's rediculous what Nissan is attempting to do with the Leaf in artifically "extending" its model year. When the Leaf and Volt appeared in December of 2010 they were both 2011 models, as would be expected. The traditional beginning of the "new" automotive model year is in the fall of the previous calander year. GM began selling 2012 and 2013 Volts in the fall of 2011,2012 respectively.Each came with new features and new lower base pricing.So what Nissan has now been selling 2012 models for 18 months and just "announced" pricing 2013 models in Jan 2013? How does that make any sense?? .LB

Yes, there are conditions AFTER THE INITIAL CHARGE IS DEPLETED where the Volt transmission permits what is essentially "waste torque" from the ICE (which is running anyways in CS to generate electical energy) to contribute to the gearset. This is always done in unison with torque being provided from the main traction motor (MGB) Unlike most of the PHEV vehicles mentoned in the article the ICE is NEVER the sole contributor of motive power.In fact due to the gearset arrangment, it simply cannot ever do so, electrical power is ALWAYS needed to propel the Volt.(unlike a typical PHEV)

No worries John, I probably wasn't clear enough in my initial repsonse. I think we're both on the same page though.

Guess who! ;)
WOT

John, trust me I KNOW how it operates. What you are describing (2 motor combined mode) is NOT a "direct" connection as by your own explaination it is working together with the traction motor (MG2). So MG2 can be used to soley and directly power the wheels but ICE cannot (without a reaction member at the sun gear ie MG2) That's all I'm saying. It is a common fallacy that "at times" the ICE is the sole element in tractive power to the wheels.

It will happen, just not as quickly as some here may speculate. JMO
WOT

Come on... waiting... No UCS diciples hanging around to bash this technology once again??

What a bunch of "hot-air" lol

The Volt's ICE will NEVER directly power the wheels.
You obviously don't know how it really works.

You pair of armchair enginers are way out to lunch. Given the existing levels of loss present in modern power inverter modules, the MINIMUM ICE power level necessary to be able to generate the 56kW the Volt's MG1 potentially produces would be ~61kW/82hp. Show me the currently produced 800-1000 cc ICE (diesel or otherwise) that can produce that without falling WAY off the edge of it's BSFC map. What you are suggesting wouldnt be any more efficient than the latest GM Ecotec design which both the Volt and Cruze utilize.
WopOnTour
PS and f you thnk the Volt's transaxle is in any waymore complex than even a simple 3 speed automoatic trans, you obviously don't have a clue. Buy a vowel maybe...