<VV> Electric Car heat: VOLT

[James P. Rice]

All:  The Volt has a 1.4L(?) transversal I-4 to drive a generator to charge
batteries, run electrical systems and power the electric drive motors as
needed.  There is no mechanical connection between the engine and the
wheels.  So I assume the Volt's heater is conventional hot water.

I believe the Prius has a mechanical connection between the engine and
wheels.  But I could easily be wrong, as I don't much care what the Prius
is.  Somebody ought to hit them with a fly swatter.

Historically Yours,
                   James Rice
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Message: 4
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:54:16 EST
From: DCASTIAUX at aol.com
Subject: <VV> Electric Heating (no Corvair)
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org

Hi Bruce,
 Answer to a couple of your questions. The Prius gas engine does start  up
to
insure the engine is at operating temp when you select "start", that in
turn
ensures there is warm coolant in the heater core when you have heat
selected. When you first start the Prius two of the main checks done by the
computer
are.... "Is the engine at operating temp" and "does the High Voltage
battery
have adequate charge". If the answer to either question is no, the gas
engine
will start and run until the computer is satisfied.
As far as electric heat in electric vehicles, when you use it there is  a
large deduction from the range you can get on the battery pack charge  you
started off with. In the Volt, I believe GM will either use an electric heat
Pump
and/or some how capture and use the heat created by the electronic  devices,
i.e. Controller, voltage reducer and electric motor. When you use high
amperage you do end with heat you have to get rid of.  I hope this answers
you
question   David in OKC