I wonder how battery temp is controlled. Ideal batt temp for traditional VRLA's are about 77F. Lithium Ion requires temp conditioning as well and must be controlled nevertheless. With temp swings that can reach in the single digits in the winter and triple digits in the summer in many places, it will be interesting to find out how this is being addressed.

 

From what I understand, during cold starts at 35 or 50? degrees or below, the engine will run a heater for the battery pack until the batteries reach optimum temperature.

 

Opel, GM's european sister company has already designed a diesel powered sports car that gets over 100mpg, while able to reach speeds up to 150mph. Check the link below.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007...-speedster.php

 

Finished my Volt Service Consultant training today. I learned a lot. I think GM really did their homework on this one.

Tomorrow I start on the technical/mechanical training.

 

Cooling for the battery is controlled by liquid cooling. The coolant system will come on even if the vehicle is parked when the ambient temperature requires it. When I get into the technical training I can tell you more.