Electric Vehicle Operating Modes; System Operation; Electric Mode; Extended Range Mode - Chevrolet 2011 Volt Owner's Manual

Electric Vehicle
Operating Modes

System Operation

This vehicle is an Extended Range
Electric Vehicle (EREV). It uses an
electric propulsion system to drive
the vehicle at all times. Electricity is
the vehicle's primary source of
energy, while gasoline is the
secondary source.
The vehicle has two modes of
operation: Electric and Extended
Range. In both modes, the vehicle
is propelled by its electric drive unit.
It converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy to drive the
wheels. The vehicle's performance
remains the same in either mode.
See Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency on page 9 2.

Electric Mode

In Electric Mode, the vehicle does
not use fuel or produce tailpipe
emissions. During this primary
mode, the vehicle is powered by
electrical energy stored in the high
voltage battery. The vehicle can
operate in this mode until the
battery has reached a low charge.
There are some conditions when the
battery charge is high enough to
provide Electric Mode operation,
but the engine still runs. They are:
Cold ambient temperatures.
Hot or cold high voltage battery
temperatures.
The hood being open or not
completely closed and latched.
Certain high voltage battery fault
conditions.
Engine Maintenance Mode or
Fuel Maintenance Mode
being run.
Driving and Operating

Extended Range Mode

When the vehicle reaches the end
of its electric range, it switches to
Extended Range Mode (ERM).
In this secondary mode, electricity is
produced by the fuel powered
engine. This secondary source of
electric power extends the vehicle
range. Operation will continue in
ERM until the vehicle can be
plugged in to recharge the high
voltage battery and restore
Electric Mode.
The high voltage battery will
continue to provide some power
and work together with the engine to
provide peak performance when it is
required, such as driving up a steep
incline or for high acceleration
maneuvers. The battery will not be
charged nor will electric vehicle
range be restored by the engine.
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