Development of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System for 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Event
SAE 2016 World Congress and Exhibition
Authors Abstract
Content
GM has developed an all-new gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain for the model year 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vehicle, which was designed to achieve excellent fuel economy, performance, and drive quality. The powertrain shares the transmission architecture with the 2016 Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle, but includes changes to optimize the system for engine driven charge sustaining operation in the range of conditions represented by the US EPA 5 cycle fuel economy tests. In this paper, we describe the Malibu Hybrid propulsion system features and components, including the battery pack, transaxle, electric motors and power electronics, engine, and thermal system. The modifications between the Volt and Malibu Hybrid propulsion systems are discussed and explained as resulting from the differences between the primarily electric and gasoline powered applications. Additionally, operation of the propulsion system under nominal and cold fuel economy driving conditions is explained, and we present and discuss the efficiency and performance benefits and results of the new propulsion system.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/2016-01-1169
Pages
13
Citation
Conlon, B., Barth, M., Hua, C., Lyons, C. et al., "Development of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System for 2016 Chevrolet Malibu," SAE Int. J. Alt. Power. 5(2):259-271, 2016, https://doi.org/10.4271/2016-01-1169.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Apr 5, 2016
Product Code
2016-01-1169
Content Type
Journal Article
Language
English