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| 2014Hybrid.Com |
If you’re not familiar with it, the EVT is a marvel in packaging. In the same space as the truck’s six-speed automatic transmission are two 60-kilowatt (80 horsepower) electric motor/generators, three planetary gearsets and four traditional hydraulic wet clutches.
In simple terms, the first mode is efficient at low speeds when the truck operates solely on electric power, or a combination of the electric motors and gasoline power. When the truck comes to a stop, the gas engine shuts off. Electricity for the battery pack is supplied by capturing energy that is normally wasted when the vehicle is decelerating or the brakes are applied.
Mode two operates at highway speeds. The motor/generators work with the planetary gearsets, so the EVT is capable of an infinite range of gear ratios just like a continuously variable transmission. CVTs are known for optimizing fuel economy, but can’t handle heavy loads. GM’s version of the CVT does so by locking the planetary gearsets to let the four heavy-duty fixed gears – still the most efficient way to manage power and fuel economy – take over and handle a load like trailer towing.
The wizardry of the two mode isn’t the pickup’s sole fuel saver. Four of the V8’s cylinders can take a rest and the engine can operate in an economical V4 mode from around 40 mph up to near 70 mph. Master this technique along with the characteristics of the two-mode, and the 26-gallon fuel tank will let you cruise for more than 500 miles on unleaded gasoline.