Only mindless twits claim to know what another understands, as if they were mind readers. Good grief.

Did you see where said the volt transmission operates on the same principle but is configured differently.

The Volt gets 37 MPG in range extending mode, i.e. regular hybrid mode. The Ford gets 47 MPG, so it is more than 20% more efficient.

Now in EV mode, which model gets more miles per Kwh? We know the Volt goes 38 miles using 10.5 Kwh for a mileage of 3.6 miles per kwh. Time will tell, i.e. when the EPA sticker comes out for the Fusion Energi.

Now to you second part of the statement.

“So we return to the fact that the Ford version seems more than 20% efficient, and I have seen nothing but smoke and mirror responses.”

So, how do you know the “version” is more efficient? Because of the MPG rating in YOUR regular mode vs. Volt’s extended mode? If so, it only shows YOU HAVE NO CLUE ON HOW VOLT WORKS.

1. Volt is designed to be EV first. With larger and heavier motors, batteries, it is designed to be operated as EV most of the time. It is FAR MORE efficient in that mode than hybrid mode. Volt’s owner’s 63% EV miles has shown that.

2. The extended range mode has a loss due to additional 700 lbs weight, more performance orientated tires. More power and heavier electric motors.

That is why Volt is designed be EV first and hybrid second. Prius and C-Max are really just a hybrid and “ev mode” is really a “pretending” mode…

Now, get some engineering understand before you whine about Volt’s system again.

Your negative comment toward the Volt is tiring…

Even green solutions run into a brick wall. One visit to a wind farm and it becomes obvious why people don’t want to live near them. That 24/7 whoop whoop whoop would drive me nuts as well.

Still, I have faith that there are solutions. We just haven’t thought of them yet.

Natgas has taken a bigger part and the share of Renewables is increasing gradually.

New combined cycle natural gas burning generating units could replace the old coal plants when they get to be 40 or so years old.
Thus a natural evolution to domestic energy is technologically possible, but politically impossible. Since a majority of Americans vote for the Democrats who never saw a regulation they did not like, our future of inadequate electrical infrastructure is pretty much assured.

As for the Volt. Great car, but will be better in a few years. GM has more baggage at the corporate level and needs to free itself.
Regarding clutches etc., yes three, but yes, designed more as an EV first.

The problems with EV right now is it is dirtier due to the fact that 42% of our electric comes from coal. This too will change, but may be evolutionary as compared to revolutionary.

And the 800 pound gorilla award goes to the fact that our grid is not in good enough shape to throw a large percentage of transportation on it. Yet… Off peak plans may help to a point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=343-NQKOvLg

Learn at least the basics before posting complete nonsense.

“And I can’t believe you are still talking about how “big” or how “heavy” batteries are!”

I’ve never said such a thing. You either confuse me with someone else or cannot read.

After driving a C-Max today, I would say that Ford got the MPG/fun to drive ratio just about right.