Hitachi Automotive Systems is the supplier for the electric drive motors for the second-generation Chevrolet Volt, which include two notable improvements to the production system.
The motors, designed by GM engineers, will feature Hitachi coil technology to enable high-speed and high-precision coil bending. This technology better utilizes precious space and improves torque density.
Hitachi also announced a new rotor design for production. Previously, magnets in the rotor had to be inserted individually, but a new magazine insertion system has been adopted to enable the magnets to be inserted in a bundle by polarity. This has increased the production process efficiency by approximately 60 percent.
Overall, Hitachi says production efficiency will increase by 54 percent.
The 2016-2017 Chevrolet Volt motors are produced at the Hitachi manufacturing facility in Kentucky before they are delivered for final installation in Michigan.
Comments
Production efficiency will increase but will there be any effects for Volt purchasers? … and if so when will it show up in shipping Volts?
“improves torque density.”
In theory, it may make the car feel a little more sporty. But I’d say the biggest potential is in seeing Volt become a bit more profitable for GM and Hitachi. Making an EV work is all about the margins.
Chevy’s Volt already in it’s second generation will continue to get better as technology used in the vehicle matures as we’ll continue to see higher power density batteries which will translate to more range using smaller batteries with electric motors using better magnets for better efficiency and overall performance; General Motors and Chevrolet did re-invent the wheel with the Volt as it will improve with every year.. one has to wonder whether the Volt will follow the Cruze and get a sports wagon down the road.
We’ve seen the Volt production increase dramatically especially in the last two months. I’ve ordered two Volts for my customers and the waiting timeline was between 4 to 6 months. Amazingly I delivered both to my clients in 45 days!!!
4-6 month wait? I’m glad there are plenty of used cars around. No waiting 🙂