Cost of Driving The Volt

10 Responses to “Cost of Driving The Volt”

1. 
   
   H. Hulseman Says:
   August 16th, 2007 at 10:14 pm

   I was happy to see the article endorse home solar power systems. By my current estimation for costs in my area, a solar power system would pay off in seven to ten years and provide nearly free power for another ten to thirty years.

   Many factories are currently being built to manufacture various types of solar cells.

2. 
   
   kent beuchert Says:
   August 16th, 2007 at 11:41 pm

   Good to display electric rates around the country. Of course, those are state level average - rates can differ considerably within a state. I don’t believe the VOLT’s mileage would be as low as 3.3 (12 kWhrs for 40 miles), considering the fact that the Phoenix electric outweighs the VOLT by
   at least 10%, has inferior aerodynamics, isn’t as sophisticated in its controls and manages 3.5 miles per kWhr. I’m guessing 4 miles per kWhr, perhaps a bit more. Need to learn the electrical draw in kilowatts for the VOLT cruising at 60 MPH.
   That will tell us the approximate mileage.

3. 
   
   OptimisticMF Says:
   August 17th, 2007 at 9:18 am

   I think there is an opportunity here for GM to outdo Toyota on the “gee whiz” factor. I have never driven one, but one of the unique things that I’ve heard drivers say about the Prius is the display that gives you a real time readout of fuel consumption. This feature is available in many cars, but my understanding is that it is more prominently displayed and is easier to use. If GM wanted to cater to people’s interest in reduced energy consumption and carbon production, they could provide a similar readout with information about power consumption, fuel efficiency and battery performance.

   Also, keep up the great work Lyle. I am excited about the idea of a consumer product with this much potential for positive change. This site is an excellent source of information and these forums are have excellent contributions as well.

4. 
   
   Dave Says:
   August 17th, 2007 at 9:49 am

   I agree,

   Lyle, nice site. Mind if I ask your motivation? GM should give their number 1 cheerleader a discount when the Volt goes into production.

5. 
   
   Lyle Says:
   August 17th, 2007 at 10:38 am

   Guys
   Thanks for the positive comments.
   Actually, I’ve long been concerned about gas consumption and it’s tendency for several reasons to lead us towards bigger problems.

   When I first heard about the Volt I recognized it as an automotive revolution that would radically change the trajectory we are on.

   I started this site to help spread the word, and do my part to contribute to this better future. And , as well, to help keep the car from dying out like the EV1.

   GM took notice and have helped me get information out there.

   And who knows, maybe I’ll get my hands on one of the first production models… ;>

6. 
   
   Steven B Says:
   August 17th, 2007 at 3:31 pm

   I’m wondering if GM should acquire part of a solar power company and include it with a GM “new way to drive” program or something. I think there would be a lot of money to be made. Honda is doing that with their FCX hydrogen company by integrated at-home refueling with their vision of the future of the car. Solar power is a definite growth industry and will be increasing so with advances in solar power and changing economics of driving. Sensibly, one smart way to buy an electric car is to consider the what the cost savings from gasoline are and buy home electric prouction if it costs the same per mile as using a gas-powered car. I think that’s the smartest way to do it. Austin Energy has a 50 cities program to promote plug-in cars, and I know a lot of people are bearish about the idea, but I think that allowing the utilties to use the parked car for V2G services would also be a good alternative way of paying for fuel. It also seems a good way to manage power demand in the future. Any opinions on that?

7. 
   
   Dave Says:
   August 18th, 2007 at 9:06 am

   I think GM better walk before it can run Steven. If the Volt is a huge success, then power companies may be happy to do a joint venture of some sort. But until then, let’s get a car that runs first.

8. 
   
   Drake Says:
   August 19th, 2007 at 12:29 am

   Keep up the good work Lyle. It was great to find this site- a place where people are as passonate about PHEVs as I am.

9. 
   
   Tim Says:
   August 19th, 2007 at 9:50 am

   Control of the “range extender” NEEDS to be tied into an onboard GPS trip computer so that ONLY enough power is produced onboard to safely reach the NEXT charging opportunity. Simply punch in your trip destination(s) and indicate where opportunity charging is available.

   If the next charging opportunity is greater than 40 miles or 50% of discharge, the “range extender” will ONLY charge the battery with enough energy to reach THAT destination without fully charging the battery. The battery SOC (state of charge) can then be “topped off” via electricity import. This will maximize “opportunity charging” and significantly reduce onboard “range extending” fuel usage.

   V2G will be able to tap into each trip’s EXCESS available power without damaging the pack or affecting BEV range. Of course, the V2G access will be controlled by each driver on a leg by leg basis.

   Arrive at your destination and plug-in if available. Program the next leg into the trip computer and whether or not to make excess power available for V2G.

   I’m sure that hackers will be able to adjust this “state of discharge” for a greater pure BEV range, however this will most certainly void GM’s warranty of this very expensive battery pack. Individual risk tolerance varies.

10. 
    
    LabRat Says:
    August 21st, 2007 at 5:40 pm

    200 Wh/mi sounds very optimistic. If the Prius were an EV it would get ~220 Wh/mi on the urban or highway cycle.

    Real-world 40mi range will not be attainable in 8 usable kWh. I think its more like 60-70% if, we are talking about A123 cells, if its another technology, 50% may be needed to ensure life.

Leave a Reply