Chevy Volt LCD Screen
It’s hard to believe after nearly three years of debate we have finally gotten some independent third party observations on what its like to drive a production-intent Chevy Volt in charge sustaining mode.
I thought it would be good to review and summarize what the reviewers said, seek some clarification from GM, and see what we all think of it.
Acceleration
LeBeu: low center of gravity and “sportier” feel when accelerating, not a sports cars, instant torque gives you responsiveness, will surprise skeptics
Brooke:sport mode delivers more oomph than normal mode
Handling
LeBeu:great handling that would surprise skeptics
Brooke: car feels solid and planted on the road, minimal body lean in tight corners, low rolling resistance tires provide excellent grip
Transition from EV to CS Mode:
LeBeu: transition is disconcerting, needs to be smoothed out, no fall off in power, jarring
Brooke:engine’s initial engagement is inaudible and seamless
Sustained CS Driving Requiring Power
LeBeu: N/A
Brooke: intermittent momentarily disconcerting engine revs with immediate disappearance of sound even though generator still spinning
Instrument Panel
LeBeu: loves green to yellow efficiency gauge, overall great
Brooke: N/A
Overall Impression
LeBeu: very impressed
Brooke: behaves admirably, extremely refined
I had the chance to discuss these journalist drives with Volt vehicle line executive Tony Posawatz who explained things the following way:
Both Phil LeBeau and Lindsay Brooke had wonderful drive experiences. I was in the car with both of them for their drives.
Neither was able to detect when the engine came on, much different than a hybrid. We are still fine tuning aspects of how the engine modulated under different load conditions.
We want to make it perfect. We have the unique challenge of balancing the customer pleasability, efficiency and regulatory requirements.
The engine has certain RPM efficiency points but does vary when you demand more power. Our work now is to feather in the RPM changes and refine which is simple calibration work.
The charge sustaining or range extending experience will be somewhat different to what people are accustomed to just like EV driving is a different experience.
Most of the time you will never know the engine is on.
