$15.37 Versus $189.50

[Gary Norton]

$15.37 versus $189.50 is the difference in cost between operating my Volt for the last 1,000 miles and operating the car that my Volt replaced.

In that 1,000 miles I drove 950 miles on electricity and averaged 4.34 miles/KW. The cost of electricity (off-peak) was 4.6 cents per KW for a total electric cost of $10.07. I also drove 50 miles on gasoline, using 1.4 gallons of gas. At a cost of $3.79 per gallon I spent $5.30 on gas.

The car I traded got 20 mpg. Driving it 1,000 miles would have consumed 50 gallons at a cost of $189.50. My savings driving the Volt was $174.13. Amazing.

My wife and I love driving the Volt. Except when we have to drive both cars or when hauling large loads the Volt is the car of choice for both of us. It is so smooth, so quiet, so well put together and so cool. Of all the 25 cars I've owned it is my favorite. Our other car is an Acura MDX. It is a really good car, but when I drive it now it feels positively clunky compared to the Volt. And here's the thing. I would feel pretty much the same way about the Volt even if it were not so economical and environmentally friendly.

One other thing. You wouldn't consider me a hyper miler. I drive the car just like I drove its predecessor. I generally have always tried to coast to stops but am not averse to punching the Volt just to feel the quiet, seamless rush of acceleration. The climate control is kept on "comfort" and at the same temperatures I have always used - usually between 65 and 68, summer or winter depending on how much sun is streaming in. At first I didn't like the way "auto" worked so I would set things manually. But I've since become a fan of "auto," so there it stays. I'm driving pretty much like I always did before except for the big smile on my face.

I tell everyone who asks that if you are in the market for a sedan of this size you are doing yourself a real disservice if you don't consider the Volt.

[Steverino]

Welcome to the family!

Ha, apparently you did not get the message. Auto reviewers/investment counselors have decided that the Volt will never "pay for itself" compared to cars you were not shopping for and cars you had no interest in buying.

Of course, this ROI metric is NEVER applied to those buying a Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Acura, Lexus, Cadillac, etc. I guess those cars pay for themselves in other ways when compared to an econocar.

[Gary Norton]

Of course, this ROI metric is NEVER applied to those buying a Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Acura, Lexus, Cadillac, etc. I guess those cars pay for themselves in other ways when compared to an econocar.

Yes. Funny how that works. The car magazines will go gaga over spending an extra $5 to $10 K for the baddest engine in a Mercedes or BMW rationalizing it with a discussion of how the exhilaration you get driving it. But I never hear them waxing eloquent on the pure, quiet, seamless acceleration in the Volt and how much that is worth. The car stands on its own without the savings. But with the savings, it's a no brainer.

[ShannonVolt]

Interesting, the amount you mentioned is about what I'm saving so far as well.

[Steverino]

I'm saving about $8/day net compared to the car I replaced. Happy as a clam (whatever that originally meant).

[MrEnergyCzar]

I too traded my SUV, saved my first $2,000 in gas already..... after about 9,000 miles... 92% free electric from solar and work charger...

MrEnergyCzar

[drbruns]

Interesting, the amount you mentioned is about what I'm saving so far as well.

Same here. My previous gas vs electric costs are about 12 to 1.