2013 Volt on order, what to do now??

[KnoxVolt]

Hello everyone, I am an anxious new owner of a 2013 Chevy Volt. Anxious because it has not delivered yet so I am in a holding pattern. I'd love to know, with about 4 weeks to wait for delivery of my new Volt, can you offer any suggestions on things I might want to do while waiting?

I found GM-Volt.com and have been reading up. This is a double edged sword because it helps satisfy the desire to get to know the car, but it also increases the anxiety of the wait.

I'm signed up with GMConnects.com so I can track my car's build schedule and progress.

The garage is cleaned up, the old car I'm replacing was sold today.

What can I do for the next ~4 weeks? Don't think I can sign up with voltstats.net yet. No sense in putting an app on my phone...

I'm going to pull my hair out for the next few weeks waiting... waiting... waiting...

2013-Chevrolet-Volt-007-medium.jpg

[KyleH]

Nice...I picked up mine last month, and the following is what I did.

* I would look for the online version of your owners manual, there is a lot to learn through the features. The 2012 were helpful for me, and they are available on this forum. You may be more interested in the 2013.

* You may want to check on the free 240V charger by ecotality / spx: https://homecharging.spx.com/volt/di...?id=28&menu=21

However, be aware of the "scam" going on with them...they are alloted $1200 for the install and provide the free charger, but many have noted that you have to pay the surplus in excess of $1200. Many have paid $200-400. for the "surplus"--which is pecular because it is believed that local electricians would install at around $200-400. But, you have to use their "preferred" electricians.

For some, they only paid $99-200, but for others, $300-500. still sounded good for a 240V charger + wiring.

* Consider turning your rear mirror 180degrees where the light sensor is at the bottom. It works much better for me.

* Start shopping around on the extended warranty if that interests you. I believe you have until the end of the first year to purchase one, so you don't have to be pressured at the dealership.

* Register for some of the charging stations that you may be interested in. Some requires pre-registration to have an account and some kind of RFID key to use (like evGo). Someone posted a free link for chargeport a few days ago (usually it is $5. to register). Some are free, some will charge. You may want to look on what is nearby.

* Other than that, may be shop around for the following (the first few things that popped up in my head):
-if you use discount tires, consider buying their insurance for around $100-120. that provides for free tire rotations and coverage for tire nails that cannot be patched. (warning, though, I used the insurance a few years ago, and if there is 1 tire damaged, the insurance does not cover another tire such that you can replace by pairs. I paid full price out of pocket for the other tire such that they can have matching pairs.)
-ceramic tint (windows have an e-rating, but I think adding a tint helps).
-extension cord (rated 12 gauge or better--sears had a sale for 50ft for $25. a while back. mine gets warm, so they should be used with sufficient air flow.)
-bug spray (specifically ants. weird attraction to electric charging.)
-consider a suns shade for parking (I got one from the local walmart for trucks "L size" $10.)
-extra usb memory drive to store your MP3.

-KyleH

[bonaire]

Verify your plug in the garage or wherever, is high-quality. Meaning, don't rely on a $.80 wall-plug to power the 120V EVSE. Upgrade the plug the 120V charger will plug into to the highest-quality plug at the hardware store (non GFCI - the charger has GFCI built-in).

Also, check the breaker used for the 120V circuit - make sure it is 15A (and not 20A). If you have a shared circuit with a garage refrigerator or other high-draw appliances, maybe pull a new circuit for the charging .

Or, look into a dedicated 220V charger if you want to spend the extra money. It would be better for winter-time pre-conditioning in the morning than 120V is and for faster re-charging during the day if you intend to do multiple "electric trips".

[DonC]

Congrats on your car. What you get to do is relive your days as a kid before Christmas when the wait was so hard to endure! LOL But the wait will be worth it.

As for getting ready, I'd second bonaire's suggestion of making sure you have a separate circuit and a decent plug. You wouldn't want to wait so long for the car and then have to hassle with niggling charging issues.

[slickbrave]

Welcome, Fellow-Tennessean! Are you a homeowner and able to install a 240V charger? If so, there are some things you can do to prepare for this. It will be a great thing to have it installed when you get your Volt.

[gieso]

..... The wait begins... I know it well. It will be hard, but the wait is worth it.
Read the manual. I doubt that they have the 2013 manual on line yet, but the 2012 should be pretty close.
It sounds like you are already tracking your car. Once it makes it to the train, you can track that too. See the FAQ on this site.
Consider getting a level 2 EVSE. I think it is worth it.
See if your state has tax credits/incentives on both the car and/or EVSE.
If you are thinking of charging at work, locate a place to plug in. If it is a normal outlet, see if it is ok to use it.
Talk to your electricity provider about alternative rate plans. Consider TOU if you can get it.

It will be hard, but be patient. You have a great car on the way.

[slickbrave]

Unfortunately, Tennessee's $2500 rebate for the EVSE ended yesterday. :-(

[Steverino]

Consider a clear bra to protect the car's paint.

Read the manual.

[Gary Norton]

If you are not already on time of use electricity contact your electric utility and look into it. There are many aspects of TOU that save money, as well as help the environment, and charging your Volt will be one more reason why it may work for you. I have been on TOU for over twenty years and have saved many thousands of dollars.

Our off peak rate is 4.6 cents/kw compared with the standard 11 cent rate. At that rate my cost for driving with electricity is 1 cent/mile.

[Kratus]

Think that waiting four weeks is nothing: in Europe, we have to wait 5 1/2 months.
I am in week 7 of my 23 weeks delivery delay.