Please lobby for cold weather config option

[kickincanada]

I started the thread to try to drum up some support here. I wouldn't call what I want extreme minimizing. My low MPG during the winter is directly related to the use of gas unnecessarily. Also gas is way more expensive. It drives me nuts when I pay as much to drive 5-10kms in winter as a full charge costs on the Volt. Doing this almost every day for 3 months starts to add up.

Also for clarification there is no petition. Much more effective to write a quick letter to the names and addresses noted at the top. I've made it easy for you all so lets start sending those letters!

[Bob_Livonia]

I started the thread to try to drum up some support here. I wouldn't call what I want extreme minimizing. My low MPG during the winter is directly related to the use of gas unnecessarily. Also gas is way more expensive. It drives me nuts when I pay as much to drive 5-10kms in winter as a full charge costs on the Volt. Doing this almost every day for 3 months starts to add up.

Also for clarification there is no petition. Much more effective to write a quick letter to the names and addresses noted at the top. I've made it easy for you all so lets start sending those letters!

OK. Peace!

I am still unclear about your "low MPG during winter" and exactly how much gas you are using. My experience (you are not that much north of me - 45 degrees northern latitude vs. 42 - about 200 miles / 322 km) is that the engine comes on for short periods at a time, using 0.06 gallons per engine run as I remember it. So if you are getting 20 MPG but you used 4 gallons all winter, consider that you might have burned the gas in engine maintenance / fuel maintenance mode over the course of the 6 months anyway.

We all got lower electric range and used more gas in the winter. The laws of thermodynamics can't be changed, not even through petition drives; or rather, letter writing campaigns.

[Farmedb]

What I did last year was to run out the gas tank. A few folks here thought I was abusing the car, so I relented and filled up. Other than the car complaining about reduced propulsion at each start up, it worked fine on cruise. I am looking forward to hearing what Tboult has for disabling the engine start.

[frankydude]

The matter is comparable to have a Hold mode versus a mountain mode. In the latter, you don't fix at what state of charge -SOC-
you want to keep your battery buffer. In Hold mode, you do - it keeps the SOC at the point you enter Hold mode.

What's the strategy to use either mode? this depends on driver's skill to evaluate the range and type of road driving is ahead.

The cold weather config option has the same process. We don't care to use electricity to heat the battery if the commute is short, instead
of starting the ICE. and we would prefer using the ICE to heat up if the commute is longer. - The best choice here also depends on the driver's
skill to evaluate the range and type of road driving ahead... But that skill cannot be put to use if the option is unavailable.
Therefore, I think it should be put available as this is clearly a good option for cold weather Volts.

Francois & Line
B2653 & C19249

[cab]

If there is no hardware change, it would be nice if GM took care of you guys. As a point of comparison:

1. Volvo just released Sensus version 3.0 with several fixes, ease of use and feature enhancements. They are installing at regularly scheduled service visits.

2. BMW FINALLY released a software upgrade to address the jerky start experienced by owners of 2011 and 2012 BMW 3 series, 5 series, and X3 owners. This issue was so prominent on our test drive of an X3 that it played heavily into our reason for buying the Volvo XC60.

Make no mistake, it was pressure from owners that really made these happen (particularly #2 above).

[ari_c]

If there is no hardware change, it would be nice if GM took care of you guys.

According to my Volt Advisor there is a hardware change to support the Cold/Very Cold option in the configuration. It would be good if we could get confirmation of this though.

[kickincanada]

I've heard back at all levels from GM and they say it is more than just a software change. Needs hardware. But whatever guess I will live with it unless we can get that thread with the hack going. I'm not so sure I believe GM so lets do it as these cold temps are coming.

And to answer Bob's question look at my winter stats on Voltstats during Jan and Feb last year. I probably burned up an extra 50-100 bucks in gas because it doesnt have this option. And also because my commute to work is relatively short during winter my car doesn't feel electric and drives like a regular 4 banger. Not pleasant. As I said before, ICE should never fire while plugged in as there is absolutely no need to other than cabin comfort. And it should only fire at -15 degrees Celsius when driving. that would make me happy.

[drbruns]

I would pay for this update if it became available.

[drbruns]

According to my Volt Advisor there is a hardware change to support the Cold/Very Cold option in the configuration. It would be good if we could get confirmation of this though.

Maybe WOT can comment on this.

[ari_c]

I would pay for this update if it became available.

I second that. Here in Northern VA the very cold option would work perfectly. It is rare them temperatures drop that low. However 25 degrees is not than uncommon on colder days.

Last winter I sometimes delayed my morning commute on mornings right at the 25 degree mark. Of course I have a flexible schedule and remote desktop lets me do about anything I need to do in the office.