electric charge capacity expectations

[jlcronin]

there is a lot of talk going on right now among new volt owners re the charge capacity of the volt. The problem is we, as new owners, do not know what to expect under varying conditions. (I am talking about the displayed 'miles' capacity after a full charge.) GM states a range of 25-50 miles. I get around 30... how do I know if 30 is expected/right for my outside temperature and whatever other major factors affect it? GM must have some data that would allow us to better gauge or understand this... can you provide? For example, if 30 miles capacity is good for 40F and 40 is good for 70F, then we'd like to know that and can set our expectations accordingly.

[sabr2th]

I have a 33 mile round trip commute with mostly highway here in Texas. I got 22 miles out of my last full charge, with no climate control, driving about 65 mph. I'm not happy. I was hoping to be able to make at least a round trip on a charge.

[FresnoBIT]

I have a 33 mile round trip commute with mostly highway here in Texas. I got 22 miles out of my last full charge, with no climate control, driving about 65 mph. I'm not happy. I was hoping to be able to make at least a round trip on a charge.

While I was very pleased with the local Chevy dealer, I am not pleased with the range I am getting from each charge (26-29 miles). Based on all the reading I had done in the months leading up to the car's launch, my "range experience" is surprising and very disappointing. I would have not purchased this vehicle had I known the actual range.

[twist]

While I was very pleased with the local Chevy dealer, I am not pleased with the range I am getting from each charge (26-29 miles). Based on all the reading I had done in the months leading up to the car's launch, my "range experience" is surprising and very disappointing. I would have not purchased this vehicle had I known the actual range.

A recent post mentions 37 miles range with the fan on (no climate control). Are you using the efficiency gauge? Several mention 40+ under low demand driving conditions.

[sabr2th]

Back in 1999 Ford over reported the horsepower of the Cobra Mustang. Under threat of a class-action law suit they recalled the cars and corrected the problem, including replacement of major engine components. Sounds like Volts might have a similar problem with their range claim.

[LGA]

I gather we are talking about "displayed range" after a full charge. I am more interested in how many miles can be driven after a full charge until the ICE comes on. The displayed range is based on heuristic algorithm which predicts range based on a number of factors, and I really don't know what those factors are. Has the predicted range proven out to be accurate?

[ClovisVOLT]

I gather we are talking about "displayed range" after a full charge. I am more interested in how many miles can be driven after a full charge until the ICE comes on. The displayed range is based on heuristic algorithm which predicts range based on a number of factors, and I really don't know what those factors are. Has the predicted range proven out to be accurate?

A bit too early to tell.....the range displayed so far has been really close - looks like about 40 for city driving (will be interested what highway gets, but so far it hasn't seemed to make a terribly significant difference). Hopefully, later on, Chevy will send us all a software update so we can use more than 65% of the battery, but meanwhile the 40ish has been satisfying - pumping it in with the Voltec 240V. Happy New Volt Year!

[ClovisVOLT]

A bit too early to tell.....the range displayed so far has been really close - looks like about 40 for city driving (will be interested what highway gets, but so far it hasn't seemed to make a terribly significant difference). Hopefully, later on, Chevy will send us all a software update so we can use more than 65% of the battery, but meanwhile the 40ish has been satisfying - pumping it in with the Voltec 240V. Happy New Volt Year!

Just for full disclosure, NO ICE run yet.....so can't fully answer your question.

[ClovisVOLT]

Just for full disclosure, NO ICE run yet.....so can't fully answer your question.

Hopeful for stale gas - now how about that for a change......this car is definitely the wave of the future. I actually cringe when starting up my 'normal' Escape Hybrid just thinking about poluting the air by burning oil.....whoever started the ICE engines didn't realize the magnitude of this decision. Not to many people fully understand the impact of the VOLT on getting us off oil, but I'm beginning to.....GO VOLT, GO GM, GO SOLAR, @#%$^ OPEC

[twist]

Magazine tests report 32 to 37 miles per charge for the Volt. Highest hypermile range so far is 53. The distance verdict won't be in until 1000 Volts are running around Southern California. This driving is done at 50-75 degrees air temp. And at two hundred feet above sea level. 70% at 65mph, 20% at 30mph, and 10% below 30mph. My plans are to drive in L shift position under normal mode. Will switch to sport mode when returning to home base carrying extra range. The Voltec wall unit quietly waits.