Sport/Low

[SolarExec]

After 1,500 miles each we both have come to really prefer the Sport/Low combination on the car. I know a number of other people have said this previously (which is why we tried it) and now we're hooked on it. With a bit of practice you can do 80% of your driving just by feathering the accelerator between braking - coasting - accelerating. And it seems to be very range friendly as well with good regen characteristics.

But a question for you technical gurus: is there any problem/disadvantage to running the car in this configuration from the perspective of longevity reliability etc? I cannot think of any issues but it seems somehow unnatural to drive the car around on the freeway etc in Low all the time!

[Mark Z]

The only problem I can think of in regard to longevity wouldn't have anything to do with drive mode or drive/low shift lever selection unless you found yourself doing the following error:

Using the accelerator to hold the Volt steady on a hill instead of depressing the brake.

That is an activity that won't be covered by the warranty according to the owner manual. Here is the full manual text about this subject:

"D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If more power is needed for passing, and the vehicle is:

. Going less than 56 km/h (35 mph), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.

. Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.

Notice: If the vehicle seems to accelerate slowly or not respond when you go faster, and you continue to drive the vehicle that way, you could damage the electric drive unit. Have the vehicle serviced right away.

L (Low): This position reduces vehicle speed without using the brakes. You can use L (Low) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed going down steep mountain roads along with using the brakes off and on. You can use L (Low) on very steep hills, in deep snow, or in mud.

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the electric drive unit. The repair will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place."

[RobertSullivan]

Thanks Mark, that is great information and shows one area where an electric vehicle should be driven differently from an ICE. With an ICE you can hold the car steady on an incline at a red light using the transmission but with an electric that strain is on the electric motor which GM is saying is a bad idea. It would seem then regardless if you use sport + L or non-sport + D in the VOLT always hold your position on an inclined stop with the break pedal.

[hamchief]

Hold an ICE car on an incline like that isn't too good either, if I remember my last few owners' manuals.

[ewiggins]

Using the accelerator to hold the Volt steady on a hill instead of depressing the brake.
[/B]"

I would think this is bad habit to get into for an ICE or electric. In both cases you are using fuel to hold the car stead on an incline when there is a brake that uses no fuel. I do see where someone driving a manual transmission may do this to avoid rolling back, but I have not driven a manual transmission in a long time.

[scottf200]

L (Low): This position reduces vehicle speed without using the brakes. You can use L (Low) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed going down steep mountain roads along with using the brakes off and on. You can use L (Low) on very steep hills, in deep snow, or in mud.

I only drive in L (Low). I have found it to be outstanding for slowing down for corners, off ramps, people turning off the road in front of me, etc. I barely need to use my brakes except for red lights and signs.

It is also pretty gentle in terms of smooth driving for me and any passenger I have.

In regards to the above, I'm a little confused on how it is beneficial in deep snow or mud. I'm from rural MT and I know what those conditions are like.

[Mark Z]

This topic is a good location to mention that the Tesla Roadster always is in Low. At least that's the perception I got when one of the Tesla sales representatives asked if she could take my Volt for a test drive. She started with Normal mode and the shift selector in Drive. Her comment was how there was not much regenerative braking. Setting the Volt to Sport mode and Low was the answer to give her a Tesla like feel to the vehicle. Since I like to drive the Volt in Drive on the open road, I commented that maybe the Model S will add Drive before production. However, if GM was to lock in only one setting, Sport and Low would be my choice.

Off topic: Mountain mode makes the accelerator a bit harder to push. While on a long journey on the interstate highways, using Cruise Control provides relief from pressing the accelerator in Mountain mode.

[honoreitiscom]

I'm a little confused on how it is beneficial in deep snow or mud.

I've driven the Volt in a lot of ice and snow, and I think what they're referring to is the fact that you get a more controlled slow-down on a slippery surface when you are in L versus using the brakes. It is like downshifting in a manual transmission car to slow with engine braking rather than risking sliding by locking the tires with the brakes (I know that's pretty much impossible with ABS).

[N Riley]

One concern of mine (although I do not own the Volt yet) is when you lift your foot off the accelerator and the regenerative brakes start slowing the car down, drivers following you do not know you are stating to slow down until the gap between their vehicle and yours start to close pretty quickly. I would like to see the Volt's brake light come on when you take your foot off the accelerator or let up on it. That would give the drivers behind you a visible warning that your vehicle is slowing. What do you think?

[bronco7TX]

After driving my Volt for a week I've always used 'L' even for highway driving. I love when coming off the interstate on an exit ramp it slows down at just about the right rate without having to use the brakes. This is no different then when I drive my 94 TransAm and downshift on an exit ramp instead of braking which also doesn't turn on the brake lights. I haven't seen anyone get closer than they usually do in New England but around here everyone is called Massholes when it comes to driving so I might not be a good test case for other more courteous type driving regions of the US.