What is the most efficient amount of gas to keep in the tank when using EV mode?

[beechnut]

Assuming the engine goes into ICE fuel maintenance mode (FMM) say every twelve months and empties the tank if I never drive outside of the EV range.

Then I am thinking that I could replace this with a very small amount in the tank to minimize my gas use between ICE FMM intervals. Say for instance three gallons? Is this a good idea? What would be an ideal amount to keep in the tank, Any thoughts?

[Bill R.]

I recall that GM suggests not keeping the tank full unless long range driving is planned as a way to maximise EV range (as each gallon of gas weighs 6 pounds). Their recommendation may have been not more than one-half tank.

On the subject of the ICE running in Maintenance Mode, I assume that the engine will run long enough to fully warm up the oil and perhaps 'boil off' accumulated moisture, but not necessarily so long as to use up all the old gas.

[GSP]

There is an "efficiency tips" button on the left side of the "energy" screen (press the "leaf" button, next to the "drive mode" button). I think there is a suggestion to only carry around 1/4 - 1/2 tank if you always drive in EV mode.

GSP

[Bob_Livonia]

I believe the owner's manual recommends 1/3 tank if most of your driving is CD. I wouldn't recommend siphoning if you never use the engine - just wait. In addition to the maintenance mode that runs 10 minutes to lubricate the seals, there's a longer mode that runs every 6 months to burn about 1/2 tank to keep the fuel fresh. On the other hand, reducing the fuel level from 9 to 6 gallons will save about 36 pounds. Some Volt owners might just want to go on a diet instead (smile!)

[Raymondjram]

Donate the excess gasoline to your neighbor who hasn't bought a Volt yet, and say, "Here, have this leftover gasoline from my Volt. I don't need much of it anymore." That should put the message across!

[tfford]

As I'm one of the unlucky ones who have to burn gas every day on my commute, I fill up to max about every three weeks. I've noticed absolutely no difference in my economy regardless of where the fuel level is. In the grand scheme of things a full tank at 54 lbs. has little or no noticeable impact on a vehicle that weights 3,800 lbs.

[MVRacing]

Donate the excess gasoline to your neighbor who hasn't bought a Volt yet, and say, "Here, have this leftover gasoline from my Volt. I don't need much of it anymore." That should put the message across!

LMAO ... I like it !!!

[MuddyRoverRob]

As I'm one of the unlucky ones who have to burn gas every day on my commute, I fill up to max about every three weeks. I've noticed absolutely no difference in my economy regardless of where the fuel level is. In the grand scheme of things a full tank at 54 lbs. has little or no noticeable impact on a vehicle that weights 3,800 lbs.

You are absolutely right, there is little point in worrying about a couple pounds here or there as a fraction of the weight it can only be a negligiable impact.

No Volt, they don't sell them here yet... (Western Canada) sat in one at the car show though ;-)

Personally I'd really like a voltec powered CTS-4 Wagon... (AWD) but that's just me maybe.

[honoreitiscom]

You will want at least 1.5 gallons as a bare minimum because below that you start to get annoying reminders that you are low on gas.

If I really never needed more than 40 miles of range, I woulda bought a Leaf.

[scottf200]

I like just putting in a flat $10 worth whenever I get the low message indicator for a little while ... so just over 2 gallons and just over 1/3 tank or 3 gallons total.

- like the psychological aspect of sticking it to the man
- like keeping the gas fresh by adding more occasion (vs between full fills)
- like the "story" to tell when I give demos and test drives
- mainly drive electric so not that much of an inconvenience / time of going to the station
- while not that much weight for a full tank it is a very common fuel saving tip and allows me to carry other gear as needed