Recumpence Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Just curious if anyone here has a Chevy Volt to compare to our beloved Max? With the recent price drop, they look interesting....... Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Yeah, I along with a few others here, have owned or currently own one. The comparison question is usually asked on the Energi forum: http://fordcmaxenergiforum.com/topic/3068-compared-to-volt/ If you have a specific question, ask away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recumpence Posted September 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Basically I drive 130 miles per day in town. I average 50 mpg year round with my Max. With that type of driving, what are your thoughts on mileage for the Volt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotomoto Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 (edited) Being that I'm aware of your driving ability :worship: , I'd say you'd get 50+ miles EV in good weather in the Volt. If you can get additional opportunity charges during the day (especially faster 240v Level 2 ), your EV/Gas ratio gets even better. With your driving style, I'd questimate 40-42mpg when on the gas generator. The Volt runs the ICE much like a conventional generator at set speeds depending on battery charge/demand so traditional hypermiling techniques are more difficult to implement. The newer 2013+ models have an "EV later" type button so you can save your EV miles for lower speeds while traveling at high speeds on gas boosting your overall efficiency. The car will automatically run on gas (for cabin heat) in colder weather to meet minimum federal requirements for windshield visibility. That acronym is called ERDTT (engine running due to temperature) and you might want to do some searches on that phenomenon and what some northern owners think about it. It never affected me here in the south. Battery range in cold weather can drop to 20-30 miles. The 2015 has a slightly larger battery that isn't promoted by GM. For me, the car's strongest suit is its driving dynamics. It's just a FUN car to drive. If it wasn't for the cramped rear seats (primary reason) and low driving position which is also more difficult ingress/egress than the CMax, I'd still have mine. The former shouldn't be an issue for you as a work vehicle. My best hypermiling EV range was 61 miles on the smaller 10.3kWhr 2012 battery. Be wary of MPG claims by owners as the car computer doesn't factor in electricity use which is a HUGE omission. Ford is now doing the same thing in the current Energi's <grrrrr> but my early edition at least computes MPGe. Edited September 22, 2014 by fotomoto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptjones Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 I'm not sure with that many miles per day a plugin is cost effective. Plugin cost more and usually doesn't get as good gas mileage in Hybrid mode. It would make a lot more sense if you were driving 20-40mile per day. IMO :) Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recumpence Posted September 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Yup, true to a large extent. If the EV range is 50 miles and I can get 40 mpg after that, the math works. One big thing that has always irritated me about the C max is the poor mileage for the first 5 miles or so. That kills my MPG on the weekends. However, the Volt would shine on short trips. So, it looks like my mileage would be a touch better during the week on the Volt and way better on the weekends. Hmm, much pondering to do. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jus-A-CMax Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 Hack a Leaf mate...u know you wana do it ;) ptjones 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptjones Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 You can make a lot of that up with grill covers and block and oil pan heaters. IMO :) Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptjones Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 Hack a Leaf mate...u know you wana do it ;)Won't make 120miles LOL :)Paul Jus-A-CMax 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jus-A-CMax Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 :worship: Matt has unbelievable engineering & driving skills :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recumpence Posted September 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 I like the dual fuel aspect of plug in hybrids because you can still drive if the power is out. We have alot of storms here that kill power. Matt ptjones, Smiling Jack and fotomoto 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptjones Posted September 23, 2014 Report Share Posted September 23, 2014 All Electrics don't make sense unless you have another vehicle and you are able to go and come back and still have plenty of power left. I have a friend with a Leaf and Honda Ridgerunner so he has his bases covered. :)Paul C-MaxSea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HPRifleman Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 At one time I had heard that the Volt initially runs off the battery until the charge gets low enough. Then, the ICE starts up and continues to run (like a conventional automobile) until the car can be plugged in and charged again. Is this true? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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