Bought an EV (Volt)

[SK360]

So back in 2012 when I bought the C6 the wife also wanted a new vehicle so we traded her 2010 Escape in for a 2013. At the time we loved the Escape and thought it was a great move.


Fast forward now 2.5 years later and the car has been recalled 5 or 6 times now including one where we were in a Hyundai Santa Fe rental for 2 months. The MyFord Touch Infotainment system is the biggest piece of shit and about once a week she would get in and have no audio until she turned the car off and turned it back on, last week it just decided to have no audio period no matter what you did so it went in Thursday for service. I have been trying to get her to let me trade it for a Volt for a while but Thursday was the last straw, she said I could start looking (In her mind this meant maybe in a month or two we would be in a volt.... LOL). Also it got 21mpg constantly at normal highway speeds. A far cry from the advertised 30.


Found a 2013 Volt Premium (Heated Leather Seats and doesn't have that ugly White center console the base models do) with 26k on it for $18,5k (Window sticker in the glovebox shows MSRP at $41,300) in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio so I drove the escape up with a cracked windshield and worn front tires and accepted being $2.5k upside down on it to get rid of it.

Can't say enough good about this car so far. Lot of misconceptions out there about this car and EV's in general, it is truly a pleasure to drive. On my wifes first day commuting we got 43.8 miles on a single charge with 10.7kWh used to do that. I am currently paying right around 13.5 cents a kWh so figure it cost us $1.44 in electricity for those 43.8 miles compared to 2 gallons of gas it would have been in the escape. When I drove it home from the dealer there was no charge so I had to drive it on home on all gas, averaged 37mpg.

[Dan B.]

Be careful........you may mistake it for a new Camaro........

26071

[JeffreyCole]

Does the volt run 100% electric until the charge is gone, and then switch to gasoline, or does it select on demand similar to a Prius?

[SK360]

Does the volt run 100% electric until the charge is gone, and then switch to gasoline, or does it select on demand similar to a Prius?

It will run on 100% electric until it depletes its charge in normal or sport mode. My wife has been making her commute on straight electric.

Mountain mode will run on electric until it hits 45% charge left and then switch to gas to reserve some power to use both gas and battery to help pull up steep grades if you know you have to go up a mountain pass. If it is below 45% charge it will run the gas motor at full speed to build up a charge and then drop back down.

Hold mode which was added for 2013 lets you switch to the gas motor on the highway and reserve whatever power you have remaining for city driving. Good for long trips since the gas motor does pretty good on the highway and electric shines in traffic or city driving.

It also does Regenerative braking and other energy reclaiming things like the Prius and you can actually watch the kWh used display count backwards when going downhill.

[JeffreyCole]

Thats pretty sweet. What is the expected range on full electric, and what does it require to charge it at home?

110v? 220v?

Special adapter?

Just curious as to how these things work.

[SK360]

Thats pretty sweet. What is the expected range on full electric, and what does it require to charge it at home?

110v? 220v?

Special adapter?

Just curious as to how these things work.

35 miles for 2011-2012 and 38 miles 2013+ is the advertised number. People are getting in the mid-upper 40's in the summer depending on driving style etc and even some get 50's. Winter range can drop into the upper 20's because of the temps and the heater sucks up a lot of juice, if you have the heated seats the car can automatically turn those on and try to balance it out with the heater to keep you warm that way.

Right now we are charging on a standard 110v with the charger that comes with the car, it defaults to 8amp draw which charges fully in 16 hours and if your wiring/breaker is up to the task you can switch it to 12amp which gets it done in 10 hours. We are using 12amp charging without an issue overnights for her commute. If you buy a Level 2 charger which requires a 40amp 220v circuit it will fully charge in under 4 hours. We are buying thedak's old Level 2 charger and will install it soon, it then becomes much easier to gain some range back when at home for only a short period of time.

You can also plug in to public charging stations which are for the most part free to use. We are going to Phipps Conservatory tomorrow night for an event and they have 2 EV charging stations avail for free use. Will probably get 60-75% of a charge from the time we are there.

[Tom]

Is the electric motor a combined unit with the trans? I looked at some pics online but I can't really tell whats going on.

[SK360]

Is the electric motor a combined unit with the trans? I looked at some pics online but I can't really tell whats going on.

It's some kind of transaxle, 2 separate electric motors and the gas... Lot of engineering in this bitch. lol.


http://youtu.be/AX5ZwzNwTc4

[JeffreyCole]

lots of shit to go wrong with this bitch. Lol.



Fixed that for you.

[SK360]

Fixed that for you.

lol, cars are pretty rock solid... 8yr/100k warranty on the electric drivetrain and batteries. Couple of guys out there with 200k+ miles.

Electric motors have a lot less moving parts then gas.

[Dan B.]

lol, cars are pretty rock solid... 8yr/100k warranty on the electric drivetrain and batteries. Couple of guys out there with 200k+ miles.

I bet that's a kick ass message board.

[JeffreyCole]

I bet that's a kick ass message board.

Different strokes for different folks.

[turbo83coupe]

I bet that's a kick ass message board.
BAHAHAHHAHAA!! You win quote of the week!! :rollingfloorrlol::rotflol::rotflol:

[somethingclever]

BAHAHAHHAHAA!! You win quote of the week!! :rollingfloorrlol::rotflol::rotflol:


I really did LOL when I read Dan's line....

[ERR0RMACR0]

Electric cars are so interesting--would love to have one for short trips and stuff.

[TooFast98Cobra]

I don't recycle and don't plant trees but congrats on the buy .

[SK360]

I don't recycle and don't plant trees but congrats on the buy .

I recycle but I don't plant trees either, bought it to save $ on her daily commute. The lack of cats on the C6 balance out the environmental impact.. LOL

[sutyak]

lol, cars are pretty rock solid... 8yr/100k warranty on the electric drivetrain and batteries. Couple of guys out there with 200k+ miles.

Electric motors have a lot less moving parts then gas.

Dang that's a lot of 35 mile trips!

[SK360]

Dang that's a lot of 35 mile trips!

Not sure anyone has managed to do that on 100% electric. lol.

Here is the leader on voltstats

http://www.voltstats.net/Stats/Details/1579



EV Miles:
77868.42
#1 / 100%


Total Miles:
222835.32
#1 / 100%


EV %:
34.9%
#1006 / 2.4%

[RUTHLESS]

If these electric cars ran the same way the brushless conversion on my Losi LST does I would have bought one years ago. I couldn't keep diffs in the rear of that trucks from the power increase over gas.

[sutyak]

For what it's worth, I really like the idea of a 100% electric vehicle. The battery technology has a long way to go, though to make the mileage more realistic for more than just a short commute. The technology is out there, it just needs adopted by the manufacturers.
I'll miss the sound of a gasoline engine, but I'll gladly take the torque of an electric and won't miss the trips to the gas pumps at all.

[phillysrt4]

Be careful........you may mistake it for a new Camaro........

why? its slow like one too? ziiinnnggg!!!

[phillysrt4]

For what it's worth, I really like the idea of a 100% electric vehicle. The battery technology has a long way to go, though to make the mileage more realistic for more than just a short commute. The technology is out there, it just needs adopted by the manufacturers.
I'll miss the sound of a gasoline engine, but I'll gladly take the torque of an electric and won't miss the trips to the gas pumps at all.

I've driven an EV converted motorcycle and I loved it. The fact that its so quiet means I hear more of whats going on around me making a more enjoyable ride.

[SK360]

It is weird to get in and hit the start button and hear nothing but the entertainment system starting up. No one believes the car is on until you pull away... in silence.

The instant torque and constant pull feels great. Not as great as the Tesla Model S 85 that I drove of course. The Volt is computer limited in how much power is delivered to the electric motors 0-30mph, you can tune them via EFILive and some guys have dropped 0-60 from 9.2 to 6.1 by unlocking the power limiting and some other tricks.

[scorpio333]

My buddy works for BMW. The dealership is trying to get everyone to take an I3 home for a weekend. His weekend was a few weeks ago. We took it out for a day and to be honest I never thought much of electrics. That car was incredible, I was completely surprised. 0-40 it's faster than any non turbo BMW, it's crazy quick from a dead stop. No clue how it stacks up compared to the other electrics out there, but my wife is goo goo about trying to get one. As the range improves and more people just try one I think they're going to sell.

They look like crap. 90% of my driving is in a F150, so the size of them makes it feel like a rolling coffin. In a collision I'll take the high, heavy truck.

[PaxtonShelby]

I bet that's a kick ass message board.

Have to admit that was F'n hilarious!

[zxgto06]

Nice car Matt, congrats on the purchase!

[somethingclever]

I admit - I am impressed by the price/mile....$1.44/44 miles is about 76 miles/gallon of equivalent 87 octane @ 2.50/gal.

Does the warranty cover battery replacement and is it pro-rated against the warranty term?

What is the typical battery life reduction as miles increase?
(ex: I have a volt with 50k miles - i can only get 35 miles/charge as compared to when it had 5k miles I got 45 miles/charge)

[SK360]

I admit - I am impressed by the price/mile....$1.44/44 miles is about 76 miles/gallon of equivalent 87 octane @ 2.50/gal.

Does the warranty cover battery replacement and is it pro-rated against the warranty term?

What is the typical battery life reduction as miles increase?
(ex: I have a volt with 50k miles - i can only get 35 miles/charge as compared to when it had 5k miles I got 45 miles/charge)

The 8 yr/100k warranty covers everything with the battery and electric powertrain afaik, there have been no batteries replaced due to being "worn" out so not sure on just a routine replacement.

There has been no life reduction reported yet, anywhere. The volt battery is underutilized for that very reason. The battery in our 2013 is a 16.8kWh battery but only 10.8kWh is actually usable.

[JeffreyCole]

Hmmmm.

The tweakers haven't found out how to unlock that extra 6 kWh?

[SlowSix]

I just don't understand why most electric cars have to be so damn ugly

[Dan B.]

I just don't understand why most electric cars have to be so damn ugly

Hippy chicks dig it.

[thedak]

I just don't understand why most electric cars have to be so damn ugly

My Old DD

Maybe you aren't looking for the regular ones ?.....

26079

[ttk53]

Burning coal to power our cars, what next steam power?

[SlowSix]

Burning coal to power our cars, what next steam power?

True. People don't realize that electric is often generated by fossil fuels

[JeffreyCole]

True. People don't realize that electric is often generated by fossil fuels

Approximately 67% is still produced by fossil fuels. Breakdown Below.



Coal 39%
Natural Gas 27%
Nuclear 19%
Hydropower 7%
Other Renewable 6%

Biomass 1.48%
Geothermal 0.41%
Solar 0.23%
Wind 4.13%


Petroleum 1%
Other Gases < 1%


PLUS, there is the waste/pollution generated from making the batteries.

If someone wants to utilize an EV to save some cash on gas, that is a perfectly viable reason for buying one. If someone expects to "do their part" for the environment by purchasing, they are a moron.

If you want to save the world, run an ethanol based fuel vehicle.

[Dan B.]

If you want to save the world, run an ethanol based fuel vehicle.

Methane........Cow farts....

[JeffreyCole]

Methane........Cow farts....

Methane is another viable option, as it is a by product of treating human waste as well, and god knows we have enough human excrement to... power .... a LOT of cars.

According to this article, it takes the poo of 70 houses to power a VW for 10,000 miles.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1300546/Dung-Beetle-The-methane-gas-powered-car-leaves-waste.html

This thread has officially derailed.

[Dan B.]

If it's on the internet it must be true.

[ERR0RMACR0]

If you want to save the world, run an ethanol based fuel vehicle.

This is exactly why I do it...

lol, joking aside, that was very informative--thanks for posting.

[JeffreyCole]

This is exactly why I do it...

lol, joking aside, that was very informative--thanks for posting.

I just wish it was available where I live. Id start re-engineering the fuel system tomorrow, not to save the world, but for the extra 100+HP in it!

[Tom]

If you want to save the world, run an ethanol based fuel vehicle.


Saving the world, one quarter mile at a time!

[SK360]

Volt cat delete?

[somethingclever]

The 8 yr/100k warranty covers everything with the battery and electric powertrain afaik, there have been no batteries replaced due to being "worn" out so not sure on just a routine replacement.

There has been no life reduction reported yet, anywhere. The volt battery is underutilized for that very reason. The battery in our 2013 is a 16.8kWh battery but only 10.8kWh is actually usable.


I would be really surprised if they are not prorated against the term....so year 7.5 and your batteries needs replaced - GM gives brand new ones for free?

If so...impressive.


Burning coal to power our cars, what next steam power?


I am OK with coal burning.

[SK360]

I would be really surprised if they are not prorated against the term....so year 7.5 and your batteries needs replaced - GM gives brand new ones for free?

If so...impressive.




I am OK with coal burning.

If the battery shits the bed then its a defective part under warranty. If it loses capacity then its a wear item one would think.

With the size of the battery and the amount they give you access to there are some people expecting it to be 10+ years until you notice any bit of range degradation.

[phillysrt4]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxBje9jSyIM

[phillysrt4]

http://www.zazzle.ca/the_prius_is_undone_bumper_sticker-128963235458297805

[PaxtonShelby]

volt cat delete?

lol!!

[PaxtonShelby]

This...

[gmkillr]

Looks like you may need one of YoloDbags spark plug delete tune!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWdkFErf00s

[SK360]

Was in Oakland last night for an event, plugged in for free at CMUs "electric garage"..... Was a nice Tesla Model S there when we arrived. Car finished charging 5 minutes before we got back to it and we made it back to Beaver on electric with 4 miles to spare, can't beat free energy.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/20/180ff44767bc9fcec55ebda96027a3e9.jpg

[CobraII]

If you want to save the world, run an ethanol based fuel vehicle.

Because killing food to make fuel will save the world, right? :icon_biggrin:

[JeffreyCole]

Because killing food to make fuel will save the world, right? :icon_biggrin:

We can grow more corn.

We cant grow more fossil fuels... yet.

[SK360]

Very interested to see what Elon Musk is going to do with his household battery project. That combined with solar panels could make an easy way to be able to move away from fossil fuels.

[JeffreyCole]

Easy, yes, but probably EXCEEDINGLY expensive.

[SK360]

Easy, yes, but probably EXCEEDINGLY expensive.

Donno, will see. Musk is all about driving the price down on this technology. Solar panels have dropped in price 60% since 2011, we are seriously considering it once we sell our place and find something more perm.

[sutyak]

I think it would do people some good to walk/bike more. Around here walking/biking has been relegated to "rail trail", and sidewalks are going to crap. Walking a mile or so to pick up a couple things from the store doesn't bother me at all, as long as I'm not forced to walk in the middle of the road.

[SK360]

I think it would do people some good to walk/bike more. Around here walking/biking has been relegated to "rail trail", and sidewalks are going to crap. Walking a mile or so to pick up a couple things from the store doesn't bother me at all, as long as I'm not forced to walk in the middle of the road.

True story. We could have parked right at the event yesterday or parked a mile away and got to plug the car in at the same time. We chose the walk, was a nice night out.

[JeffreyCole]

I think it would do people some good to walk/bike more. Around here walking/biking has been relegated to "rail trail", and sidewalks are going to crap. Walking a mile or so to pick up a couple things from the store doesn't bother me at all, as long as I'm not forced to walk in the middle of the road.

It would definitely do me good.

[sutyak]

It would definitely do me good.
Then how will I find you at the track rental?

[JeffreyCole]

I ain't losing that much weight that fast.

Lol.

I have beat smoking, now I am going to focus on shedding the weight I have carried for years.

[SK360]

Bought a level 2 240v EVSE from thedak. He helped install it on Thursday. Can now fully charge the Volt in 4 hours. Woot.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/31/c659cbcb6a615f1b158bbcb33e47ab73.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/31/7f4dffcbd3ba92e6ebbb8dcf4a5a7232.jpg

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/31/573c6c5b38d3043a0ca49c6e41638723.jpg

[gmkillr]

You now own an "auto" Vette and a electric car.......

Please mail your man card into:

MEN R US
PO BOX 5134
Pittsburgh, PA 15216

Once we receive it we will ship you out your new fanny pack and a case of Zima.

Thank you!

[SK360]

You now own an "auto" Vette and a electric car.......

Please mail your man card into:

MEN R US
PO BOX 5134
Pittsburgh, PA 15216

Once we receive it we will ship you out your new fanny pack and a case of Zima.

Thank you!

Shit Zima? Wasn't old enough to try it when it was the rage. I'm in.

Haters gon hate.

Your brother drove my Volt and I think he liked it....

[somethingclever]

electrical panel already in the garage - score...

clean install....



BTW that fishing rod is freakin sweet.....LOL... :)

[SK360]

electrical panel already in the garage - score...

clean install....



BTW that fishing rod is freakin sweet.....LOL... :)

lol yeah too bad the panel wasn't on the other side, would have eliminated the conduit run. We thought about swapping sides but then we would have to walk past the corvette in and out of the garage all winter. Decided just to bite the bullet and put it where it is convenient.

I'd say we did ok on the install for being a couple of amateurs. The run going down to the charger ended up being crooked because we didn't put the 90's back in the same direction on final build as they were in when we mocked and squared everything up, pushed the run down to the charger out a bit. We thought about taking it apart to fix but we already had the charger connected when we noticed and 8 gauge sucks to work with. Good enough for now.

Can see how far we had to move the clamp to make up for the vertical run getting pushed out.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/31/274d03db04fdc7a25bf37ee558493c95.jpg

Um yeah my wife had that way before I moved in, don't think it's moved since lol.