I just bought a Chevy Volt

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by bugstrider

I did notice that the instrument panel of the new Gen-2’s looks very similar to the CADILLAC ELR layout that ended production in 2016.Essentially the same car but with a different body and twice the price when new. The ELR must be significantly heavier since the over all mpg is substantially less that the Volt.



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The ELR was the Cadillac coupe version of the Gen-1 Volt and grossly overpriced. Think of an old Cadillac Cimarron- a lesser car wearing a Cadillac badge and sporting a Cadillac price. The Emperor has no clothes.

[bugstrider]

Unless there is some on foreseen natural disaster occurs, we’re gonna go pick up our new used 2015 Gen-1 Chevy Volt Premium trim package vehicle tomorrow!

Tri-coat pearl with polished aluminum rims, pebble w/dark accents interior and every conceivable upgrade available. Less than 23k on the clock.. oh yeah, clean air HOV stickers too......bonus!

Since Wednesday, I’ve dumped $100.00 in gas in the truck looking forward to the fuel brake. OH GOD! I’ve turned into my father!!!!!!




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[RKDinOKC]

Wonder how they are going to tax the electric cars to make up for the lost gasoline taxes that help pay for the roads.

[MAS956]

Originally Posted by RKDinOKC

Wonder how they are going to tax the electric cars to make up for the lost gasoline taxes that help pay for the roads.

Here in CA, they are trying to figure out how to tax us per mile traveled. I guess the highest gas taxes on the planet aren't enough to fix the roads. God, I've got to move.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by bugstrider

Unless there is some on foreseen natural disaster occurs, we’re gonna go pick up our new used 2015 Gen-1 Chevy Volt Premium trim package vehicle tomorrow!

Tri-coat pearl with polished aluminum rims, pebble w/dark accents interior and every conceivable upgrade available. Less than 23k on the clock.. oh yeah, clean air HOV stickers too......bonus!

Congratulations! You're gonna love it. Be sure you get the keyfob app for your phone. You can turn the climate control system on from your phone before you leave the house and heat/cool the car down with grid power. It extends your driving range.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by RKDinOKC

Wonder how they are going to tax the electric cars to make up for the lost gasoline taxes that help pay for the roads.

They'll probably charge annual or even monthly mileage. Probably go monthly on the honor system and annually check the OBD for accuracy.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by bugstrider

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Congratulations Trev! I really should get one of these with the kind of driving I do.

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Congratulations Trev! I really should get one of these with the kind of driving I do.

Hey Shaun,

Thanks buddy, appreciate that!

Well, we’ve had this since Saturday, drove from Healdsburg, CA(location of the dealer) to Placerville(home), a solid three hour drive. Sunday, ran a couple of local errands, more errands on Monday, then drove from Placerville to Auburn then back for a work training day on Tuesday, using “.76 gal” where the truck was more than a 1/4 tank per round trip. Today I went from Pville to Downtown Sac then back up to Auburn then back home. I’ve left home with a full battery charge each day, then due to limited down time to charge at work where I left with a partial charge. I’ve had the benefit of regenerative action with braking and down the grades. When I pulled into the house tonight, I have 60 miles left on the clock worth of petrol in the wee 9 gal tank. Keep in mind, all of my driving has been been in the foothills, so the flatlands will have even better numbers.

My payment including full coverage insurance will still come in under what my monthly fuel bill was in the 95 K-1500 4x4. AKA-Exon Valdez


If you have been on the fence on one of these, don’t waffle any longer , just do it. If you drive the insane mileage I do yearly, then you will ask yourself “why the $@&# did I not do this earlier” I am still experiencing informational overload with all the bells and whistles but I’m coming into my own. I’ve been experimenting with the different driving modes depending on the roads. For example, when I pull the long twisty grades in the canyon on Hwy-49, I switch into mountain mode. That will hold the battery level at its current level then use the electric generator on the climb, supplemented by the electric battery.

A side bonus is that I have been researching 240V chargers. I wanted something portable that I could take to my parents ranch and charge up when I go out there to help with the things they can not do anymore. I came to the determination that the “ClipperCreek” brand was the one I wanted. Crazy safety certifications that they have done on their units by an Independant lab that beats these things up in crazy ways just to be sure they will stand the test of time. Their web site really says it all. Anyway, I discovered that the main hub, sales, and building facility is located in Auburn, CA where I work. How convenient is that?!?!?!?

So I popped over, spoke with Joel, a tech on site and walked out with a new 240V portable charger and free swag. Went with the LCS-20



Just do it!!!!

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Congratulations! You're gonna love it. Be sure you get the keyfob app for your phone. You can turn the climate control system on from your phone before you leave the house and heat/cool the car down with grid power. It extends your driving range.

Thanks WD!!!

It’s been a few days and I do already! What app is the best in your opinion? And special tricks you want to toss my way would also be appreciated!!

Thanks again for all of your advise and pearls of wisdom on these cars too.

Why did I wait so frigging long????

Cheers


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[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by bugstrider

Thanks WD!!!

It’s been a few days and I do already! What app is the best in your opinion? And special tricks you want to toss my way would also be appreciated!!

As far as I know the app from Chevy is the only one available. You can start the climate system, check the state of charge (really handy if you are using a public charging station), put windows up and down, etc.

Tricks -
1. First be really careful about using the mode button on Gen 1 Volts. The car has a major ergonomic flaw in that the power switch is too near the mode switch. (It's kind of like accidentally downshifting from 5th to 2nd in your 911 - except it won't break anything.) If you haven't yet accidentally turned the car off while trying to switch modes there is a good chance you eventually will. Read the owner's manual ASAP and memorize the procedure for restarting the car while it is underway.

2. Switch to "hold" mode when driving at steady highway speeds if you are on a trip that will deplete the battery and need the ICE before you reach your destination. This is because the ICE system is most efficient at steady speeds. Then switch to "normal" for in town. An added benefit is that as you get used to the silence of running on electricity the sound of the ICE can be annoying. You can't can't hear it as much at highway speeds.

3. Just for the hell of it, when I'm driving in mountains I will use "hold" mode going up the hills and "normal" going down. I have added as much as five miles of range to the battery doing this. It's kind of a game, but something to do on long trips.

4. Some people spend a lot of effort switching from Drive to Low and back to try to max out regeneration power. You can try it (I did) but I didn't see any improvement. The system does pretty well on its own.

5. Bottom line - you can use all kinds of tricks if you want, but the car does very well on its own. You don't lose much by just pushing the "on" button and driving normally.

Price has really come down on that Clipper Creek Level 2 EVSE. I paid almost $100 more for mine a couple of years ago.

[techweenie]

As good as the Gen 1 is, most things are improved on the Gen 2, including the ICE using regular instead of premium and the sound level - it's quieter.

The Gen 2 lets you use the regen paddle to decelerate (and I leave mine in low almost all the time I'm on battery). Best battery range has been 62 (observed) but typically 59-60. I just use the 110 to charge. The Gen 2 lets you set the charge level by location, so it automatically charges at the higher level as long as the initial 'trial' hotspot subscription lasts - and then if you're paying to continue it.

Mountain mode is good for tackling the Grapevine in SoCal, but not necessary. Leave it in Mountain and you can gain battery charge on the downslope - maybe 5 miles worth.

[Steve Carlton]

I'm sure you know this, but set it to charge during off peak hours.

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

I'm sure you know this, but set it to charge during off peak hours.

Yup, I haven’t programmed the set charge times but I am waiting to the “off-peak” hours. My electrician can’t make it out until after the first of the year so I’m stuck with 110v for now.

Pacific Gas and Extortion (PG&E) has some of the most convoluted rates/EV plans I’ve seen. Guess I’m in for more research...




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[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

As far as I know the app from Chevy is the only one available. You can start the climate system, check the state of charge (really handy if you are using a public charging station), put windows up and down, etc.

Tricks -
1. First be really careful about using the mode button on Gen 1 Volts. The car has a major ergonomic flaw in that the power switch is too near the mode switch. (It's kind of like accidentally downshifting from 5th to 2nd in your 911 - except it won't break anything.) If you haven't yet accidentally turned the car off while trying to switch modes there is a good chance you eventually will. Read the owner's manual ASAP and memorize the procedure for restarting the car while it is underway.

2. Switch to "hold" mode when driving at steady highway speeds if you are on a trip that will deplete the battery and need the ICE before you reach your destination. This is because the ICE system is most efficient at steady speeds. Then switch to "normal" for in town. An added benefit is that as you get used to the silence of running on electricity the sound of the ICE can be annoying. You can't can't hear it as much at highway speeds.

3. Just for the hell of it, when I'm driving in mountains I will use "hold" mode going up the hills and "normal" going down. I have added as much as five miles of range to the battery doing this. It's kind of a game, but something to do on long trips.

4. Some people spend a lot of effort switching from Drive to Low and back to try to max out regeneration power. You can try it (I did) but I didn't see any improvement. The system does pretty well on its own.

5. Bottom line - you can use all kinds of tricks if you want, but the car does very well on its own. You don't lose much by just pushing the "on" button and driving normally.

Price has really come down on that Clipper Creek Level 2 EVSE. I paid almost $100 more for mine a couple of years ago.

Thanks!

Referring to #1:
I remembered you mentioning that little nugget in your post. Keeping that in-mind, I’ve developed a little training exercise for myself to engrain proper positioning when switching modes. Utilizing the large opening in the center stack, I run my hand all the way up and into the upper left corner.


That puts my thumb directly over the “mode” button. To hit the “power” button, I really have to twist my thumb down to the left. It helps me keep the two buttons separate. Although it does look as if my palm could rest on the power button, it doesn’t. I’m also studying the restart sequence too, just in case..


I’m still in the “shinny nickel” phase so I’m still learning .

Good open hwy tip regarding the hold on the open road, makes total sense.

Cheers


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[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by bugstrider

Yup, I haven’t programmed the set charge times but I am waiting to the “off-peak” hours. My electrician can’t make it out until after the first of the year so I’m stuck with 110v for now

It's going to take 10-12 hours to get a full charge at 110 volt and 8 amps. How big of a time window does off peak give you, we only get 6 hours. The Level 2 charger should only take 5-6 hours to charge, so programming for off peak is more effective, you can complete the whole charge at off peak rates.
I don't know if Gen 1 Volts offered selectable charge rates, but you might check your manual. On Gen 2 cars you can select 8 or 12 amp charge rates. Charging at 12 amps takes about a third off of charging time. You have to be careful not to overload the circuit though.

[bugstrider]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

It's going to take 10-12 hours to get a full charge at 110 volt and 8 amps. How big of a time window does off peak give you, we only get 6 hours. The Level 2 charger should only take 5-6 hours to charge, so programming for off peak is more effective, you can complete the whole charge at off peak rates.

I don't know if Gen 1 Volts offered selectable charge rates, but you might check your manual. On Gen 2 cars you can select 8 or 12 amp charge rates. Charging at 12 amps takes about a third off of charging time. You have to be careful not to overload the circuit though.

Yup, the G-1 has the charge rate as well. Since I had to wait for the dryer to finish its thing, I plugged in at 2230 and pulled it off at 0530 and it had a full charge. I started with 12 miles left on the battery charge and charged at the higher 12 amp setting.

Now here is the interesting part. Using your formula of the battery/hold philosophy, I got the following results. Now before I go into the deal, my commute isn’t your typical drive.its 45 miles of very twisty roads with sizable grades in both directions. Outside air temp was 49 when I left and at the bottom of the gorge was 30.

When I started, there was 42 miles on the charge and by the time I got to the departure point from Placerville on Hwy-49, the range was down to 37 miles.

By the time I rolled into Coloma, the range jumped to 49. Yup, quit steep and a lot of braking. Since the temps plummeted and the windows began to show signs of moisture, the engine automatically kicked in due to low temps. Using this as an excuse to kick into “hold” mode, I did immediately switch the climate control to “Auto”. Warm sweet bliss come-ith into-ith thy car!


I should point out that I listen to Pandora “movie score radio”. The Harry Potter film score was playing at the time I took the picture..... it couldn’t have been something cool like “The Dark Knight”. Oh well, it might explain all of the magical pixie dust going on in the car.

Anyway, set the car to “hold” from Coloma to Cool where I hit the second big decent into the canyon where I go back into normal mode. At the bottom of the confluence, I get this rating...

Now at the bottom of the canyon, I kick back into “Hold” for the mega climb back out. I keep this setting until I hit E/B I-80 to my off-ramp for work. Back into silent mode all the way to work on surface streets.

It’s like a giant science experiment. I need to get a “Fat Head” of Bill Nye the science guy and put it in the empty seat.LOL


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[bugstrider]

I forgot to mention that yesterday on my way home I was starving, so I swung through a local choke n puke drive through.

The person taking the order through the squawk box had me repeat my order because she couldn’t hear me over my car’s noise........... I was in the Volt. I thought I was being pranked right up to the point I paid for the order.

You can’t fix stupid....

True story


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[wdfifteen]

The Gen 2 cars have a noisemaker that comes on when you put it in "gear" and stays on up to 35 mph. It's supposed to warn pedestrians. They don't have the pedestrian horn the Gen 1 cars have, which I miss.

[porsche930dude]

Can you use one of these cars to backfeed your house in a power outage or if you get free electric at work and want to use it at home? Now that would be the ticket

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by porsche930dude

Can you use one of these cars to backfeed your house in a power outage or if you get free electric at work and want to use it at home? Now that would be the ticket

Kinda. I had a 110 volt 12 amp power inverter for my Gen 1. Pretty sure you could rig a transfer switch to power a circuit in your house. I used it in place of a generator at events. It would power a PA system for days. I always planned to rig it to keep the furnace going in case of a winter power outage, which would be a disaster. In use, if the big battery should ever be depleted to its minimum the ICE comes on to maintain it. So you have all the energy in the battery plus all the energy in the gas tank available as 110 volts @12 amps.