new Volt!

[herm0016]

dark grey with black cloth and white trim inside.

We may have to get some shiny wheels.

dealer demo with tax credits available. 22k miles.


Already ordered the 240v charger and such. The only part that sucks is my panel is full so I will have to get a subpanel installed.

any ideas on improving range? I was thinking lighten up the wheel/tire package as much as possible. 5 on 115mm if you have any ideas for that.

Back to an all GM driveway. woot!.

 

[Midwayman]

Nice. Those are interesting cars. You see the new model they're coming out with?

 

[cbrsurfr]

I've been considering a Volt for my commute (9 miles 1 way). I can get one locally for 32K + TTL. Up to 7500 federal + 4500 IL rebates are nice, but those take time so you must finance the full amount and then wait for the 12K in rebates. Used prices seem kind of high around here at 22-25K for 20-50,000 miles when you can get a new one after rebates for 20K + TTL. If I could get a used one for 17-18K and save myself the rebate hassle that would be a good deal.

 

[Hail The Brain Slug]

Ignore my suggestion, the OEM wheels on the Volt are forged and only weigh 17.6 pounds. I doubt you'll find anything significantly lighter. A few Google searches shows the car forum guys looking for aftermarket are getting slightly heavier wheels to get something they like more aesthetically, as lighter wheel options are nearly nonexistent.

 

[Insomniator]

I've never heard anyone excited to be back to an 'all GM driveway'

 

[WackyDan]

I've never heard anyone excited to be back to an 'all GM driveway'

Especially lately.

 

[herm0016]

We got this one around 28 and they gave us a heap for a beat up 05 outback. Plus we still get the credits.

 

[MiataNC]

any ideas on improving range?

Congrats!!!

We absolutely LOVE our 2011 Volt!!

What kind of range are you looking to get?

The Volt only uses about 80% of the total battery capacity. So it doesn't degrade over time (like the Leaf and other EVs). The Volt also actively heats and cools the battery to help ensure consistent performance in extreme heat and cold, but you will still see a drop if you live an an area with extreme temps. Living in Las Vegas we consistently get the promised 40 miles of electric range (usually getting 40-45) even on the hottest days (110-115F).

Couple things...

1. Get your butt over to http://gm-volt.com - It is the one and only site you need for Volt info.

2. Volt owners get a "Volt Advisor" via https://secure.myvolt.com - You can use them as a go-between when dealing with your local Chevy dealer. GM is committed to making Volt owners happy, and they will make sure the dealer treats you right.

3. There is an Onstar app for iPhone and Android. - You can use it to monitor systems in your Volt, and to send you alerts when charging is due, done, or interrupted.

 

[Yuriman]

The largest single factor on range will be how you drive it.

In my Insight, I typically get between 70 and 95mpg in city driving, without any hypermiling techniques. When I get in the car after my wife has been driving for a few days, the gauge usually reads between 45 and 55.

Basically, drive so you need to brake minimally. If you see a light turn red the distance, take your foot off the pedal and try to arrive the light with some speed just as changes. Don't speed.

 

[MiataNC]

The largest single factor on range will be how you drive it.

In my Insight, I typically get between 70 and 95mpg in city driving, without any hypermiling techniques. When I get in the car after my wife has been driving for a few days, the gauge usually reads between 45 and 55.

Basically, drive so you need to brake minimally. If you see a light turn red the distance, take your foot off the pedal and try to arrive the light with some speed just as changes. Don't speed.

The Volt has a gauge on the right side of the cluster with a green ball centered in a vertical bar. The top is marked Accelerate and the bottom is marked brake. If you keep the ball centered while you drive you will be getting the most out of the battery. But it is more fun to put the car in Sport mode and ignore the green ball.

 

[Yuriman]

The Volt has a gauge on the right side of the cluster with a green ball centered in a vertical bar. The top is marked Accelerate and the bottom is marked brake. If you keep the ball centered while you drive you will be getting the most out of the battery. But it is more fun to put the car in Sport mode and ignore the green ball.

I'm not familiar with this gauge, but I can't imagine how it could take into account stop sign locations and traffic patterns.

Basically, avoiding slowing and accelerating saves you gas.

 

[PricklyPete]

Congrats OP! Neat car.

 

[Fenixgoon]

low rolling resistance tires, but i imagine it comes with those standard. other than that, just be gentle with your right foot. that's the biggest difference maker!

 

[pcgeek11]

Did it come with a fire extinguisher?

 

[bigi]

Did it come with a fire extinguisher?

BAN

 

[Vetterin]

Just like with us Cruze Eco owners make sure your tires are inflated to 38-43 psi.

 

[MiataNC]

I'm not familiar with this gauge, but I can't imagine how it could take into account stop sign locations and traffic patterns.

Basically, avoiding slowing and accelerating saves you gas.

The gauge only monitors your foot. Hit either pedal too hard and the ball will move off center and switch from green to yellow. If you drive the same route every day you can get really good at keeping the ball in the green from start to finish.

 

[Mermaidman]

Always drive downhill.

 

[WackyDan]

Just like with us Cruze Eco owners make sure your tires are inflated to 38-43 psi.

At expense to tire wear. Isn't that somewhat counterproductive?

 

[Imported]

Ignore my suggestion, the OEM wheels on the Volt are forged and only weigh 17.6 pounds. I doubt you'll find anything significantly lighter. A few Google searches shows the car forum guys looking for aftermarket are getting slightly heavier wheels to get something they like more aesthetically, as lighter wheel options are nearly nonexistent.

What size wheels? 17.6 is light for an 18" wheel but its heavy for say a 15" wheel.

 

[MiataNC]

The Volt rolls on Alcoa forged aluminium wheels

17.6lbs = 17" X 7" wide, 5 on 115 mm. bolt pattern, and +38 mm. offset.

I really don't think you will find anything lighter in that size.

***Correction: Tirerack has a wheel that fits the Volt that is 16.8lbs (Advanti B2 Denaro)

 

[herm0016]

17 in wheels. The only lighter weight in 5x115mm i have found is 16.8 lbs. I do like them though.

wheels


i did not see the above post untill after i posted this.

looks like 5x115 is hard to find.

 

[Imported]

Not sure how accurate the weight is.. but the interwebs say Volk CE28s at 17x7.5 are 13.8lbs. $700+ a wheel though. Here's a 17x9 RE30 at 15.7lbs.. so it might be true.

 

[herm0016]

looks like the wheels i have, fully painted base model wheels on the 2013 may be closer to 20 lbs.... dropping that to 16.8 should net me a measurable difference in range. this requires more research. I may end up having to dismount one and weigh it myself.

i have one person saying that the wheels i have are 19 lbs per.

do you think there is a reason to search further for forged over cast wheels?

 

[SparkyJJO]

How much fuel... uh, electric, or... well whatever, how long would it take to break even on the cost of the wheels? If it only saves you a quarter a week for example your ROI is pretty darn crappy