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Chevy Volt to get 230 mpg? Well, not really
There's all sorts of buzz going around on the internet today about the Chevy Volt and the 230 mpg rating it's getting from the government. But when you look at how that number was reached, you'll see that it's not so cut and dry.
Essentially, the Volt can drive 40 miles on battery power before kicking in the gas engine. So if you drive 10 miles, you'll get infinite miles per gallon. If you drive 50 miles, you'll get 250 miles per gallon. But if you drive 300 miles, you'll be down to 62.5 miles per gallon.
It's still impressive, but it's the kind of car where MPG isn't as good an indicator of fuel efficiency as normal vehicles.
By Old Man Dotes at 11:12 AM ON 08/11/09
The biggest question is still: why did they get Steve Ballmer to pose with the Volt? Does it crash randomly and have to be rebuilt every six months to maintain reasonable performance?
By b@ter at 11:43 AM ON 08/11/09
LMFAO
By EnOne at 1:44 PM ON 08/11/09
This looks like the same math they used to get a plug in Hummer to 100MPG.
How many miles are you driving to get 100 mpg?
By Wdomkr at 3:35 PM ON 08/11/09
Oh wait, the government fudging numbers again??? Get out!
By TeddyBear at 4:10 PM ON 08/11/09
all the mpg and blah blah aside i just think its sad that they took a beefy sporty looking concept and made a kia look alike out of it . first time i saw the concept it looked like a sporty Chrysler 300 now it just looks cheap i know cars never look like the concept but come on
By miko at 4:11 PM ON 08/11/09
What is the mpg of the car when the gas engine is running? I tried using your numbers and came up with 54mpg. So this is basically a Prius with a big battery that can be plugged in.
By miko at 4:21 PM ON 08/11/09
EnOne, I think you get 100mpg at around 87 miles. If you think GM's 40 miles on battery is too optimistic and drop it to 30, you will hit 100 mpg at 64 miles.
I love the plug-in hybrid idea but I hate the idea of GM treating us like we are stupid. I'll bet most Americans check their MPG when they go on trips of 100 miles or more; they will be sorely disappointed.
By Dave at 9:56 PM ON 08/11/09
Replace the piston assist engine with a micro-turbine and watch that mpg go way up!
By Elripster at 7:09 AM ON 08/12/09
Actually, the number is accurate because the conditions have been stated.
PHEV's and EREV's will get varying efficiency with distance. To produce a number consumers can use to make buying decisions, the government has created a consistent test metric based on US driving habits. The mileage numbers from the Volt are based on that criteria which will be used to qualify all vehicles of this type in the future.
The Hummer, while getting exceptional MPG, was not to my knowledge qualified with this standard process so it is an apples to oranges comparison to pair it against the Volt.
This was a city number which will be higher than a highway number due in most cases. The actual test will be a mixture of the two so the final EPA number will be lower. If you drive almost completely in the city, you'll get close to the higher number. Mostly highway, you'll get lower. At least though, you'l have a consistent basis to judge how the vehicle will perform for you so you can make an educated purchasing decision.
By Peleus at 9:33 PM ON 08/12/09
But, you can't pass a repair shop.
By tbrt at 12:19 AM ON 08/14/09
So if I always drive on the battery then I will get infinite miles per gallon.
Woo hoo, look at me, I'm a rebel and I'm breaking the law. The law of thermodynamics!
By bluemonkey at 3:46 PM ON 08/14/09
TRUST AND VERIFY …
IF THIS CAR WILL BE IN USE, ALMOST AS AN ELECTRIC CAR:
The battery pack itself, rated at 16 kilowatts/hour, comprises more than 220 separate cells wired in series. That means the failure of any one cell disables the entire array, though some existing hybrid vehicles also have this flaw. The Volt pack is about six feet long and weighs a hefty 375 pounds.
Voltage: 320 – 350 V
100% recharge time:
110V outlet: 6 – 6.5 h
Electromotor: 45kW
GM also claims the 2011 Chevrolet Volt can run solely on electric power for 40 miles with a full battery charge. That’s in line with studies showing that most Americans drive only about 40 miles a day, so in theory at least, a Volt could go for weeks without using a drop of gas or spewing any CO2. But some analysts think the real-world electric range will be closer to 30 miles and probably less, depending on vehicle speed, ambient temperature (which affects battery performance), and whether trips include steep grades.
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm
THE BATTERY PACK NEEDS TO BE RECHARGED ALMOST EVERYDAY.
QUESTION #1
After how many recharge cycles (DAYS) the Battery Pack 16KW/H with 220 separate cells wired in series, weighting 375 pounds, HAS TO BE REPLACED WITH A BRAND NEW ONE?
QUESTION #2
HOW MUCH COST A NEW BATTERY SET TO BE REPLACED, (PARTS and labor) ??? !!!
QUESTION #3
If this car will be used as a normal hybrid car:
If the battery pack is fully charged overnight, the fuel tank filled with gasoline (gasoline pump shuts off) and the car is driven non stop 230 miles:
HOW MANY GALLONS OF GASOLINE DO A HAVE TO ADD, TO REFUEL THE FUEL TANK (till gasoline pump shuts off)?
QUESTION #4
IS ANY DIFFERENCE IF THIS TRIP HAPPEN DURING A WINTER NIGHT 40 Degree F, OR A SUMMER DAY 80 Degree F.
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bluemonkey:
TRUST AND VERIFY … IF THIS CAR WILL BE IN USE, ALMOST AS AN ELECTRIC CAR: The battery pack itself, rated at 16 kilo...More »