So, I Own A Chevrolet Volt Now
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Just yesterday, I signed the paperwork on a 2013 Chevrolet Volt. And I drove it that night for a total of 80 miles, using just .4 gallons of gas, according to the energy usage pie chart displayed in the center console. I think I made the right decision.
I could have gotten an ATS, or perhaps a Verano Turbo. Both of which are great products, but truth be told, if I’m to get a sports car, I’d go for something a little older, and a little more analog. Yet the Volt — the Volt stands out always. It’s a pioneer vehicle, and its community of owners are perhaps the happiest and proudest I’ve yet to know.
I will periodically be posting on how my Cyber Grey Volt is doing, along with how well I’m utilizing its unique electric-gas powertrain. In the meantime, feel free to ask questions!
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Good. Maybe you can put the naysayers who follow you guys to shut up finally when it comes to the Volt.
I kinda want to know if you can see the front of the car since it’s rounded?
If your head is almost touching the headliner, you can see the hood. I know of no car that you can see the front of from the driver’s seat.
Seeing the front of the car isn’t a limitation. Ask the hundred of thousands that drove the Volkswagen Beetle since 1946! There are thousands of other European-style cars that have the same visibility problem.
As a fact I can see the front edge of my Buick Regal’s hood from the driver’s seat. Older Buicks had the tri-shield emblem there.
BTW, congratulations, Manoli, on the Volt purchase!
I was asking because the Volt its kinda rounded in the front and slanted on the hood area and I was trying to get out of the parking lot when I test drove it and I was worried that i was about to hit another car
My Volt has sensors in the front and back that warn you if you get close to anything. Although I know of no car that you can see exactly the tip of the front. Maybe a bus.
That I know because when i test drove it there was one available… but the space between the cars that were put to sale when I tried to backout it was literally the length of the volt
Good call on cyber gray, shame GM is replacing it across the board with ashen gray. CGM was awesome and AGM is one of the few colors I truly can’t stand.
The dark gray steel G6 in my driveway just shouted “dittos”, asked me to put it in the post.
No questions yet but congrats!!
Congratulations Manoli!
Did you retire you’re Cruze?
I never had the privilege of owning a Cruze. My brother just got one, however.
The Cruze belonged to Alex L. Congrats Manoli, the question I have is what is the solution for those of us that live in a Condo with no outlet to plug into thus a vehicle for those owning a house with a garage. Anyway love the technology. Look forward to seeing it improve.
I’ve viewed photos online of two Volts in neighboring condos with cords that reach
into an upper window. 120V is OK for overnight charging – and you save the cost of
installing the Lvl 2 charge cord at home. Most opt to go 240V though, and in condos
it’s generally a short meeting with your condo assoc. president or manager. Since
in my area Nissan LEAFs and several Teslas are common sights, EVs are gradually
catching on. Cars with plugs are coming on strong in the marketplace, Prius Plug-In,
C-Max and Fusion Energis, Mitsu “I”s, Ford FocusEV, Honda FitEV, AccordPHEV,
SmartEV, and of course, SparkEV. Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is due next year in
our market and in my area of Washington State – two dealers shared that the LEAF
was their top-selling model.
Condo management and home owner associations will soon need to come to grips
with this growing trend. Reg. gas has been over $4.00/gal now for a couple weeks
and is trending up as usual, yet higher than usual, this year. In my area of the world
power comes 80% from hydro and 3-6% from sustainable ( wind ) sources, so it’s
clean power also. My dream is enough solar on my roof to charge my Volt and it
will be powered by the sun.
Before I bought my Volt, I’d confer with my condo association and test the waters.
They may even be able to tap into tax credits in your area ( good carrot ). About
my Volt, I have owned muscle cars, sports cars and classics and a few things
in-between. I have to say the Volt is the best car I have ever owned, and I am
proud it is engineered and built in USA ( with USA-built LG S. Korean batteries ).
If you cannot afford the Tesla Model S, yet you want to give the finger to Big Oil
and OPEC countries that want to take your money and kill your children unless
you follow their religion – I’d HIGHLY recommend the Volt – besides I regularly
get 50+ miles on electric-only ( when temps are 65-85 degrees ) and I stay out
of Sport Mode. The car is ( 100% torque at 0 rpm ) surpisingly quick for two
blocks – then many ICE cars’ll catch up. While the car feels heavier than the
Cruze ( battery weight ) it also feels more grounded than Cruze in corners
due to the low weight distribution. It’s really an amazing car. Drive a Prius,
( even the plug-in one ) and then drive a Volt. The Volt not only looks much
more stylish, but it is one heckuva better car in driving dynamics and quality.
One more tidbit for thought is opportunity charging and work charging. If your
employer agrees to it – charging at work saves you a ton of money. I also am
surprised how many friends and family members offer a plug for me to
charge on when I visit. I always offer them a buck or two for the juice – but
most folks just think it’s cool I can fuel at their house! Go figure!
I have lived in Washington and Oregon, 2 states in completely different universes compared to the rest of the country, shockingly mor progressive. When you leave those states and travel back to say the midwest you really wonder what planet you have landed on.
My EV electric bill is only $25 per month. Plugging in at work might save you 0.20 cents a charge if work is 10 miles away. Not worth the hassle.
It’s more of a challenge for those without a garage. But if you live in an area with EV charging stations, use them whenever possible. Currently I only have the basic 120V charger at home, and it takes a full day to charge the Volt, — not ideal. But there are 240V charging stations on the riverfront that I can use, which charge the car up in less than half the time otherwise. Meanwhile, I’m sitting at the local coffee shop writing.
I have driven a few of these in summer and winter and love the car. The only thing I can say is the price is the only thing that would prevent me from one for a daily driver. If it were priced with a Cruze I would consider it. Now with the higher prices there are many other cars I would consider. Even the ATS would be hard for me to pass up for the Volt.
The key is fuel savings is not a priority for me so it does not eliminate the other vehicles. Now if that was I would be on the Volt even at the present price.
I think GM did the right thing with this car as it is the only electric car that I would even consider. I just GM would have done better marketing this car as Tesla has and the Prius. They have created a cult like following on cars I do not feel are better in any ways. The best spokesman for the car Bob Lutz left. The Tesla is just an expensive electric car that does not do anything GM could not do with a full electric of their own. But Elon Musk has marketed to the point people are excited to pay $100K for a car that only goes 90 miles. Too many do not see that the Tesla emperor has no cloths.
I will look forward to your reports and I hope they will inform and change some minds that really do not fully appreciate this car yet.
Word of advice do not change the Fuel Max Goodyears out as they are the best tire for that car. Other will kill range of grip. I have spoke to a couple of people that did and it was a mistake to go to any other tire as it was designed for the car.
If you are going to neg then man up and post why. Nothing there that is not true.
I think I’m going to have to go with a winter set, at least. The Fuel Max tires don’t handle snow very well.
The one I drove here last winter did ok. Not like studded snows but much better than the high mileage Bridgestone’s.
Just expect a noticeable decrease in Electric range.
I never though the tires would effect this car much but it did. GM and most other MFG do not want to pay much for tires unless there is some great need like on a ZR1 or in this case the Volt. In those cases they will pony up and use better tires.
It will be interesting to see how winter tires will do. Please keep up posted. I have seen performance tires but not winter tires on a Volt.
You sir, are one of those folks who speaks with authority re: The Tesla Model S, yet you
have never driven one. As a Volt owner – I’d DEFINATELY buy a Model S if it was within
my budget to do so. It is USA made and the finest car in the world – bar none.
You spout false info, as the Model S 60kwh model is just over $60,000 and has an EPA-
listed range of 200 miles, not 100. Big difference. The top-line 85kwh model is listed as
260 miles of range and Tesla has offered FREE CHARGING at it’s Supercharger locations
which as of today, offer freedom to roam California and to Vegas with zero range
anxiety – 85% full charge in less than 20 minutes. Recently Tesla demonstrated a battery
swap station wherein TWO Model S’s with the big battery pack filled up in less time than
an Audi could fill up it’s tank! That’s quick! Full, fresh battery in 90 seconds and you’re
on your way. If you want to know when 77 Superchargers and several quick swap stations
will be online – go to their website.
The Tesla is wowing people left and right – gearheads are converting! – Even non-car folks
are just amazed. Drive the car – then spout your half-truths and falsities, OK? Listen to
( Man Show ) Adam Corolla, a major car freak – gush over Model S on his car podcast or
YouTube videos. There are so many things this car does that just can’t be detailed in a post
like this. Even Csaba Csere of Car and Driver – a traditional gearhead/gasaholic just was
overwhelmed at how good the Model S is – Google his extensive video review.
The Volt is good for me. They are deeply discounted now – and with tax credits can be
as cheap as a Prius with way more capability. Tesla is aiming at 2016 for it’s “BlueStar”
which will be a Camry-sized $30,000, 200-mile EV. 2014 the Model X AWD CUV built
upon Model S’s “skateboard” chassis will be built as a 2015 model.
Get your facts straight before you bloviate.
To scott I also have to remind —– Consumer Reports stated that the Tesla Model S
was the best car they had ever tested. It rated 99/100.
Motor Trend gave it CAR OF THE YEAR as have AUTOMOBILE and many many other
publications who usually trash electric cars, hybrids or anything with an electric motor.
scott is no authority on automobiles and seems to be winging it when it comes to
facts or experience.
Never agreed with CR on most vehicles. Just personal observation.
Like the Tesla Motor Trend made the Volt car of the year too! Ahh but they also named Vega, Mustang II and AMC Alliance the car of the year too.
And just because I do not fully agree with every thing you espouse does not make me wrong or that I do not have a informed opinion. Hell you don’t even know me so how can you truly judge me?
Now get this strait the Tesla is a fine car but nothing any other MFG can not build. They also did a hell of a internet and regular marketing job one of the best ever. But it is not a car for everyone because of price and even at your claimed 200 miles it is not a car we all can live with or afford.
Now make a car that gets 200 miles charges in minutes with out damaging the battery and sell it for $25K-35k this is what is difficult.
In time when batteries improve and more and faster charging is available the Volt can drop the ICE.
Hell I have even driven a Hydrogen car and loved it but the fill time and lack of fill stations put it our of reach even excluding the price.
We will see many changes and the marketing of these cars and systems will be a war as everyone wants to be the one to set the standards in the market. Many companies have billions at stake if they are wrong and will fight anyway they can to gain the upper hand in the market.
So I am pleased you are thrilled but some of us see the Tesla as it is a very good electric car that is not cheap and still has some time before infrastructure is in place to make it usable anywhere.
As for claiming the Tesla the finest car in the world is a matter of opinion and you will just have to deal with not only myself but the many others who do not agree. Very good car yes but finest car no. Sorry just the way it is.
You sir, are one of those folks who speaks with authority re: The Tesla Model S, yet you
have never driven one. As a Volt owner – I’d DEFINATELY buy a Model S if it was within
my budget to do so. It is USA made and the finest car in the world – bar none.
You spout false info, as the Model S 60kwh model is just over $60,000 and has an EPA-
listed range of 200 miles, not 100. Big difference. The top-line 85kwh model is listed as
260 miles of range and Tesla has offered FREE CHARGING at it’s Supercharger locations
which as of today, offer freedom to roam California and to Vegas with zero range
anxiety – 85% full charge in less than 20 minutes. Recently Tesla demonstrated a battery
swap station wherein TWO Model S’s with the big battery pack were swapped in less time than
an Audi could fill up it’s tank! That’s quick! Full, fresh battery in 90 seconds and you’re
on your way. If you want to know when 77 Superchargers and several quick swap stations
will be online – go to their website.
The Tesla is wowing people left and right – gearheads are converting! – Even non-car folks
are just amazed. Drive the car – then spout your half-truths and falsities, OK? Listen to
( Man Show ) Adam Corolla, a major car freak – gush over Model S on his car podcast or
YouTube videos. There are so many things this car does that just can’t be detailed in a post
like this. Even Csaba Csere of Car and Driver – a traditional gearhead/gasaholic just was
overwhelmed at how good the Model S is – Google his extensive video review.
The Volt is good for me. They are deeply discounted now – and with tax credits can be
as cheap as a Prius with way more capability. Tesla is aiming at 2016 for it’s “BlueStar”
which will be a Camry-sized $30,000, 200-mile EV. 2014 the Model X AWD CUV built
upon Model S’s “skateboard” chassis will be built as a 2015 model.
Get your facts straight before you bloviate.
So you drank the kool aide.
Note I never said the Tesla was a bad car. I just said it was not anything special and that for the same kind of money GM or anyone else could build one. It is just an electric car.
The difference is Tesla chose to try a more expensive car vs. the cheaper car route and marketed this to the point they are making money. Most in the industry are shocked and are taking notice they have pulled this off. They did what many though was not possible.
This is why Cadillac is noticing as it is easier to make money on cars like this at a higher price point.
As for price yes a base model is just over $60,000 but once you start to add options the price can easily go over $100,000. Most sold were not base models and are priced from $80K-100K.
Your supercharger stations are not here yet and they are still not doing battery swaps. These things will come but as of now they are not available in most areas and some areas will not see them for years.
The Tesla is going to work out much of these issues but so will the rest of the industry too. This is a growing segment and will improve with time. As of now I can not drive one that would suit my needs as I would have to take two days or more to go what takes me hours now. That will change but it will be a while.
This is similar to the cell phones as for many years we had dead spots and that is what we will have electric cars and over time and investment more charging and faster charging along with better batteries will come.
As of now the Tesla is the right car for some but it is still not the right car for many.
Now if they can do a similar car for around $30K more will take interest.
As for the ELR I do wish that GM has done it more like a Tesla as most people in this price segment would make it a better car with the higher price.
As for the Volt it is the best thing for the price range it is in. It is the common mans car and with the next gen the price will make it truly a electric most could live with.
Making a cheap electric car is a major challenge and to make it for the average buyer is the real challenge.
Trust me I am not anti Tesla and nor anti electric as I even wired my new garage for an electric car in the future. But I also do not have rose colored glasses on and understand while the Tesla is a good car it is not a car got everyone and that is where the real challenge is. No one has done that yet but we will see it at some point.
Scott, you say this now, but once you get a Volt, you would never consider any gas car again. The Volt is superior to any gas car. The electric drive is more refined than gas cars. So an ATS or even an XTS may look flashy, but once you know how good an EV can be, no gas car can compare. When you get a Volt, you are getting a superior vehicle. Some day they may also be flashy like the XTS in the future.
Congrats, as you drive it more I want to know what kind of real world mpg you get from the gas engine?
Really wish I could use a volt. Looked at one when I bought my 2nd enclave. I am a professional driver (kids) and often drive 80 miles a day. Perfect for that.
However I also do stuff on the house and cabin. So I need something that can haul. Today I picked up 500# of slate for a firepit patio and Monday pick up 1500# of the firepit.
When the wife retires and the kids are gone we will probably go to one enclave and either a volt or ATS.
Congratulations. If I were in the market for a new vehicle, the Volt and the ATS would be on tops on my list.
Congrats and nice color choice! What influenced your decision to pull the trigger now vs. the purported price drop and range increase for Volt 2.0?
Hey Manny – Congratulations!
The Volt outshines the Fusion Energi PHEV and has twice the all-electric range.
My Volt gets looks and I have been followed and asked questions about it
ever since I bought it. It makes me proud to be part of the solution re: Energy Independence
and not part of the problem.
Share with everyone about the sheer quiet. Silence is pure luxury. Surely GM should have
marketed Volt as a Cadillac from the beginning, as ELR makes no practical sense for most
of us. I have 2 kids yet I still use Volt more than any other vehicle I own. A bigger back
seat would be excellent, but the amount of times I need to haul a passenger is far less
than I anticipated. The cargo area ( hatch with folding rear seats ) swallows anything from
Costco I can toss at it – and I love driving past gas stations. To date I am well over 150 mpg!
The one drawback for Volt owners is “gas anxiety”. It’s the exact opposte of EV “range anxiety”.
I stretch my all-electric use as far as I can. The car will remain all electric past 90mph. I’ve played
with HOLD mode and MOUNTAIN mode to increase electric range, but in the end – today I
just use momentum and smooth driving to get the most range – and I love passing gas stations.
On top of everything else – it’s comfortable and I love the sporty look of it.
My color choices were down to the Charcoal Grey or Pearl White – went with the white, but
the grey is my 2nd favorite.
WARNING: Every couple months – you may be assaulted by some Faux News viewer or oil company
employee who wants to bash you spout falsehoods about your Volt to you in the supermarket parking
lot. Just inform them that It was G.W. Bush that signed the stimulus package and that Volt was well
under development years before Obama took office. Also point out Bush’s inaugural address in which
he stated: ” WE ARE A NATION ADDICTED TO OIL!”…. LOL –
Happy driving!
Iam just glad theres no more Bushit to deal with.
I have never been assaulted in a parking lot, although I am a CCW packing Volt driver. I don’t think they want a 357 caliber heart massage.
I do get the occassional tailgater, but I lose them fast. I bet they are surprised they cannot keep up to an EV.
How long until you can’t stand the sound of the plastic aero bumper guard thing scraping over every speed hump, rock, stone, pot hole etc.
Lol
Can you even drive an electric car in the rain? Just kidding. Volt makes no sense in Kalifornia but it might work for you in MI because electricity is 20% lower in cost. I’d like to know your actual cost/savings: your electric bill spike divided by $4.00 gas (thanks Obama!) and the miles you would have got with the gas. The Volt might makes sense in Texas too since electricity is a 1/3 less than CA, (unless heavy running of the AC wipes out the range).
It’s the BEST looking of the bunch for sure, not like the ugly Prius or strange Leaf. (BTW I witnessed a Leaf take a t-bone hit from a Chevy Express work van and it did pretty well, considereing it flew up into the air) Passing up an ATS- you are A LOT stronger than me, at the final momemt I would be too weak, and end up driving that red ATS over-the-curb!
For now, CA subsidizes that with HOV lane access. Cutting your commute 30-45 minutes daily by being able to jump into carpool is a considerable savings to many.
Personally, I am disappointed that GM didn’t continue the Cavalier bi-fuel with natural gas options – the only natural gas ticket to HOV lane access is still the Honda Civic GX (and no, the Silverado Bi-Fuel 2500HD does not qualify).
Sorry to see this. A bit of research would prevent you from making this mistake.
Congratulations! Looking forward to lots of future long term road test updates!