Volt Owners Report Going 1,000 Miles Between Fill-Ups

by Michael dEstries April 21, 2011
Categories: Transport.

A little green car related news for you this morning.

According to a much-publicized report from GM, early Chevy Volt owners are reporting a staggering 1,000 mile between gas station fill-ups. Some have taken their vehicles even further.

“On April 11, I had to buy gas for the first time since filling up on Jan. 9,^”said Volt owner Gary Davis of Greenville, S.C. “In my Volt I’ve driven 4,600 miles on 8.4 gallons of gas. That’s an impressive 547 mpg that I am achieving with my Volt.”

Depending on driving conditions, the Volt can travel anywhere from 25-50 miles on EV power alone. According to GM, 80 percent of U.S. drivers commute fewer than 40 miles a day.

While the Volt is well outside the wallet range of most of us, it’s nice to know that this technology will eventually become cheaper. In an age of $4/gal gasoline (which may appear cheap in coming years), that’s a comforting thought.

Categories: Transport.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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Tinapoli

After research the facts (not knee-jerk opinions) about the Chevy Volt, taking a test drive, and doing the math (based on my current car, mileage, insurance), I bought a Chevy Volt. My first American car!

I could have bought a loaded Ford Edge, or a Nissan Maxima, or a Volvo, etc. (all in the same price range) as the fully loaded Volt was $34k (after tax credit). I chose the Volt instead.

The quiet and fun drive, coupled with the fact I can do almost all my driving gas free (I drive less than 40 miles per day like 80% of US drivers), but still drive cross country if needed using the gas engine was the clincher. Sure, my electric bill will increase ($1.50 in “e” to go 40 miles), but it’s far less than the $4 for gas. OPEC hates this car!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Erin-Elizabeth/566480478 Erin Elizabeth

Wow, didn’t even know they had a choice to use gas. We have two Tesla’s coming. With them I don’t think gas is an option… Strictly electric.

Tinapoli

A Tesla? Sweet! Lore has it that Tesla was the motivator for GM to do the Chevy Volt (though aimed at a different market).

To keep cost down GM opted for a smaller battery pack, bolstered by a 1.4L gas engine that acts as an onboard electric generator to power the electric motors. When the battery range is depleted, the Volt’s generator seamlessly kicks in and keeps the car moving. Most people aren’t even aware of the transition.

But I love that the Tesla has a carbon fiber body. The new S with the 300 mile option is ahead of the curve for sure. Congrats on the car. I’m sure it’s a head turner!