In the city, we recorded 31.67 mpg and achieved 36.0 mpg on the highway. In other words, we computed the fuel economy after the battery was depleted, both on our city loop and the highway trip. In addition to measuring EV range, we also recorded the fuel use when the car was in its "charge sustaining" mode. Still the Volt's EV range beat that first day when we were really trying: 33 miles. Also, we set the cruise at a typically brisk Michigan highway traffic speed-78 mph. Charge #3įinally, we drove the Volt for nearly 600 miles on the highway only, a tough test for any hybrid since there's no opportunity for brake regeneration. We must have recaptured more braking energy in the city streets than the previous day, because the Volt traveled 35 miles on just the battery. Charge #2įor the second charge, we stuck to city streets but operated the car normally, with the auto HVAC operating and without special driving techniques. Our hypermiling skill is clearly lacking: After 31 miles the engine kicked on. Our route meandered through Ann Arbor and the surrounding two-lane country roads. We turned off the climate control, which wasn't a problem since the outside temperature was roughly 55 degrees. It must have known of our usual lead-foot nature. The dash display said we had 48 miles of EV range, which dropped to 43 after the first quarter mile. After a 11-hour overnight charge using the cord stored in the cargo area and a 120-volt outlet in our garage (a 240-volt charger will sell for $490 before installation and will drop the recharge time by at least half), we set out to maximize EV range.
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