http://inhabitat.com/test-drive-inhabitat-lives-with-the-chevy-volt-for-a-week/ Green design & eco innovation for a better world Thu, 23 May 2013 12:02:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc http://inhabitat.com/test-drive-inhabitat-lives-with-the-chevy-volt-for-a-week/comment-page-1/#comment-355902 rubley Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:30:10 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/?p=287115#comment-355902 I own a Volt. I had less than 40 miles on a charge just once, and that was when I bought it and I was giving full throttle joy rides. Normally I get 41-43 miles commuting, sometimes 45-47. If you charge in a garage pre-conditioning isn't really necessary in the winter, the heated seats become very warm very quickly on the high setting. And you're knocking the car for its behavior on dirt roads? You realize its 2011, right? I'm pretty sure ALL cars are designed to run on pavement. The front rubber air dam is designed to scrape on the ground, its a $40 throwaway item, I'll replace it when it wears out (think brake pads). I own a Volt. I had less than 40 miles on a charge just once, and that was when I bought it and I was giving full throttle joy rides. Normally I get 41-43 miles commuting, sometimes 45-47. If you charge in a garage pre-conditioning isn’t really necessary in the winter, the heated seats become very warm very quickly on the high setting. And you’re knocking the car for its behavior on dirt roads? You realize its 2011, right? I’m pretty sure ALL cars are designed to run on pavement. The front rubber air dam is designed to scrape on the ground, its a $40 throwaway item, I’ll replace it when it wears out (think brake pads).

]]> http://inhabitat.com/test-drive-inhabitat-lives-with-the-chevy-volt-for-a-week/comment-page-1/#comment-350933 jamesonbrent Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:10:47 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/?p=287115#comment-350933 Interesting, at least the A/C and heater are good enough that you don't really need pre-conditioning Interesting, at least the A/C and heater are good enough that you don’t really need pre-conditioning

]]> http://inhabitat.com/test-drive-inhabitat-lives-with-the-chevy-volt-for-a-week/comment-page-1/#comment-350367 Laura K. Cowan Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:03:54 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/?p=287115#comment-350367 Thanks for pointing out the issue, James! We double-checked with GM and realized we had a misunderstanding about the conditions under which the engine will turn on. Issue fixed in the article. The engine MAY come on to assist the car in preconditioning the cabin when turned on for remote start during charging, so it is somewhat silly to even consider using remote start for this purpose. Opening the garage door on the winter weather or charging the vehicle outdoors in the snow in order to heat up your cabin, hmm. :) Thanks for pointing out the issue, James! We double-checked with GM and realized we had a misunderstanding about the conditions under which the engine will turn on. Issue fixed in the article. The engine MAY come on to assist the car in preconditioning the cabin when turned on for remote start during charging, so it is somewhat silly to even consider using remote start for this purpose. Opening the garage door on the winter weather or charging the vehicle outdoors in the snow in order to heat up your cabin, hmm.

]]> http://inhabitat.com/test-drive-inhabitat-lives-with-the-chevy-volt-for-a-week/comment-page-1/#comment-349770 jamesonbrent Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:04:02 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/?p=287115#comment-349770 Having driven a Volt on multiple occasions I'm not sure I agree with some of your drawbacks. There is a Sport mode that gives plenty of power, flooring it will definitely kick you back in the seat. The car is worlds different than a Prius when it comes to acceleration. As far as I know the engine will not turn on when charging, the owners manual mentions nothing about this and have never experienced it myself (although it will come on if the car is on and the hood is opened). Also, you can charge the vehicle wherever you want, the car will baby the battery by either heating the pack or cooling it with the A/C system. During a hot day I went out in my garage and heard the A/C going to cool the pack so I know it works. Now if only I could afford one for myself :) Having driven a Volt on multiple occasions I’m not sure I agree with some of your drawbacks. There is a Sport mode that gives plenty of power, flooring it will definitely kick you back in the seat. The car is worlds different than a Prius when it comes to acceleration. As far as I know the engine will not turn on when charging, the owners manual mentions nothing about this and have never experienced it myself (although it will come on if the car is on and the hood is opened). Also, you can charge the vehicle wherever you want, the car will baby the battery by either heating the pack or cooling it with the A/C system. During a hot day I went out in my garage and heard the A/C going to cool the pack so I know it works. Now if only I could afford one for myself

]]>