Quote:
Originally Posted by cecil98
I read an article on the efficiency of the Volt vs. High Mileage (32mpg+) traditional vehicles. According to this study, the Volt will run an average of 25 to 30 miles on the battery before having to switch over to gasoline and subsequently needing a 10hr recharge.
The energy consumption cost for the Volt on a 4.5 hr trip was $.74 per mile while the 32mpg gasoline car's cost was $.10 per mile. The 10hr recharge costs the consumer roughly $18 per charge (included in the 74cents).
Obviously the article was much more detailed but, this was the gist of it. Also, in this article, they said msrp on the Volt was $46g...
Can anyone say "Solyndra" or "Evergreen Solar" or "Ener 1" ????
Over $539 billion of our tax $$$ have completely disappeared because of this cr@p!!!!
|
There were two main design principles of the Volt. The first principle is to be an efficient electric vehicle. Thus, if your daily commute is less than 25-30 miles, you will only be on the electric motor.
The second design principle was to have an extended range. Thus, if you are traveling more than 25-30 miles, you know that you will have the gas motor to rely on. You also know that you have the capability to stop at any gas station and get more fuel for the trip. With other electric vehicles, the range you can go and where you can recharge are major issues. With the Volt, you do not have this issue.
While I don't disagree with any of the math of the 4.5 hour trip, I would argue that the 4.5 hour trip shows the worst possible mileage scenario for the Volt. Just as the article of the person who used the Volt as her daily commuter on her ten minute commute to work and didn't buy any gas at the pump for several months would be the best case scenario. Lastly, the fact that the Volt made a 4.5 hour trip is a positive. There are no other electric vehicles that can make that trip.
Is the Volt the best choice of vehicle for everyone? No. If you are consistently making long trips in the vehicle, there are probably better vehicles for you. If you are looking for a daily commuter that can give you outstanding gas mileage, this could be the vehicle for you. The idea of buying gas every couple of months is outstanding.