#2013 CHEVY VOLT RANGE BATTERY DRIVERS#
#2013 CHEVY VOLT RANGE BATTERY DRIVER#

While each driver’s own electric range & efficiency will be determined by the “3 T’s“: Temperature, Terrain, and driver Temperament, the author has typically achieved 31 to 38 miles of initial electric range (over the course of 2.5 years).

#2013 CHEVY VOLT RANGE BATTERY DRIVER#

If a driver needs to travel on a long trip, then an extended-range “PHEV-eREV” such as a Volt can be driven any distance simply by refueling at gas stations every 300 miles as one would drive any conventional gasoline/diesel vehicle.

#2013 CHEVY VOLT RANGE BATTERY DRIVERS#

Travel survey data indicates that over 70% of Americans daily commuting is less than 35 miles per day, so most drivers can electrify all of their daily commute with this type of vehicle Powertrain architecture (3). This powertrain architecture solves the century old “range anxiety” issue experienced in pure BEVs at the cost and complexity of a combined electric + internal combustion engine. Once the battery is depleted the Volt automatically shifts to an efficient Hybrid-like mode for another 300-340+ miles using its 1.4L, 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It has a unique powertrain which drives the first 25 to 50 miles entirely on electricity alone (across all speed and load conditions from 0 to 101 miles per hour) like a pure battery electric vehicle (e.g. The Volt is not a traditional Hybrid nor is it a purely electric car. The Chevrolet Volt is a more complex “extended range electric vehicle” (eREV) which is a specific type of PHEV. There are no tailpipe emissions, maintenance is likely to be much lower than a conventional vehicle, and the electric motor powertrain typically emits lower levels of vibration and noise inside and outside the cabin than a vehicle with an internal-combustion engine. One charges the BEV battery from the electric grid (or power source), the battery powers the electric motor or motors, and once the vehicle battery is depleted the vehicle must be recharged or parked. BEVs are easier to conceptualize and have a number of compelling attributes.

Both of these types can be “plugged” in and charged from the grid, if designed so. To try to better explain PEVs, it is best to separate PEVs into two types: 1) pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs or “EVs”) which have only a battery and traction motor/ or motors for propulsion (1), and 2) plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) which have a combination of an electrically driven motor/ or motors combined with a petroleum (or fossil fuel) based engine (2).

The many new variations of PEVs, hybrids, advanced Diesels, and newest generation of advanced gasoline engines add to the confusion of which vehicle type is most appropriate for their needs. Most drivers simply want to reliably, economically, and conveniently drive and refuel their cars. It is reasonable to assume that most drivers are not, will never want to become, nor should be required to become experts in vehicle powertrain architectures. There are substantial differences in the powertrain architectures, driving characteristics and modes, and the “electric range” of each type. In conversations with other drivers, it is clear that there is considerable confusion about the different types of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Now, with over 30,000 miles on my 2011 Volt, I have learned a great deal about the way this vehicle functions the most favorable usage environments, actual efficiencies, and ongoing maintenance requirements. The hype has died down since the delivery of the first Chevrolet Volts in late 2010. Volt User Experience, No Hype, Just the Facts

2013 chevy volt range battery