voltstats.net

[Robert Hall]

I haven't seen this site mentioned here, but it's pretty cool...my coworker w/ the new Volt showed me this today--voltstats.net, where Volt owners can track their mileage, etc statistics using data pulled from OnStar...lots of data and graphs to geek out on..

http://www.voltstats.net/

[pow]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing. It appears Volt owners, on average, drive ten miles in extended-range mode after the battery is depleted. If Volt's EV range can be increased by 10 miles, then its fleet average MPGe would improve significantly, as Volt is efficient as an EV but quite inefficient as a hybrid (37 MPG according to both the EPA and July 2013 user stats).

At 16.5-kWh (rumored to be 17-kWh for MY 2014), the battery definitely has the capacity to propel Volt for 50+ miles. However, GM has programmed in a large buffer to ensure adequate performance in extended-range mode; Volt's generator produces a maximum 55 kW of power, while its motor can put out 111 kW. IMO, there should be a driver-selectable mode that allows the user to bypass extended-range mode for another 10 miles, with the understanding there will be reduced performance later. This mode would be useful when the driver knows the trip destination is within 10 miles and can charge upon arrival.

The user interface could be similar to the C-MAX Energi's alert when its accelerator is floored in EV mode. As the EV range approaches zero, a note could show up on the display asking: "Switch to battery reserve? Press OK." If the driver does not select OK, then the vehicle switches over to extended-range operation. Alternatively, the car could recognize destinations like home and work and maximize EV miles-driven accordingly.

[G. David Felt]

Very cool site, interesting stats. I agree with POW that there should be mode selectable options. I just wish they would put this power train in a full size SUV.

[Drew Dowdell]

There should be an "aggressive Eco" mode that allows for people to hypermile and add additional engine braking and a smaller battery reserve (some of the reserve is for battery health rather than performance)