Extreme Heat Affecting Chevy Volt Electric Range
It’s shaping up to be a hot summer, taxing not just electricity grids, but electric cars too. In fact driver’s of the Chevy Volt extended range electric car are noticing reduced electric-only distances when the mercury spikes.
In a thread on GM-Volt.com owners are reporting reduced electric only range by as much as 30 percent, and in some cases even more.
“I’d been getting 43+ miles on battery since I got my Volt,” writes forum member Trakehner. “It’s been in the high 90’s, and I’m using air-conditioning and still driving the same speed…and my mileage has dropped to 32-33! I didn’t realize the air-conditioning sucks up that much power.”
Another poster, with the handle HOUSTONVOLTAGE responds with a similar problem. “Also see a big reduction in miles. At night when the temperature drops the milage goes back to normal (45 miles per charge) but during the day if its 100 degrees, I run the fan on HI in comfort mode, and get about 30.”
The issue, however, is about more than just running the A/C on high admits Michelle Bunker Malcho, of the Chevy Volt communications team at General Motors.
“Batteries are like humans when it comes to operating at peak performance in various climates — they operate best at a comfortable temperature, ” she explains. “That means that if it’s either extremely cold or hot where an EV is operating, range will be affected. This is true of any EV, not just the Volt.”
Early reviews of modern electric cars tested in the North East during the winter months showed similarly dramatic losses of range. The Volt, however, with it’s gasoline range extender, makes the electric only range less of something owners have to worry about.
Still, GM has worked to put in place preventative measures to help deal with temperature extremes says Bunker Malcho. “That’s why the Volt uses a liquid cooling/heating system that helps to minimize the range loss.” Still, she admits, “range will be affected when an EV is operated in hot or cold weather.”
That is perhaps the real reason behind the spate of complaints from owners. While temperatures in the ’90s and even rising above 100 are not unusual in states like Texas and Arizona, a recent heat wave in the Midwest and North East is causing more people to notice just how much of an effect hot days can have on an electric car.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I have my volt for more then two years, it replaced my durango I had for twenty. I can't tell how more then happy I am with the volt. I was reading up on it for over two years before I jumped in and leased it. I leased it because I wanted to see if I was going to like it first and how the performance was. I also wasn't sure on the long term replacement value just yet. Well, the car is fun to drive and I am starting to see more of them on the road. I only have a 30 mile commute to and from work each day. I honestly forget what side the gas is on. I was doing $350 to $400 a month in gas with my Durango, and the price of gas wasn't as high as it is today. The lease payment is offset by the fact I rarely use gas any longer and my electric has only risen $20 more a month. I went from a Twenty year old Durango into a brand new car for less then I was paying in gas monthly, and money to spare. I return home from work with 10 to 12 miles left on the battery daily. Now , I do miss my Durango, the room and being up high is what I miss most. The lease is up this march and I might just purchase an EV vehicle after all. Chevy is coming out with a Caddy in the same form mat soon. Might have a look see! If capital cost was a concern, and battery replacement, don't buy a car and use your bike.
Volt owners I need some advice. I am considering buying a 2016 or 2017 Volt. I live in Charleston SC and the summers are fairly brutal in July 2016 the heat index averaged around 100 degrees and winters are fairly mild, rarely below freezing. Obviously I want to maximize my battery range. I live 7 miles from work, but the traffic is stop and go. 1. Using the remote start remote, can I turn on the heat or A/C wile plugged in, in my garage before I leave for work? 2. And in the parking lot 50 yards out side my workplace for lunch and on the drive home? I guess I need to try keeping it out of direct sunlight also. Any thing else I should know about the 2016/2017 models? Thanks, Tim