Observations on Fuel Filler Door & Charging Port Lid

It's isolated so they can't really do anything to it besides damage it physically. I doubt anyone
would really wanna mess it ? It carries the same reaction as a wall plug IMO, even though
it's not powered while the care isn't plugged in. Not to much they can do to it.

 

The 2013 Chevy Volt charge door is activated by a switch inside. I read there have been several owners who had problems opening the door.

I just read the 2014 will have the same type of door opening as the Prius. There must be a good reason Chevrolet is doing this.

 

As the vehicle is marketed as an EV vehicle, not being able to plug in due to a malfunctioning
power port would be a big drawback A simple manual door is the best. Even an interior
manual release is better then an electronic type, IMO If it is an electronic door, it should
have a manual secondary release that's easy to access. My Energi has an electronic door, but
also has a backup manual release with easy access. The K.I.S.S. method is usually the best

 

The only problem I've ever had with the charging port door was when a gas jockey was going to try and fill the car there. I had to get out of the car and explain to him what it was and then point to the gas filler door that was popped open.

 

i like having the fuel door on the left. that way everyone can stay to the right of the gas pumps. as for the charger door, i'm not chuffed about it, until i hear about actual vandalism.

 

Most of the owners here may be too young to remember this:
Cars in North America and those sourced in Europe other than the UK have their fuel fillers on the curb side opposite the driver to add an additional level of protection from damage from being"side-swiped"
This convention was around long before there were any "sealed" fuel tanks or vapor recovery systems required.
In addition, vehicles with single exhaust systems also generally had the muffler located on the side opposite the fuel filler to help keep any spilled fuel away from any hot exhaust components.
Most Asian vehicles like these and vehicles from the UK follow the same engineering convention except the positions are reversed because their vehicles are "right-hand drive" and the curb side is opposite what is found in North America or most of Europe.
The primary exception to this rule regarding Asian vehicles is related to those vehicles designed for and mainly sold in North America. You can easily identify these vehicles because they are far wider that the average vehicle built for the Japanese Domestic Market. They are commonly referred to here as "Captive Imports" because they are usually built in North America for sale only in this market and may be totally different from vehicles with the same model name that are sold primarly in Europe or Asia.

 

Having the charger door on that side is going to be a real PITA for us. The EVSE won't reach unless the car is backed into the space, which isn't easy in our location...

 

I do share the worries of the OP. I wish the lid was lockable.
Living in apartments building. While my parking space is privet, it is open and very close to the street.

 

I am having trouble envisioning the pump configuration. Here in California, gasoline stations typically have have pumps on both sides of one or more islands, so when you pull in, you chose a pump on the same side as your fuel filler. The hoses typically won't even reach across the car even if you wanted to; this is probably due to the vapor recovery design.

 

When I purchased my Level 2 charger, I thought I picked a good location. I goofed. I started backing in which solved my problem. That was a accident waiting to happen. I then purchased another Leviton charge cable off Amazon for $99. It was 25 feet and used 14 gauge wire instead of the 10 gauge on the original. More flexible and easier to use. On the day I was going to change it, I decided to relocate the Level 2 charger to a ideal location. That required running a new dedicated 240v line from the circuit breaker to the new location. A lot of work, but worth it. Didn't need the new charge cable and returned it. Either live with what you have, and make it work, or choose a location that's hassle free, if possible. I also, relocated my DirecTV dish, to a undisclosed, secret location, but that's another story.

 

If I can ever clean out the garage, I would be able to pull the car in and charge it. For now, I back into the driveway, too.

 

I'm really happy the PIP has the charge port where it does as I park on the street in front of my carport fairly regularly. This position still allows me to charge with an extension cord. In the driveway or garage I can always pull in the way that puts the port in the most convenient location. I can't do that legally on the street.

 

Fuel fillers lock to prevent siphoning.

 

I agree...would have been annoying to need to click a button every time you want to charge up.

 

Local lock would be fine for me. Once vandalized it can cost a lot.

 

I wish the gas filler was on the passenger side and the EVSE on the drivers side ..then I wouldn't have to be backing into my driveway when I want to charge up

 

Plenty of options to make charging easier. Easiest would be a high quality, proper gauge extension cord. Better, would be to extend the wiring of the closest electrical outlet.

 

Just no way to siphon those darn electrons.

 

Just get an extension cord. I've used one for months now, no issue.