If we had the Model S. Oh and when we do get the Model S, we only get the top end model and it's very very expensive - even for over here with 20% tax and import duties. I fear the Model S won't be the success here it is your side of the pond.
Oil change interval is whichever comes first of: a) 2 years b) When the oil life monitor tells you to change it
I'm only averaging 65% EV so I'll have to change it a lot sooner than you guys but still less often than my other cars.
I am trying to tell myself I don't need a new car but with my 30 mile roundtrip commute and the ability to charge at work for free it is extremely tempting. I am getting anywhere from 50-57 in the Prius depending on traffic patterns with an average speed of 35mph. I have driven 2011, 2012, 2013 Volts and thought about leasing so I can get a new one in 3 years when 50 mile EV is possible. Opinions?
A 30mile round trip is easy to cover in the Volt with your climate. I'm getting 38-45 miles of EV range here in Sacramento area and that is mostly freeway speeds of 60-70mph. I think the lowest I've experienced this summer was 34 EV miles but that was at 75mph and the AC cranked. From a money saving perspective I'm not sure it would pencil out unless you keep the car for a long time but free work charging can make a huge difference. Shear enjoyment of the car is another story. What's more important to you?
I see from your profile that you live in San Diego. You say your average commute speed is 35 mph. Under those conditions you would probably be getting a range of around 50 EV miles on a full charge most of the year even with today's Volt models.
Agreed. Low speed driving like that I would expect 50 miles or more of EV range. The other benefit of driving an EV or PHEV like the Volt is once you learn your range you can drive the car more normally and not have to hypermile to experience awesome numbers. It makes for a more relaxing/fun drive.
If your employer drops the free charging IE: fee based charging and you got a Volt, would you be miffed? DBCassidy
I wouldn't but I already pay a small fee for work charging. In the end I would still rather drive the Volt than the Prius even if the Volt became less economical because of overpriced charging fees.
Keep the Prius, You are getting good MPGs, it probably been very dependable to you. Also, it is a world class leader. You can not do better than that. The questions that need to be asked: Do all the other employees at your work take advantage of the free charging? If, other employees do not free charge, then why not? The questions I am asking about free charging is, initially a fine idea. However, if only a select few free charge, then the other employees have a valid point to bring to HR: why are a select few getting free charging, and we are not? (unless the other employees are compensated other ways: IE: free public trans. vouchers, a financial allowance, etc) Can you see where the issue of free charging is going, I have. Initially, free charging was just that, but during a brief passage of time, other non plug-in employees began speaking up. HR, and mgnt were faced with an issue: if free charging is offered to plug-in employees, why are the non plug-in employees not offered a free benefit? The above was presented to Legal and the result was: fee based charging. This was a quick, uncomplicated approach to being fair to all employees. What I am trying to tell you: free charging is short term. To base the purchase of a Volt with free charging being the main advantage is foolhardy at best. Again, the Prius can not be beat. Enjoy your current ride. DBCassidy
I've done 38.000km in 1.5 years with my Ampera. My Lifetime gas consumption is 0.65l/100km, that's about 350 litres of gasoline. I don't know my EV% ratio, as Ampera users don't have access to such a statistics, but id's say, that I'm doing about 90% EV, perhaps a little bit less. I don't know, why I can't Edit my previous post, but I just wanted to correct a typo, that I have consumed 250 litres of gasoline and not 350.
So, What is the point you are trying to make? Many on PC, easily have well over whatever amounts you post up. Yet they don't need to post it. Why? Prius is the world leader in longevity, legacy, dependability, and affordability. DBCassidy
I am very happy with my world leader Prius. It rides pretty good, better than the truck. Be happy with whatever you drive. DBCassidy
I assume it is because of the lack of availability in historical data that readers will be interested in the volt performance, so I post it. Many people appreciate the real world data. It is not necessary with the prius because the knowledge is widely available for the reasons you state. I have owned a prius and loved it. I have owned a volt and loved it. I am now looking at what to do when my lease runs out in a couple of months. I may buy my volt, try a Pip, or try something new again and try a ford plug in. I am glad you like your car and I'm not trying to knock you for it.
