Trade Prius for Chevrolet Volt

Five years ago there was a desire here to pound every driver into a Prius shaped hole. One advantage of a model lineup is that we can easier see different owners need different cars. (Even if *GASP* some of them are not Prius)

A rising tide lifts all boats. I wish you smooth sailing.

 

I get really crappy mpg on ICE for 2 reasons. The 2 typical scenarios I use the ICE is when I run an errand after work, and barely go over my EV range - so the ICE is on for less than 5 minutes. Not enough time to warm up, so my mileage is poor (just like the first 5 minutes on my 2007 Prius).

The other scenario is long weekend drives on the freeway, where I hit 75 mph. Also not good for mileage.

 

The 2010 introduced faster warm-up time. The plug-in model reduced it even further.

It will be interesting to find out what the next generation models will bring.

 

One of the factors is warmer air is less dense. So as long as the added energy from the AC is less than the lesser energy required to move through the air, you can continue to see gains.

 

One of the factors is warmer air is less dense. So as long as the added energy from the AC is less than the lesser energy required to move through the air, you can continue to see gains.

 

(1) If it's a 2014 less chance of it being a mistake.
(2) You live in FlatLand so the 1.4L engine will be able to keep up without issue and you should get decent fuel economy relative to the rating.
(3) You live in a hot climate so the climate control won't have a problem keeping up.

Thanks for choosing to burn less gasoline.

 

Yesterday, I was on a closed track.... chasing a Tesla P85+ with a Volt. It was quite amusing.

There's no contest that Volt delivers more EV power and better handling, an upgrade to Prius without debate, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Tesla.

Audience has always been the primary issue. Toyota aimed squarely at middle-market, those buyers who were looking for something reliable, affordable, practical, and comfortable. GM didn't; instead, their target was enthusiasts. There would be nothing at all wrong with that if there was also a choice offered for their everyday customers. So, we ended up with an unbalanced choice which fits some people really well. Just not something for the masses.

The tax-credit makes Volt a bargain right now. If the tradeoff is a nice fit for you, go for it. Remember, some purchase decisions carry emotional weight. So, choosing doesn't have to totally be a factor of looking good on paper. There are of course considerations like resale value to keep in mind, since the market for plug-in vehicles is rapidly evolving. Some regret may come in a year or so when the next generation is revealed.

These are definitely interesting times.

 

Nice posting, John.

 

In Oct. 2013 we purchased a 2014 Volt. With the tax credit and $4,000 off MSRP the price came to $26,000 about
the same we paid for our 2010 Prius III in May of 2009 when we purchased it. The Volt was also financed 100% with a GM special of 0% interest through Ally Financial.

We still have our Prius and the Volt is a great car. My wife drives to work 32 miles round trip and never needs to
put gas in it. We have a level 2 charger that can charge the battery from empty to full in 3hrs 50 minutes.

With the Prius still in our stable and our new Volt we have the best of both worlds. I have noticed that the Volt does not get as good the MPG's when running on pure gas mode as the Prius. Even though the Volt can still get in the low 40's mpg's when driven reasonably. Now with warmer weather a recent trip just on gas mode with our Volt delivered over 43 mpg and the Volt does not over estimate mpg's like the Prius, if anything it under estimates. Electric range also as increased from 35-38 miles now to about 42-45 miles on a charge.

As far a driving the Volt beats the Prius hands down....

 

Another could be the battery's thermal control system's logic. In 70 degree temps, the battery might be warm, but not warm enough to take action. At 90, system starts actively cooling the battery to a temp where it is more efficient than when in the 70s. That efficiency increase at the battery could be greater than the loss of the cooling.

But it is likely a host of things. Less denser air, plus increased tire pressure also add in. The tires will be about 2psi more filled at 90 v. 70.