Which Volt charger is more efficient, the 240V or the 120V charger?

We hear this question all the time, and it is a great question! The answer is that the 240V charger is more efficient, because it shortens the overall charge time.  However, this has less to do with the battery, because the Volt is able to manage the voltage and current flow to the battery at the same levels while charging regardless of what level charger the vehicle is plugged into, and more to do with other functions that support charging.

For example, there is a charge management and a thermal management system that run simultaneous to control charging. These systems manage current flow and battery temperature to safe levels and require energy to do so. Therefore, by shortening the overall charging time, you run those extra loads for less time, resulting in a higher percentage of the total energy used going to charge the battery.  

We had a chance to meet with racer Simona de Silvestro at the Geneva Auto Show. This year she will be racing in the Izod Indy Car Series driving a Chevrolet-powered #78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy car. Check out the video to meet this Volt owner and new member of Team Chevy.

For more than 50 years, Ferndale Electric of Ferndale, Mich., has been providing specialized electrical services for commercial buildings, such as manufacturing facilities, power plants, and public buildings.

Ferndale Electric CEO Art Ashley and his wife Mary recently celebrated two years of owning their Volt.  During that time, they

As a member of both the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Art is a proud advocate of all things electric. He drove his first Volt at IBEW’s Electrical Industry Training Center (EITC) – a facility that provides apprenticeship and continuing education for NECA and IBEW members.

Soon after his first Volt experience, Art says he knew he had to have one. He bought his current Volt in May of 2011 and remarks on how much fun he has answering people’s questions about the technology; namely, how many miles he drives and how often he charges it. His Volt has even reached 48 to 50 electric miles in a single charge – a feat he hopes to beat in the future.

What’s more, Art and his team at Ferndale Electric have installed EV charging stations all over the Metro-Detroit area, including: various General Motors facilities, the City of Mount Clemens and at the campuses of St. John Providence Health System. They’ve also been a leader in renewable energy projects since 2001 by providing engineering, procurement and construction expertise for Southeastern Michigan’s alternative energy market.

Art has spoken with many of his friends, family, colleagues and industry peers about his Volt. Art says many of his friends are seriously considering a Volt for their next vehicle purchase and one of his employees’ parents even went out and bought one after talking with Art about the car. He adds that people are always surprised by the Volt’s quiet ride and instant torque.

*Disclosure: EPA-estimated 38-mile range based on 98 MPGe (electric); 342-mile range based on 35 MPG city/40 highway (gas). Actual range varies with conditions. Volt owners on average, by charging regularly, are driving 900 miles between fill-ups.