Note: For more from Alexandra, visit the "Ask Alexandra" tab on the Chevrolet Volt Facebook page.
I hate to be average, but it turns out I am – especially as a Volt driver. GM has found that Chevrolet Volt drivers are driving about 1,000 miles before filling up, averaging 111 miles per gallon.
Ian and I have driven our Volt 6,665 miles and used 59.5 gallons of gasoline. This means we have filled up just over six times or, yep, every 1,000 miles. In fact, our dashboard says we are now getting an average of 112 miles per gallon.
I have mpg envy with my very un-average friend Jeff, who is getting over 250 mpg.
Every time I start using gasoline I feel like I am betraying the planet. That moment when the icon switches over from its beautiful bright green battery to the ominous blue gas pump my stomach gets queasy. I feel irresponsible when I don’t get at least 43 miles on a charge; getting my all time 50.1 on highway felt as good as losing 5 lbs.
Ian rolled his eyes at me one day when I scowled at his paltry 37 miles on a charge and said, “Alexandra, it is unrealistic to get super mileage every time we drive.” I thought “Why not? I bet I could get 45 miles on this charge if I were driving right now.” Although in the name of marital harmony, I didn’t say it.
I have only put gasoline in one of the six times we have filled up the Volt, as Ian is nice enough to spare me the pain. When I finally did put gas in our Volt, I was not a particularly happy camper – as you can tell by the photo which documented this occasion. I am embarrassed to need gasoline and to be seen at a gas station. That probably isn’t the average American sentiment, although in this case I would be thrilled to be average.
Batteries in cars have brought us terms like “range anxiety” and “hypermiling”. What term covers what I have: Hypermiling Anxiety, Gasophobia, Green Car Guilt?
Alexandra Paul is a longtime electric vehicle advocate, actress and former EV1 driver. She is working with Chevrolet to educate consumers about EVs and the Volt. Full disclosure, Chevrolet is paying her for her time, but her opinions will always be hers.
written by Jeff U'Ren, May 08, 2011
Sorry Alexandra, but I won't use more gas just to make you happy! :)
-
- +1
-
-
written by Michael Thwaite, May 06, 2011
It's probably like quitting smoking; you become hyper-aware apparently. When we have to rent a ZipCar to load up five people (we only have two 2-seater EVs) I always pray that the Prius or Insight I pick up is full of gas otherwise I might have to call a tow-truck when it runs out.
-
- +0
-
-
written by Alexandra Paul , May 06, 2011
-
- +1
-
-
written by Jason H, May 05, 2011
I think the only time I needed to use the gas was taking a trip to Long Beach from Hollywood. I started with a full Battery, got down there with 14 mi left, and then just outside Downtown LA, the Gas kicked in.
My Wife also used the gas once taking it out for business things. But I didn't leave her a full Battery when she used it.
I'm determined to go all year without buying gas. Disclaimer: I'm a veteran EV Driver - Converted Chevy Aveo that got 40 miles.
-
- +1
-
-
written by Joe Lado, May 05, 2011
What is really nice about the Volt is that when you are low on battery power and a friend asks you if you can drive him home, which is a little out of your way, you can say yes. I used a little gasoline getting back home but it didn't kill me. I also went to a place that was at the limit of my range. I managed to find a 120 volt plug and asked permission to use it while a did a bunch of activities. When I got back I had half the battery. I knew it wasn't going to get me home on battery alone, but it was going to get me a little more than half way there. I used two tenths of a gallon of gasoline to get home, which is a lot better than if I had used gasoline all the way there and all the way back. Remember, the name of the game isn't efficiency, it is gasoline displacement. Use the EV portion of that vehicle to its greatest advantage.
-
- +2
-
-
written by Guy M, May 05, 2011
-
- +1
-
-
