[@bobbleheadguru]

Update:
The YouTube video series and blog (http://bobbleheadguru.com) that I have put together with my kids (Aliya Renee Khan, 14 and Ariana Yasmine Khan, 12) has already gotten the attention of a local newspaper (http://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2012/04/chevy_volt_owners_continue_to.html) and a local radio station where my kids did a live interview (1270AM, WXYT, http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/04/10/local-family-goes-to-bat-for-chevy-volt/).

We are continuing the series. Here is the latest post:
http://bobbleheadguru.blogspot.com/2012/04/chevy-volt-60-mile-commute-88mpg.html

Aliya Renee talks about how our Volt is able to get 88MPG even through I have such a long commute (60 miles roundtrip).

I would welcome comments!


Here is a spreadsheet that she reviews in the two minute video:

 

[bonaire]

I'd add the daily gasoline saved per day and monthly gas saved. You could also show "barrels of oil saved per year" computing out further. That is the angle of becoming energy independent by using less rather than just "saving money" or the "green" aspect.

I think you're using the "EPA averages" rather than the optimal numbers of summer-months where drivers get > 40 miles per charge and > 40 mpg on the highway. (they also diminish in the winter, so averages seems right to use when "analyzing"). This analysis should use the actual cost / delivered kWh times 13.3. So, if your electric bill is showing .11 per delivered kWh, this computation makes sense. Some places have higher and lower costs of electricity. Because of the variance, such analysis needs to show "what I pay for electricity per-unit".

 

[DonC]

Great fun series! Next assignment: Find a way to charge at work. If this happens things will really get interesting.

 

[fulks1947]

I watched Renee's video explanation and really enjoyed it. We bought a Volt two months ago and put gas in it the first time this week. It took nearly eight gallons of gasoline after 2,500 miles. We also used nearly $75 in electricity (825 kWh X .9 cents). We pay .9 cents per kWh but that also includes taxes and fuel cost adjustments in Oklahoma. My wife drives 41 miles round trip to work each day. She can normally make the round trip on all electric mode but on some days she may have a mile or two to drive on gasoline. We have the 240V charger and it takes about 3 1/2 hours for a complete charge. It was crazy passing those gas stations for two months. My Silverado takes $85 for a full tank of gas. That hurts! If FOX News and the right wing radio assassins don't destroy the chances for this type car to succeed, America could tell OPEC to stuff it.

 

[@bobbleheadguru]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try to incorporate those changes into the spreadsheet.

 

[Matt979]

I know a lot of people say the Volt averages 35 Miles per charge. After using the car for 7 months, I dont think this is correct. Once you learn how to drive the car and how things work you easily get around 35 miles per charge most of the winter and as soon as it turns 40+ you get 40 + miles all the way up to high 40 miles per charge. The average in Chicago suburb city traffic should be closer to 40 miles per charge. I personally also drive much more in the summer than in the winter which will also push the average miles per charge up over the year.

Add the fact that most regular gas cars get horrible gas milage in stop a go city traffic and short trips especially in the winter.

To this add the Volt ability to drive long trips at around 40 MPG at 75 or 80 miles and hour. There is simple no competition.

If you want a car that use very little gas and is fun to drive in the city and on the highway the Volt just hits it out of the ballpark.