This is actually a good sign that EVs are coming out of the efficiency at all costs stage. Look at what people are buying - definitely not streamlined for maximum efficiency through the air.
Bolt EV windows down at 60 MPH
Some like to drive with their windows down. As many Volt owners know, the air hammering at speeds 40 MPH and up can present an acoustic challenge. (opening just a crack is fine). So I thought I'd test the Bolt at 60 MPH with windows fully down. No air hammering or thrumming.
Then I rolled them up again, haha. Highway noise is still highway noise after all, and the Bolt has a very quiet cabin with windows up. Quieter than my 2011 Volt.
Then I rolled them up again, haha. Highway noise is still highway noise after all, and the Bolt has a very quiet cabin with windows up. Quieter than my 2011 Volt.
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I would imagine as EV range continues to go up, the need to cut through air as efficiently as possible will take a back seat a bit.This is actually a good sign that EVs are coming out of the efficiency at all costs stage. Look at what people are buying - definitely not streamlined for maximum efficiency through the air.
I think the Bolt EV' side window area is not as slippery as the Volt. More turbulence around the windows = less or no thrumming / drumming when the windows are down. Not being able to roll with the windows down at any speed is a pet peeve of some Volt owners.I would imagine as EV range continues to go up, the need to cut through air as efficiently as possible will take a back seat a bit.
I'll bet your Bolt took a milage beating with the windows down at highway speeds nonetheless.
Might want to test under different wind conditions before claiming too much.
Max range was reported as 330, min range 229, car's estimate was 280 miles. I only opened them to test. I closed them again. You can go temporarily deaf in your left ear at highway speeds. I know, I used to do it in my younger days. Wear ear protection.I'll bet your Bolt took a milage beating with the windows down at highway speeds nonetheless.
Nice, good to hear.
Yes, if you look at the design of the volt fix, you can visualize how it works: it basically creates a vortex between the mirror and the window by sending air off the small forward wing toward the mirror and the wing on the mirror directing it back to the window, "shielding" that area from the wind. Quite simple, actually.I think the Bolt EV' side window area is not as slippery as the Volt. More turbulence around the windows = less or no thrumming / drumming when the windows are down. Not being able to roll with the windows down at any speed is a pet peeve of some Volt owners.
Sure, but my Volt doesn't seem to care about wind conditions. Windows all the way down is all it takes for my Volt.Might want to test under different wind conditions before claiming too much.
I did some more Bolt EV testing today. ONE window all the way or mostly down will result in some thrumming. Open a second window a crack or more and it goes away.
So it's better than a Volt so far I guess. I don't know if any car these days doesn't buffet in certain circumstances. We keep talking about how good aerodynamics are to blame. I'd be shocked if this car was too much different really. Maybe the roof shape helps? I don't know.Sure, but my Volt doesn't seem to care about wind conditions. Windows all the way down is all it takes for my Volt.
I did some more Bolt EV testing today. ONE window all the way or mostly down will result in some thrumming. Open a second window a crack or more and it goes away.
What.....?Max range was reported as 330, min range 229, car's estimate was 280 miles. I only opened them to test. I closed them again. You can go temporarily deaf in your left ear at highway speeds. I know, I used to do it in my younger days. Wear ear protection.
The anti-buffeting kit pretty much took care of the hammering my volt used to have, and the only time I get windjammer is if there is a crosswind that is strong enough to overcome the effects of the antibuffeting kit.Sure, but my Volt doesn't seem to care about wind conditions. Windows all the way down is all it takes for my Volt.
I did some more Bolt EV testing today. ONE window all the way or mostly down will result in some thrumming. Open a second window a crack or more and it goes away.
I used to drive with the windows down all the time to save on range, but at the expense of music clarity. Now, I've stopped hypermiling and it's auto Comfort mode on the climate control. I rarely drop the windows now.
For most people's commute, the Highway range beating because of windows down probably doesn't make any difference, as long as they are well within commuting range and have a steady, strong recharge at night. For example, my commute is 50 miles round trip. What does it matter if I come home with 180 miles or 150 miles on the guessometer? I would still recharge and refill this battery st night and leave the next morning with the battery topped off.I'll bet your Bolt took a milage beating with the windows down at highway speeds nonetheless.
I've only tested it a couple of times, but if I'm driving faster than about 30, I get lower miles per kwh with the windows lowered than I do with them up and climate control on. The Volt's pretty slippery all buttoned up, and that AC chiller is really efficient. Opened no more than about an inch doesn't seem to ruin efficiency much, but more than that is rough on the drag.I used to drive with the windows down all the time to save on range, but at the expense of music clarity. Now, I've stopped hypermiling and it's auto Comfort mode on the climate control. I rarely drop the windows now.
No, my "what" was in response to...Surprised me too, but so far I'm seeing max ranges well over 300 miles. I'm sure it will lower some when the demon starts driving it. Her commute is longer and about 50/50 city and highway.
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You can go temporarily deaf in your left ear at highway speeds. I know, I used to do it in my younger days. Wear ear protection.
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