[ClarksonCote]

Question for all of you that may want an inverter kit for the Gen 2 Volt, similar to what is available on the 2011-2015 models.

Would you prefer the plug be accessible without opening the floor up?

Instead, if below the floor, there's a nice spot in the center where the connector could reside, for example, just in front of the battery. See the image on this post: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?279841-Trunk-Junk&p=3922793#post3922793

The floor lifts up to reveal this section quite easily, which is why I pose the question.

The other option is to have the connector accessible from the left compartment of the hatch, which more closely resembles the inverter kit for the Gen 1 Volt. However, this requires a bit more cabling and routing, and getting the cable through to that location is a bit tighter and probably a bit more annoying for people to install.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

 

[edk-austin]

I don't have a gen 2, but I like the idea of keeping the cables short. I did something similar with my gen 1. And it makes it easier to remove too, if selling or further modifying the car. It does make it awkward if trying to place the inverter on Top of the floor cover. I was thinking of putting a hole in the floor at one point (with suitable cover plug, of course). Then one could just pop off the small cover, and plug in the cable in through the floor. But how often does one really need this convenience? Twice in 3 years for me, so far.

 

[MrEnergyCzar]

Love the gen 1 kit. For Gen 2, how will the car remain on for long periods? Put it in neutral with the parking brake on?

 

[firehawk72]

Question for all of you that may want an inverter kit for the Gen 2 Volt, similar to what is available on the 2011-2015 models.

Would you prefer the plug be accessible without opening the floor up?

Instead, if below the floor, there's a nice spot in the center where the connector could reside, for example, just in front of the battery. See the image on this post: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?279841-Trunk-Junk&p=3922793#post3922793

The floor lifts up to reveal this section quite easily, which is why I pose the question.

The other option is to have the connector accessible from the left compartment of the hatch, which more closely resembles the inverter kit for the Gen 1 Volt. However, this requires a bit more cabling and routing, and getting the cable through to that location is a bit tighter and probably a bit more annoying for people to install.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

Make both an option. I have the kit for Gen 1 and have found the side access to be ideal. I don't know how hard it is to run those cables, but for Gen 1 I found it to be quite easy...maybe Gen 2 is harder, dunno. But if it isn't too difficult, just make it an option as it is a lot cleaner install and would prove much easier to use. I have used mine with electrical tools in the trunk. If I had to raise the trunk cover, then I would have to empty the trunk of all my tools to use it. That is not ideal.

Question: I have often wondered if I purchase a Gen 2 could I use the setup from my Gen 2? Any concerns?

 

[ClarksonCote]

Question: I have often wondered if I purchase a Gen 2 could I use the setup from my Gen 2? Any concerns?

The Gen 1 kit won't fit, unfortunately. Different lengths of cabling etc. due to the design differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2.

Love the gen 1 kit. For Gen 2, how will the car remain on for long periods? Put it in neutral with the parking brake on?

Yes, that's an option. People have the same limitation with the Gen 1 Volt now. I believe keeping the shifter button depressed using a rubber band works as well, and allows you to stay in Park, which some people prefer.

If you don't go this route, the vehicle will shut off after something like 90 minutes.

 

[Ben Young]

I'd like the easiest install possible. what's most important to me is having enough juice to power up a 25cu ft fridge periodically and to run an oxygen concentrator during a power outage.

 

[bentbiker]

I'd like the easiest install possible.

Are you talking about the one time installation of the cabling kit, or the installation of the inverter whenever there is a need?

 

[Ben Young]

Installation of the kit.

Are you talking about the one time installation of the cabling kit, or the installation of the inverter whenever there is a need?

 

[bentbiker]

Things to think about.

When I use my Gen1 kit, I like to close the hatch with the inverter on top of the floor. It would be a major pain to remove my spare, rear area mat, and everything else from the hatch area for use. Because of the heat from the inverter, I then open both rear windows for air circulation and run my extension cable(s) out of the window. If the floor of the hatch had to be propped up against the back of the rear seats and somehow rigged to stay there, I suspect it would effectively seal off the hatch area allowing a temperature buildup.

I felt/feel the original setup with always-ready DC plug in the left compartment was an ingenious solution . . . just input from a happy customer.

 

[ClarksonCote]

Thanks for the feedback all. The kit is designed and shipments begin 9/18. In some ways, the install is actually easier than the Gen 1, given that you can now remove the full "false floor" of the hatch with very little effort.

The kit is designed to operate with the inverter sitting on the floor of the hatch when needed, and connection to the 12V system can occur quickly when needed using the same area/location as the Gen 1 Volt, i.e. a quick DC connection point in the storage compartment on the left-hand side of the hatch.

http://www.evextend.com/Gen2-Chevrolet-Volt-Kit.php