The owner's manual clearly defines the electric range figure as an estimate, but the algorithm used must be fairly accurate as the actual mileage tends to be pretty close unless there are major variations - temp, speed, AC/heat, routes, tires, etc. Unless the estimate is unusually high or low I don't pay much attention. My Volt shows 42 mile electric range today - it may actually get 45 or 37, but either way it is not a big issue for me. I drive the car like I would any other car, the range is what it is, and the ICE extends it to whatever I need. The only numbers I really note are energy usage vs. miles, and total KW used at ICE start. They are a better reflection of vehicle operation and health.
Guess-O-Meter or Accurate Range Display?
I see some refer to the Volts range display as a Guess-O-Meter (GOM). My range display is pretty darn accurate, so why do some refer to theirs as a "GOM"?
I suspect the issue is based on the driver not understanding (or forgetting) things that affect car range. The car's range display is based on the drivers last few trips, and it is basically saying, "Based on the last few days of driving, you should get this range, all things being equal."
That last part is important, if conditions change, the estimated range will be off. This is where people get tripped up.
Changes in condition include:
I suspect the issue is based on the driver not understanding (or forgetting) things that affect car range. The car's range display is based on the drivers last few trips, and it is basically saying, "Based on the last few days of driving, you should get this range, all things being equal."
That last part is important, if conditions change, the estimated range will be off. This is where people get tripped up.
Changes in condition include:
- Tire Pressure. Low tire pressure will decrease range. It's very easy to loose 2-3 or more PSI when the outside air temps drop.
- Weather. Cold, wet, snow will all decrease range.
- Heater/A/C. Cranking these up will decrease range.
- Aggressive Driving. The more aggressive the driver is in starts and stops, the more the range will be negatively affected.
- Speed. Speed kills ...battery range. The faster you drive the more it will negatively affect the battery range.
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