[stripedrex]

Got a great deal on a used 2014 Volt and enjoying it. Both my family's other cars are 300 - 400+ hp / torque turbo cars with sticky tires and very fun to drive which I push quite hard. I was impressed by how well the volt drove so I went for it. I have solar at home for just almost 100% of my usage and free plug in access at the office which is only 7 miles away. Because of that, I keep the car in sport mode and accelerating almost WOT A LOT. Enjoying turns, etc. I usually keep it within 10 mph of the speed limit too I just get there quick =). Being an electric motor, any thoughts on long term impact with constant aggressive driving? Anyone else here have a high mileage Volt driven with spirit? I'm guessing there will be some impact on the battery but the motor I'm not sure. I haven't seen any reports of hybrids or electric cars needing new motors. Do they degrade performance wise over time? Any feedback would be great =).

 

[deekster_caddy]

I'm not worried about the electric motors. They are doing what they are made to do. My advice to have more fun - put some sticky tires on it. I run Michelin Pilot Super Sports in the summer and holy moly does this suspension respond. You can really take it around corners at speed with confidence.

 

[viking79]

The volt has cooling for both the battery and the motor is, so it shouldn't have too much impact on longevity. The battery will probably suffer more, full throttle means higher current is flowing, meaning more heat. As stated though, since the battery is cooled internally it should minimize damage. A passively cooled battery like in the Leaf will suffer more from heat.

 

[brushmore]

My other car is a corvette. For a commuter car, I really think the Volt is a lot of fun to drive that's for sure.

Just my thinking but I would say an electric motor will suffer less wear at full power vs an ICE.

 

[stripedrex]

Thanks guys, I am thinking about getting stickier rubber. I usually have a summer / winter set but might just get high performance all seasons on it (gforce comp2). The stock tires are pretty decent. Since most of it's driving life will be very short trips I think I will prioritize fun thank you =). How many miles do the spirited drivers here have on their Volts?

 

[deekster_caddy]

Thanks guys, I am thinking about getting stickier rubber. I usually have a summer / winter set but might just get high performance all seasons on it (gforce comp2). The stock tires are pretty decent. Since most of it's driving life will be very short trips I think I will prioritize fun thank you =). How many miles do the spirited drivers here have on their Volts?

My 2013 is at 54000. I have very few concerns about longevity, it's holding up very well besides a few relatively minor issues common to all Volts. I live in New England so summer/winter tires works out well for me. Lots of fun in the summer, and snows in the winter lets me use it for ski trips etc. I used to spend $100 in gas for a ski weekend, now it's about $20. With the price of lift tickets these days it really makes a difference. Also remember that miles put on your winter tires just mean that your summer tires will last longer!

 

[Jim in Tucson]

My 2013 Volt has been driven aggressively since day one. Currently at 35,000 miles. Today's guess-o-meter range was 32; max is 38. Most reliable car I've ever owned.

 

[Norton]

... Because of that, I keep the car in sport mode and accelerating almost WOT A LOT. Enjoying turns, etc. ....

Don you worry bout a ting!
The battery, inverter, transaxle all have separate cooling systems and the thing is engineered with a nice long warranty. I believe the electric components are all over engineered.

However, the way you drive it, it sounds like your Volt is always a hybrid of sorts, burning electrons and rubber! Enjoy!

 

[novaks47]

Everything electrical on these cars appears to have been over-engineered. As in, say the motor can regularly handle "x" amount of power, the car has been designed to provide the motor a maximum of significantly less than "x". Add to that the liquid heating and cooling of the batteries, plus better than it ever really needed to be battery management, means you can flog away, and you'll only suffer more frequent tire replacements.

On a side note, I mean all that in a positive way. This is a case where over-engineering is very welcome!