I don't live in a mountain range, but my guess would be the Volt engineers using the MM to build up a buffer of electricity so the Volt can pull juice from the generator and Battery when needed. I think this would allow the Volt to have a small engine.
My First "Propulsion Power is Reduced" Experience
Living in Phoenix, I have had no need to use Mountain Mode until today when I had to drive to Show Low. I hadn't realized just how critical it is to use Mountain Mode when driving in the mountains. I assumed the engine generator would take care of my needs on this trip. I was wrong.
Driving across the Valley, I used up all the traction battery power, and as I started up the mountain with the engine running things were fine for a bit, then the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" message came up and the car slowed, then slowed some more, then I had to pull over and stop. Having read related posts on this forum I knew what was happening, so didn't panic. Put it in Mountain Mode, waited just a couple of minutes for some battery charge, then all was well. Carried on the trip with no further concerns.
Once again, the Chevy engineers knew what they were doing in the design of the car to include Mountain Mode. Once again, however, it goes to show that driving a Volt requires some understanding of how it works.
I understand the Gen II cars have more power available from the engine generator such that Mountain Mode isn't really necessary. Yet another reason to lust after a Gen II Volt.
Driving across the Valley, I used up all the traction battery power, and as I started up the mountain with the engine running things were fine for a bit, then the "Propulsion Power is Reduced" message came up and the car slowed, then slowed some more, then I had to pull over and stop. Having read related posts on this forum I knew what was happening, so didn't panic. Put it in Mountain Mode, waited just a couple of minutes for some battery charge, then all was well. Carried on the trip with no further concerns.
Once again, the Chevy engineers knew what they were doing in the design of the car to include Mountain Mode. Once again, however, it goes to show that driving a Volt requires some understanding of how it works.
I understand the Gen II cars have more power available from the engine generator such that Mountain Mode isn't really necessary. Yet another reason to lust after a Gen II Volt.
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