[Volgin]

I drove my old 2004 Volvo S60 into the ground at 242k miles, it had a compression failure that was causing one of the cylinders to misfire, so it was time for a new car.

I've been following various EVs for a while and I honestly thought an EV would be out of my price range, but I found a used Blue Topaz Metallic MY2013 Volt with 39k miles (20k ICE, 19k Electric) for a great price and jumped on it. I got it from a Chevy dealer that had it listed as a base model, but it actually had Safety Package 1 and 2, Premium Trim and Comfort Package, Bose sound system, and navigation. (or pretty much everything but the polished rims)

I've had it for almost three weeks so far and I love it. I was worried I was going to miss the acceleration of the 5 cylinder turbo in my old Volvo S60, but the Volt's sport mode is actually pretty fun.

I still need to figure out a decent method of charging. I currently rent a condo and work with no access to EV chargers or outlets. I've been dropping it off at a government building for a few hours every once in a while that has a 240v charger for public use.

Anyway, I'm excited to drive it! It's my favorite thing right now, haha.

 

[BAZINGA]

Welcome aboard, charging for non home owners can be a challenge, but the Volt is far easier to live with. The Plug Share app will help find public charging stations. But it wouldn't hurt to talk to your condo HOA about options. A simple 120V/8 amp circuit could add 20 to 25 miles of range over night.

What is your daily commute like? Oh and please spend some time reading the Owners Manual. The Volt does have a few quirks or differences from a traditional ICE vehicle to get it to operate efficiently.

Welcome aboard.

 

[Volgin]

Thank you!

I'm about 1/2 way through the manual, going through it cover to cover as time permits. The Volt is definitely unique and I'm really into technology, so I can I appreciate the differences from a traditional ICE vehicle.

As for my commute, I drive about 10-15 miles each way, about 10 of which are freeway miles. I do have a route that avoids the freeway, so for efficiency's sake I might start leaving for work a little earlier to accommodate it.