[nrvous]

just thought I'd introduce myself as a proud new owner of a 2018 Chevy Volt Premier in Kinetic Blue! I took delivery of the car on Monday with just 5 miles on it. I have to say I'm delighted with the car and the buying experience was actually pretty pleasant overall. Many moons ago, my first car was a Chevy and I grew up in a GM family. After years of Toyotas which have been great, it's also nice to buy a Chevrolet made in good 'ol Detroit again. Kinda makes me feel good.

I am totally impressed with the amount of technology packed into this car and how well it all seems to work. I had to take a 250 mile round trip the second day I had it and really thought it performed admirably. I used EV hold for much of the highway driving and then used Normal mode for stop/go traffic. Worked out great! My normal commute is well under 53 miles round trip so I anticipate very rarely having to use the engine much at all.

I'm charging at 110V/8A at home and used the Chargepoint at my work.

The Chargepoint which is $1 to connect and $1 per hour. That works out to $0.47 (8.49 kWh for $3.97). A lot cheaper than gas but still a bit pricey compared to home. I will probably get an EVSE for home before the winter.

I did want to ask a question....Anybody out there use the 3M paint protection film?

The front of this car is pretty low and I'm worried about stone chips, etc. I'm planning on installing it on the painted door sills so I'll let everyone know how that goes.

Finally, I wanted to thank you all for such a enthusiastic, informative and active forum. I did a lot of my research about the car through this site and I found it invaluable. It really helped me take the plunge into EV so thank you so much!

Now that my new car is safely tucked into my garage and charging away, I have to say it really feels like the right decision for me. This car just makes so much sense to me and it's got to be the best kept secret out there.

I look forward to being a member of the forum!

 

[Steverino]

I did want to ask a question....Anybody out there use the 3M paint protection film?

The front of this car is pretty low and I'm worried about stone chips, etc. I'm planning on installing it on the painted door sills so I'll let everyone know how that goes.

I have it on my 2011 Volt yes. I have the Xpel brand on my Bolt. It seems thinner and less resistant than the 3M. If I had to do it over, I'd use 3M.

Either are better than a wax coat. Definitely taking the abuse the paint would otherwise get. I highly recommend a clear bra for the bumper, headlights, full hood, partial front fender, the roof line right above the top of the windshield, the side view mirror skullcaps and all door edges.

 

[Stockholm Volt]

Congratulations and welcome! You'll find lots of good info here.
I've had my '17 Premier for 13 months now and I am still impressed with it.

 

[frankie joe]

Congrats on becoming a Volt owner. I have a 2012 and 2017 and I still love both of them. A 240 charger would be great addition but 110 works also. Best Wishes!

 

[VoltAP1]

just thought I'd introduce myself as a proud new owner of a 2018 Chevy Volt Premier in Kinetic Blue! I took delivery of the car on Monday with just 5 miles on it. I have to say I'm delighted with the car and the buying experience was actually pretty pleasant overall. Many moons ago, my first car was a Chevy and I grew up in a GM family. After years of Toyotas which have been great, it's also nice to buy a Chevrolet made in good 'ol Detroit again. Kinda makes me feel good.

I am totally impressed with the amount of technology packed into this car and how well it all seems to work. I had to take a 250 mile round trip the second day I had it and really thought it performed admirably. I used EV hold for much of the highway driving and then used Normal mode for stop/go traffic. Worked out great! My normal commute is well under 53 miles round trip so I anticipate very rarely having to use the engine much at all.

I'm charging at 110V/8A at home and used the Chargepoint at my work.

The Chargepoint which is $1 to connect and $1 per hour. That works out to $0.47 (8.49 kWh for $3.97). A lot cheaper than gas but still a bit pricey compared to home. I will probably get an EVSE for home before the winter.

I did want to ask a question....Anybody out there use the 3M paint protection film?

The front of this car is pretty low and I'm worried about stone chips, etc. I'm planning on installing it on the painted door sills so I'll let everyone know how that goes.

Finally, I wanted to thank you all for such a enthusiastic, informative and active forum. I did a lot of my research about the car through this site and I found it invaluable. It really helped me take the plunge into EV so thank you so much!

Now that my new car is safely tucked into my garage and charging away, I have to say it really feels like the right decision for me. This car just makes so much sense to me and it's got to be the best kept secret out there.

I look forward to being a member of the forum!

8 kWh for $4? Yikes... That probably isn't any cheaper than gas.


You can run your stock EVSE on 240V and charge at 240V 12 A, which will get you a full charge in roughly 6 hrs from completely empty.

 

[Eagleco]

Congratulations! We bought a 2018 Kinetic Blue Premier in November. It's been excellent so far, no problems.

The Volt replaced a Mazda 3, which was my 2nd Mazda, and I had a couple of Hondas before that. This was our 2nd Chevy in recent years, the other being a 2011 Cruze Eco which we still have and enjoy.

I had Chevrolet's many years ago, and it is nice to have them again. GM had some dark years, but they have regained my business. It looks like yours too.

Jon

 

[nrvous]

Thanks and great advice. I have seen the 3M kits on ebay for much of the front end and will check that out. Hopefully it's not to bad to work with and doesn't leave bubble under the film, etc. I guess working with the sills first I'll get a little experience before moving on to the harder panels.

 

[nrvous]

I know, it's a lot, right? The way I figure, let's say it takes 4.5 hours to charge from empty to get 53 miles.

so $5.50 for 18.4 kWH to go 53 miles.

My old car got 20mpg combined. Gas (took 93 octane) is $3.239 so to go 53 miles in that costs $3.29x 2.65 gal = $8.71

Basically saving only around $3.22 per 'fillup'. Better but not great. I think I ought to see if they could bring the rates down or give a discount for employees. I guess it's a nice option to have if I'm going somewhere after work if I need it but will definitely get the charger for home. I still have to research the whole EVSE thing and which one to get. I love all this stuff!

 

[nrvous]

Nice color and totally agree about Chevy! I've been pleasantly surprised so far. I'm driving this car thinking that any car I ever buy in the future will be EV. I hear they may put this package in an Equinox or Traverse at some point. That would be perfect for my wife!

Funny story - I had to tell my buddy at the Exxon station that I was going to miss him since I'll rarely be coming by anymore! It was sad...but I think I'll get over it!

 

[deeks]

Clipper Creek offers good EVSE at reasonable cost.Installed model LCS20P (I think it was) prior to Volt LT arrival & only use that at home.Plan on your EV miles estimate to increase fairly quickly if you drive moderately-challenging & fun!Enjoy!

 

[Eagleco]

Another vote for Clipper Creek. We just got the LCS-20 and it works great. Clipper Creek is also made in the US. An American made EVSE for an American made car!

Jon

 

[BAZINGA]

My Clipper Creek LCS-25 is going on 4 years old and operates like the day I installed it. Made in the USA too. I owned 2 Volt for 18 months and that EVSE got a work out and NEVER an issue. Built like a tank. And welcome aboard. And consider joining VoltStats.net

 

[nrvous]

Thanks! Yes, that one always seems to score very well in the reviews that I've read so its a contender for sure. It also seems like a lot of people who own Volts like the Aerovironment turbocord too. Thanks again!

 

[jcanoe]

Thanks! Yes, that one always seems to score very well in the reviews that I've read so its a contender for sure. It also seems like a lot of people who own Volts like the Aerovironment turbocord too. Thanks again!

You will need to install a dedicated 240V circuit (20 amp minimum) in your garage to be able to charge using Level 2.

I have no experience, good or bad, with the Aero turbocord except to note that compared to the latest import offerings it is about twice as expensive. The going retail price for a 16 amp 240V Level 2 EVSE with an off-shore brand/label is under ~ $200.00 USD including shipping.

The made in the US ClipperCreek (CC) LCS-20P, at ~ $400 USD, is a very good Level 2 EVSE for charging a Volt. One option is to purchase a previously owned CC EVSE. These are available from CC for less $ than new.

 

[Guest]

I know, it's a lot, right? The way I figure, let's say it takes 4.5 hours to charge from empty to get 53 miles.

so $5.50 for 18.4 kWH to go 53 miles.

My old car got 20mpg combined. Gas (took 93 octane) is $3.239 so to go 53 miles in that costs $3.29x 2.65 gal = $8.71

Basically saving only around $3.22 per 'fillup'. Better but not great. I think I ought to see if they could bring the rates down or give a discount for employees. I guess it's a nice option to have if I'm going somewhere after work if I need it but will definitely get the charger for home. I still have to research the whole EVSE thing and which one to get. I love all this stuff!

Congrats on the car. A few questions, because that Chargepoint fee structure is outrageous.

How long is your commute and how much time do you have at home at night?
Do you benefit from off-peak electric rates and what time do they start?
Is there a reason you're not charging at 120V, 12A? How old is your house/electrical system?

While it is still way cheaper than your old 20 mpg premium gas car, I think gas would be cheaper for you than the Chargepoint in the Volt. Remember, you're now getting 40-50mpg on regular. I recommend doing the math on your annual commute fuel cost between your Volt and your old car one day. It's a fun excercise .

Second, the connection fee on the Chargepoint will make any charges other than full charges from zero really, really expensive (as opposed to just being pretty expensive for a full charge. You mentioned $3.97 for 8 kWh, which gets you about 35-40 EV miles in good conditions, with no climate control use. A gallon of gas gets you 42 miles (at least). I'm guessing that a gallon of regular is less than $4 near you, but I could be wrong. You should look into your own electric rates, but 42 miles of EV range on my home electric costs me about $1.70 (even after accounting for electrical inefficiencies). A full charge is about $2.60.

Increasing the amperage on your level 1 charging will significantly reduce your charging time. I initially was doing this and my charges completed at 3:45am-5am most nights. Make sure you have the electrical system/components to support it, but as long as you have a dedicated circuit with copper (not aluminum) wiring to the breaker, and nothing else connected to the outlet, you're probably in good shape. Of course, a Level 2 setup is also very nice, but probably unnecessary depending on your use case with the Volt.

Just to give you a little case study, I still haven't had a chance to inspect all the wiring in my home, so I've been conservative with charging, using only 8A. I usually get home around 7pm, and leave around 8am the next day. With a 28 mile round-trip commute, I have consistently been either fully or very nearly fully charged in the morning even at the slowest charging rate. I sometimes take a short trip to the store at night, which will bring me back down a couple bars, but is still plenty to get me through the next day's commute. Depending on your electric rates, you could be paying more than twice as much to charge on a Chargepoint station than you are at home.

Just some thoughts to mull over. Generally, if you find you're going to have to pay to upgrade your electrical at home, it's probably more cost effective to go ahead and add another 240V circuit rather than merely beefing up your 120V outlet.

If you get substantially reduced off peak rates and have a commute north of 35 miles, Level 2 makes a lot of sense.

 

[nrvous]

Thanks for the recommendations and the tip about the used models on their site. I am planning on doing a dedicated 30 amp circuit I think and maybe 40 to future proof a little if my panel can handle it (200 amp service and gettin' a little crowded in there)

I like the idea of going with the plug in model rather than the hardwire in case I ever have to move it, etc.

 

[jcanoe]

Thanks for the recommendations and the tip about the used models on their site. I am planning on doing a dedicated 30 amp circuit I think and maybe 40 to future proof a little if my panel can handle it (200 amp service and gettin' a little crowded in there)

I like the idea of going with the plug in model rather than the hardwire in case I ever have to move it, etc.

Check with CC regarding the plug options for the LCS-20 EVSE. CC offers 30 amp plugs and 50 amp plugs for the LCS-20P but not a 40 amp plug; if you need to use a 20 amp circuit the LCS-20 would need to be hard wired as CC does not offer a 20 amp plug option on this EVSE.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the recommendations and the tip about the used models on their site. I am planning on doing a dedicated 30 amp circuit I think and maybe 40 to future proof a little if my panel can handle it (200 amp service and gettin' a little crowded in there)

I like the idea of going with the plug in model rather than the hardwire in case I ever have to move it, etc.

I have a 200 amp service like you. When I enclosed my car port into a garage, my brother in law who was helping me asked "do you want to put a sub panel down here?" I said "no we just run some extra lines down here for heater and extra plugs and lighting. Years later I got a 240V air compressor, wall oven (for curing powder coating and high temp paints), wanted more lighting in garage, welder etc. When I renovated the house starting 8 years ago (I do all the work myself) I was able to run the wire down to the garage for a 240V subpanel with all those things. Of course electric cars weren't in my picture. I could have run an extra line for it. As it stands the car shares a plug with the air compressor. Every garage should have a subpanel, especially if you like to work with your hands.

 

[nrvous]

Wow, thank you for this detailed and very insightful response. Never thought to compare to the fuel usage of the new car itself instead of the old car! If I assume 40mpg in EV Hold mode and 87 octane at $2.999 I come up with the following for 53 miles:

Gasoline: 53/40 * $2.999 = $3.97
Chargepoint Charge: $1 hookup plus $4.5 for charge time = $5.50 for 18.4 kWH!!!

Wow, no wonder I never see anyone else using them!

My round trip commute is right at 36 miles and my usage habits sound a lot like yours. I am definitely going to do my charging at home instead of work!

Currently I have a 20 amp circuit for the garage outlets but it's wired with 110V outlets - probably could handle the 12 amp charging rate since nothing else is on that circuit except garage. I will have my electrician inspect and give his blessing just in case. I am also going to talk to my work about how the pricing structure we are using is doing absolutely nothing to encourage EV use over gasoline.

Thanks again for your very enlightening post!

 

[jcanoe]

Wow, thank you for this detailed and very insightful response. Never thought to compare to the fuel usage of the new car itself instead of the old car! If I assume 40mpg in EV Hold mode and 87 octane at $2.999 I come up with the following for 53 miles:

Gasoline: 53/40 * $2.999 = $3.97
Chargepoint Charge: $1 hookup plus $4.5 for charge time = $5.50 for 18.4 kWH!!!

Wow, no wonder I never see anyone else using them!

My round trip commute is right at 36 miles and my usage habits sound a lot like yours. I am definitely going to do my charging at home instead of work!

Currently I have a 20 amp circuit for the garage outlets but it's wired with 110V outlets - probably could handle the 12 amp charging rate since nothing else is on that circuit except garage. I will have my electrician inspect and give his blessing just in case. I am also going to talk to my work about how the pricing structure we are using is doing absolutely nothing to encourage EV use over gasoline.

Thanks again for your very enlightening post!

You should be fine charging @ 12 amps using your existing 110V circuit. Recommend changing the 5-15 receptacle for a new commercial/hospital grade receptacle for a secure connection. Also, don't let the EVSE hang and be supported by only the pigtail end (power plug). The EVSE housing needs to be properly hung or anchored to the wall so the weight of the EVSE and charging cord is not pulling on the receptacle and power plug. Figure on 4 miles of EV range per hour of charging using the 12 amp setting. 10 hours should be sufficient for recovering ~40 miles of EV range versus needing almost 15 hours @ 8 amps.