[MPG Mom]

Just picked me up a used 2013 Volt....well, a few weeks ago LOL

I previously had a LEAF, but the dealer apparently destroyed the battery leaving it at 100% in the southwest heat. Other than that, it was a great car....but it wasn't good for us with the burned out battery and 40 miles of range with no backup. So we swapped it out. Great car so far, but I wish it had a bit more all EV range and ability to fast charger, or at the very least 6.6 kW would be useful.

Given my location in southern New Mexico, this is probably the best EV I can get right now, due to limited charging opportunities outside of Tesla Superchargers.

I've been into gas-saving vehicles for a long time, from the Pontiac Fiero to a Jetta. This thing ROCKS so far. I've managed over 40 MPG at 80 MPH cruise set by choosing modes carefully.

Looking forward to several good years with this car until a full EV like the Bolt is in my price range and fast charging is more plentiful.

 

[VoltenRock]

Welcome aboard! Love the Gen 1 '13! pics?!

 

[DonC]

As a former Leaf owner I think you'll be happy with the Volt. It's definitely a better build. Plus you might get almost the same electric range on the Volt as you were getting on the Leaf!

 

[freshcut]

Congrats on the new car. You hit two points that many have "complained" about.....needing a bigger battery, or at least more usable battery and the slower 3.3kW charging limit.

Definitely feel you on the Fiero. I had an 86 2M4 with 5 sp. for many years. GREAT mileage! That 2.5 really is a bullet proof engine once the cooling system is dialed in, but I definitely enjoy the Volt a bit more, especially since it has A/C which my Fiero didn't have.

 

[linkim]

As a former Leaf owner I think you'll be happy with the Volt. It's definitely a better build. Plus you might get almost the same electric range on the Volt as you were getting on the Leaf!

I still have my 2011 LEAF, as will as a 2016 Volt. I haven't firm info, but I think the EV range of the Volt is greater than that of the LEAF. I can drive the Volt to a fully depleted battery, but can't/don't want to do the same with the LEAF. So the LEAF is strictly a local vehicle. The degradation rate of the LEAF battery is a major disappointment for me. On the other hand, I feel confident, based on what I have read in this forum, that the same issue will not be encountered with my Volt.

 

[wizard_of-ahs]

Welcome to the family.............you won't be disappointed

 

[MPG Mom]

Yes! I modified my L1 EVSE that had the Clipper Creek guts. Works great!

 

[MPG Mom]

There's my Volt at one of the local L2 stations.

 

[BAZINGA]

Welcome to the family. I believe over the long haul you'll drive MORE electric miles in your Volt than a Leaf for the simple reason you can use 100% of the batteries charge EVERY TIME you drive it. Plus depending on driving routine and locale you can easily beat the Volt's EPA rated range by as much as 20 even 30 percent. I owned two Gen I Volts since March 2012 and for months on end my average range was more than 45 miles.

Three tips increase your tire pressure by at least 2 pounds and change the ICE's oil over to Mobil 1or any other full synthetic oil and make sure the batteries TMS is properly serviced as outlined in the Owners Manual.

 

[TheBlueFlash]

If you needed more range you should have looked at a 2016 or 2017. There probably aren't any used 17's, but used 16's are floating around. I got my 16 used for a pretty sweet deal. The EPA rated range on them is 53 EV miles, but I routinely see close to 60.

 

[DaveG]

The Volt's range decreases significantly in very cold weather, e.g. below freezing. For example, our 2013 Volt's range goes down to around 27 miles. But in warmer weather it's still around 38 miles, and if we leave the A/C off and drive carefully, we can still get close to 50.

Anyway, my point is that, for many of the people who needed more range in the Volt, it was due to this cold weather issue. Assuming you don't live in some high elevation area of New Mexico, sub-freezing temperatures shouldn't be a problem.

Bottom line: I think you'll be surprised how much of your driving is all-electric.

 

[NinjaVolt]

That’s a great looking example!
Enjoy your (new to you) car.

 

[RePo]

I also have a Leaf and a Volt in the garage. I'm curious about your range loss in the Leaf- Did you not qualify for the 5 year/60k battery capacity warranty? Mine lost 4 capacity bars in 3 years and now has a brand new Lizard battery in it

 

[linkim]

I also have a Leaf and a Volt in the garage. I'm curious about your range loss in the Leaf- Did you not qualify for the 5 year/60k battery capacity warranty? Mine lost 4 capacity bars in 3 years and now has a brand new Lizard battery in it

My 2011 LEAF has lost 2 capacity bars and only 35.6K miles. Missed getting a free battery by a long shot, but I know drivers in this area who were able to collect on the 5 yr/60K miles warranty.