I turned my 2013 Prius Plug in over to my wife and I bought a 2017 Volt Premier. I have driven it about 700 miles mostly on charge and so far I really like the car. I commute about 50 miles a day and most days I can make it to work and back on a full charge.
New Volt
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Congrats on the car. I think you'll find the serial hybrid nature of the Volt a more electrified experience. Obviously with a 50 mile commute you should be able to avoid gas on many days.
I thought the post says the commute is about 50 miles a day. Should be doable in all electric mode with 53 miles of range. Obviously some days might be more challenging and some days might be well in excess of 50 miles, so he might have to go into charge sustaining mode.
Using your experience when driving your 2013 Volt you can estimate how much driving range you will lose in your 2017 in winter. I estimate I lose between 15 - 20 % depending on whether I use any electric heat. I always precondition my Volt while plugged in to Level II EVSE. I use the heated seats and steering wheel.
The drive to work is 25 miles to get there and 25 miles to get home. There are a couple hills, everyone is going 65 to 75 MPH and on my way home at night it is pretty cold and usually raining so I after about a month I find that I end up with about 3-5 miles that I travel on ICE just before I get home.
Plop yourself in the outermost lane practical, set the cruise control at the limit when you can, you'll make it.
I have noticed with our 2016 Volt when switching to gas the battery is still being used until the engine is at or near operating temperature which usually takes a few miles or so, mpg's if I recall during that warm up span is usually above 40 mpg, pretty decent for a car that weighs well over 3,500 lbs.
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