[VOLTSPG]

I purchased a 2018 Volt in June of this year. It is my first electric vehicle.

I have noticed that when running in extended range (i.e. after the charge is depleted) the front quarter panels are very, very hot when my drive is over. The hood itself is not as hot.

Is this normal? Is it related to how the generator exhaust is vented?

I'm really enjoying the car, but this is a concern I would like to put to rest.

Thank you to any one who responds.

 

[Eagleco]

Although it's not readily visible in back like most cars, the Volt has a normal exhaust system, so it should not cause the front quarter panels to get hot. The generator is a standard automobile engine that GM uses in other vehicles. The Malibu uses a turbocharged version for example.

I can't think of a reason why they would get unusually hot. Some engine heat probably can be felt through the quarter panels I would imagine. The hood is insulated so that's why it does not get so hot.

If the engine were actually overheating you should get a check engine light or some other warning.

Maybe someone else has an idea.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[MikeyCVolt]

Do you have access to an IR thermometer? I'd be interested in how hot is very, very hot since the term can be subjective. Probably just under hood heat. Also, if your car has been in the sun, the sun can actually heat the panels up pretty hot, particularly if it is dark color paint. In such cases, you might want to measure the temperature of the fenders vs rear quarter panels to see how much heat is coming from the car vs the sun.

In my experience, most ICE vehicles can heat up the front fenders. This is still subjective but it's not uncommon for fenders to get hot enough that if you hold the back of your hand to them, it can be uncomfortably warm. If it's hot enough to where you jerk your hand back in pain, that's probably too hot!

Mike

 

[pianocaddie]

VOLTSPG: Where do you live (maybe add your general location to your signature? It sometimes helps when trying to diagnose issues...)

I assume you mean "front fenders"? Can you be more specific what part of the fender is getting hot? I can't imagine that it's the entire front fender. Also, what color is the car? Yes, this matters, as a light color will reflect sunlight heat more than a dark color.

 

[Steverino]

Unless your gas engine is on fire, what you feel is simply the wasted heat given off by gas engines. Gas engines waste 75% of every gasoline dollar as heat (and noise).

 

[VOLTSPG]

I purchased a 2018 Volt in June of this year. Great car.

This is my first traditional car. I have noticed that when running in extended range (i.e. on the generator after the battery is depleted) that the front quarter panels are extremely hot to the touch. I am used to a hot hood on a traditional gasoline car but these are much hotter.

Is this normal? What is the cause? Is the generator exhaust directed out in this area on both sides of the car?

Hoping someone can tell me if this is a cause for worry or just how it is.

Thank you.

 

[VOLTSPG]

I am sorry for this duplicate thread. I just found the responses to my earlier posting of this question.

 

[VOLTSPG]

My car is white. I am referring to the panels right above the front wheels. I will see if I can find a way to measure the temperature. I went to the dealer and they basically dismissed it as normal without much explanation or exploration.

Thank you for the replies.

 

[pianocaddie]

Where do you live? Consider putting the general location in your signature.

 

[FI Spyder]

If you've watch Live PD when they are following a suspect from a helicopter using FLIR, the fenders and hood of cars operating are lit yup while rear of the car is not so the engine is heating up the hood and fenders. If hood is insulated it may feel less warm.

 

[saghost]

Exhaust is routed to the rear and vented under the car. There's no reason the fenders on a Volt should be hotter than on any other car - probably cooler, actually, since the engine is never idling and seldom pushed as hard, even in extended range mode.

I don't have an immediate answer for you - presumably this is more than just the car being out in the sun on a hot summer day?

 

[Steverino]

The OP has posted this multiple times. Answer shopping?

 

[Cord]

are we talking about the area that has the DC power converter electronic box ?