Some questions before I go much further.

5184 Views 33 Replies 22 Participants Last post by Runion, Apr 1, 2017

Shivetya

Discussion Starter · Mar 6, 2017

I finally test drove a Volt today. (Kennsesaw Georgia dealer, the Marietta people vanished while I was looking at theirs so I went up the street). Drove a LT with leather, heated seats, and bose upgrade. The salesman (the Volt guy, not the one I first chatted with) showed off a Premier with both driver confidence modes, mostly so I could see it park itself. I just have a hard time justifying that differential in price.

So, is the Bose upgrade in a LT equal to the Bose in a Premier? (subwoofer/8 Speaker)

Other than optional nannies (as the both have backup cameras) the LT with bose/leather/heated is missing what? Different wheels? Heated rear seats?

If I want to add a faster charger in my house, only standard outlet in garage, what are my options can costs sans install? Can I buy it online? If so what would be best to keep the car topped off.

How have 1k trips been? Just like any other car?

Is there a cover for the rear cargo area?

The only issue I have with the Kennesaw area dealer is all the crap they want to tack on which I won't accept, some brake light gimmick (brake flash - not sure name horrid price), standard interior protection stuff, wheel locks (who steal volt wheels?) and such. Nothing I would accept. Since I can buy with supplier pricing I don't even have to tolerate their standard doc fee.

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freshcut

· #2 · Mar 6, 2017 (Edited)

All great questions. I can't comment on the Bose specifically, but I would imagine the Bose system is identical whether optioned for the LT or standard in the Premier.

As for charging options at home, a 220V line would need to be installed. Most seem to go with a 50 amp dryer style socket (14-50). Clipper creek seems to be the preferred manufacturer for home EVSE's and their 32 amp model would definitely be more than enough for the Volt, and sufficient for future use as well. The HCS-40P would be a good all around unit to have and runs about $600. They are definitely easily available online and can be found on most any EVSE/EV based website and even available on Amazon.

*One note on the EVSE that comes standard with the Gen2 volt is that it can actually do L2 charging (220V) with only a plug adapter, so in that event, you can just have the 220 line installed and build an adapter plug to convert the 5-15 plug on the EVSE to whatever style plug you have installed for the 220 line. It's SLIGHTLY slower than other L2 units because it's limited to 12A but it will cut your charging time to less than half that of 120V.

Long trips in the Volt are wonderful. I have a Gen 1 and have taken it on a 300 mile drive to Vegas a couple times and find it to be quite comfortable and still have about 1/4 of a tank left or just slightly less. I just jump in and go.

There is an option called the VoltShelf offered by Scarlett1 that might be exactly what you're looking for. He has some very nice volt items he custom builds.

As for negotiating with the salesperson, make it known up front that you have no interest in any extras. It's standard practice for them to offer extras that cost them little/nothing for insane prices and usually only amounts to someone going and grabbing an aerosol can of scotch-guard that cost $15 and charging you $300.

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RePo

· #3 · Mar 6, 2017

Anytime I see that super annoying illegal brakeflash I want to gouge the bulb out with my knife if it's standing still, or shoot it if it's moving.

Neromanceres

· #4 · Mar 7, 2017

The Bose in the LT is the same as in the Premier.

The charge cord that comes with the 2017 Volt works at both 120V and 240V. You would just need to craft a 240V adaptor and have an electrician wire a 240V receptacle. I would recommend a NEMA 6-20 receptacle. At 240V 12A the car will fully charge in about 5.5 hours.

To charge at maximum speed (full charge in 4.5 hours) you would need to buy a separate EVSE charge cord. I would recommend something like a ClipperCreek LCS-25.

If you plan on possibly getting another EV in the future you might want to consider an even higher capacity EVSE like the ClipperCreek HCS-40.

Mossdad

· #5 · Mar 7, 2017

I dont know about others, but the regular charging 120v has worked fine for us. I don't have a long commute, and almost never run gas. Just charge overnight and am good to go. So you might want to decide how often you would actually "use" the shorter charging time.

I drive once a month 240 miles round trip in a day. The Volt is fantatic on the freeway. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a serious road trip.

wws

· #6 · Mar 7, 2017

The Premier adds:

- Auto dim rear view mirror
- Heated front seats (also optional in the LT Comfort Pkg)
- Heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel (also optional in the LT Comfort Pkg)
- Illuminated vanity mirrors in visors
- Wireless device charging
- Front Park Assist
- Rear Park Assist
- Auto Park Assist
- Heated outside mirrors (also optional in the LT Comfort Pkg)
- Split-Y 5-spoke wheels
- Bose audio (optional in the LT)
- Leather seats (optional in the LT)
- Blue light tubes on front doors

The two drivers confidence packages stack on top of the Premier. The DC 1 package has the side blind zone alert lights in the outside mirrors and the rear cross traffic alert. This is a really helpful package. Especially considering the blind spots in the car.

The DC 2 has the front auto braking (for emergencies), lane keep assist (helps when your attention is distracted), and Intellibeam (auto high/low headlight switching). It is probably less useful in practice, but not that expensive to add. I think if the front auto braking helps prevent or mitigate just one accident over the life of the car it will have easily paid for itself.

Finally the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) stacks on top of DC 1 and DC 2. It wasn't available when I bought my 2016. But lots of folks considered it such an important feature that they waited for the 2017s to get it.

For your other questions:

The car does come with a cloth cover for the rear cargo area. Nonetheless a lot of folks purchase a more solidly made Voltshelf from forum member scarlett.

Others have answered your question on charging. But to summarize, cheapest path to L2 charging is to simply build a plug adapter for the factory "charge cord" (EVSE) and charge at 12 amps. Many have an electrician install a 50 amp NEMA 14-50 receptacle because it is the defacto standard for large Recreational Vehicles. (Tesla actually includes a 14-50 adapter with all their cars to allow charging at RV parks and campgrounds around the country.) A 14-50 is overkill for a Volt - which is limited to 16 amp charging. But it helps 'future proof' for cars that can charge faster than the Volt can.

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Shivetya

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 7, 2017

A few more questions.

Center console display, any method to prevent washout in sun? Noticed during my drive it wasn't as bright as I expected when the sun got to it.

ipod. have an old 30 pin I use in my current car (30 pin to usb+audio) it appears this might be the same setup for Volt?

Can this adapter be purchased somewhere? Googlefu netted me a link to https://www.etsy.com/listing/384390572/chevy-volt-chevy-bolt-ev-level-2-charge Is that what I would use? So have electrician install a 6-20 to use it?

I did not see the cloth cover for the trunk area, I believe I asked about it but I may be mistaken.

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TheBlueFlash

· #8 · Mar 7, 2017

I have a question about the cloth cargo cover. My 2013 Volt came with a black cloth cargo cover, but my 2016 did not. I wonder if they discontinued these in the gen 2 models? Does anyone know where I can order the cloth cover? Didn't have much luck on any GM parts sites. I couldn't find a part number on the cover either.

pcons

· #9 · Mar 7, 2017

TheBlueFlash said:
I have a question about the cloth cargo cover. My 2013 Volt came with a black cloth cargo cover, but my 2016 did not. I wonder if they discontinued these in the gen 2 models? Does anyone know where I can order the cloth cover? Didn't have much luck on any GM parts sites. I couldn't find a part number on the cover either.

You should have gotten a black cloth cargo cover with your gen 2. Try looking under the floor in the rear hatch, where the 12V battery and tire inflator is. Mine was there in a small bag.

davemac616

· #10 · Mar 7, 2017

Shivetya said:
ipod. have an old 30 pin I use in my current car (30 pin to usb+audio) it appears this might be the same setup for Volt?

Yes, but I've had mixed results with my 2017 Premier and iPods. The only one that works reliably (for me, that means the ability to choose a playlist) is my old 60GB model. The new 128GB iPod Touch and even the old 80GB and 120GB models don't display any of my playlists. Maybe that's because they hold more of my music library, so YMMV. Also my car may not have the latest Bluetooth update because the center console typically reboots at least once after starting, and sometimes much more than once.

Shivetya

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 7, 2017

last question, well mostly.

How fast before you start to notice real impact to range? Parts of my morning commutes are on 55/65 (10 miles or so) highway and a brief section of that on way home. Rest is mostly 35/45 roads. Yeah, got a 25mi country commute in Metro Atlanta...

Sheldon

· #12 · Mar 7, 2017 (Edited)

Shivetya said:
last question, well mostly.

How fast before you start to notice real impact to range? Parts of my morning commutes are on 55/65 (10 miles or so) highway and a brief section of that on way home. Rest is mostly 35/45 roads. Yeah, got a 25mi country commute in Metro Atlanta...

Averaging 55-65 mph, you should still get the full EV range of 53 miles. In mild weather with climate control on ECO, 53 miles of EV range might even be possible at 65mph. Inflate your tires properly, I keep mine at 37-38psi vs the 36psi suggested. Recently, I got 55 miles of EV range in a mixture of 55-70mph highway plus some 45mph country roads. At 45mph, I would guess you can get as much as 65-70miles of EV range, so speed makes a huge difference. The roads here aren't flat, but not huge hills either. Around 75mph, EV range is maybe 40 miles.

freshcut

· #13 · Mar 7, 2017

Shivetya said:
Can this adapter be purchased somewhere? Googlefu netted me a link to https://www.etsy.com/listing/384390572/chevy-volt-chevy-bolt-ev-level-2-charge Is that what I would use? So have electrician install a 6-20 to use it?

Yes, that would work and you would have the electrician install whichever style plug you choose, and order appropriate plug for your adapter from the drop down menu on the site you linked. I noticed on the drop down they offer a 14-30/40/50 for $5 more which would be the more standard style plug I mentioned earlier and would give you future ability since the 6-20 will limit you to about 16 amps safely, 20 amps maximum, sufficient for the Volt or most any plug in hybrid, but would be limiting if in the future you decide to go with an all electric vehicle.

Unfortunately these are a custom item which is why they're not generally available through the normal channels such as amazon, home depot or other big chain type places and it is listed for offer on Etsy. You MIGHT be able to get your electrician to make one up for you when they install the 240V line which may be cheaper than buying a premade. The 6-20 plug is a pretty uncommon plug which seems to be primarily used for electric hotel style AC/heater units but will be sufficient for the Volt since it's limited charge rate.

If your electrician is going to do a new wire run for your plug I would suggest asking for heavier gauge wiring that would be suitable to upgrade in the future should you decide to just go with the 6-20 plug today. It will cost more now but the advantage is that later if you decide to install a higher output EVSE you would be limited to only upgrading the circuit breaker and plug since the wiring should already be sufficient and only adds to the initial installation by the cost difference of the wiring rather than having someone come back later and run new, heavier gauge wiring.

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Arcanox

· #14 · Mar 7, 2017

RePo said:
Anytime I see that super annoying illegal brakeflash I want to gouge the bulb out with my knife if it's standing still, or shoot it if it's moving.

It's obviously not illegal, as most new cars come with them.

I prefer it, and personally hope it becomes mandatory to flash the third brake light a few times before it becomes steady, because it has definitely saved me a couple times when I couldn't see solid lights well because of glare, etc.

TSquare

· #15 · Mar 7, 2017

Shivetya said:
I did not see the cloth cover for the trunk area, I believe I asked about it but I may be mistaken.

When not in use, it is folded up into its own pocket, into about a 6 inch square. Check under the hatch floor around the air compressor or maybe in the side storage bin. If it is not there, the dealer removed it and gave it to someone else that couldn't find theirs.

snic

· #16 · Mar 7, 2017

Shivetya said:
How have 1k trips been? Just like any other car?

Pretty much. Keep in mind the cargo area is pretty small, and the back seat feels very cramped. So if you're thinking 1k trips with two teenagers back there, you're going to get some squawks. Unless they are small teenagers. Also, the climate controls are far less effective in the back than the front - that goes for both a/c and heat. The premium model comes with rear heated seats, but it's a huge cost difference from the LT and IMHO it's not worth it.

For 1 or 2 people, long trips are fine - and in fact the Volt is so much fun to drive, and the MPG in ICE mode is very good, so the Volt isactually ideal.

hellsop

· #17 · Mar 7, 2017

freshcut said:
If your electrician is going to do a new wire run for your plug I would suggest asking for heavier gauge wiring that would be suitable to upgrade in the future should you decide to just go with the 6-20 plug today. It will cost more now but the advantage is that later if you decide to install a higher output EVSE you would be limited to only upgrading the circuit breaker and plug since the wiring should already be sufficient and only adds to the initial installation by the cost difference of the wiring rather than having someone come back later and run new, heavier gauge wiring.

Yah. The cost difference between a run of 120v 20amp line and 240v 50 amp line, including breaker and outlet cost difference is gonna be not more than $100 for pretty much everybody.

Shivetya

Discussion Starter · #18 · Mar 7, 2017

hellsop said:
Yah. The cost difference between a run of 120v 20amp line and 240v 50 amp line, including breaker and outlet cost difference is gonna be not more than $100 for pretty much everybody.

Well I don't mind which one I get as long as it allows for fast charging provided I buy the car. However that is looking less likely as I have yet to encounter a Chevy dealer who either doesn't give a **** or is not a stealership

Arcanox said:
It's obviously not illegal, as most new cars come with them.

I prefer it, and personally hope it becomes mandatory to flash the third brake light a few times before it becomes steady, because it has definitely saved me a couple times when I couldn't see solid lights well because of glare, etc.

Well this dealer in Kennesaw is tacking on 299 dollars for it. As in it is a big hell no. they have nearly 1k is addon crap on ALL cars

fcummins

· #19 · Mar 7, 2017

Shivetya

I went through this back in December at (I'm sure) the same dealer - Carl Black. Sunday went to Carl Black and Brandon put us in a white Premier to test. I wanted to take it on the highway but it's only allowed on the 24-hour test drive (which I didn't even know was an option - been a while since I bought a new car). Left there and went to Woodstock Ford to test the Fusion Energi. Came back to Carl Black Monday to 24-hour test the Volt and Brandon put me in a Blue LT with Bose and the Comfort package. Loved it. Went back to Woodstock on Tuesday for the 24-hour test of a black Fusion Energi. Didn't hate it but was definitely far inferior to the Volt. Spent Wed., Thu. and Fri. emailing and calling dealers all through metro-ATL to find the best deal. Went to Brandon Fri. night with my offer on the Blue I drove and he matched it. No one tried to sell me on anything - he and I agree on the price, sent me to finance where I was paying cash and out we went. Could not have been a better experience.

It has the Bose and is the same as the Premier Bose as well as the leather seats and heated seats/steering wheel/mirrors. I picked up the lower Clipper Creek Level-2 (I think the LCS) for $350 and had it hard wired for $150. Have not done any 1000k trips yet but, like you, am in ATL rush hour daily. And it came with the cloth cover for the cargo area.

I have an 80-mile round trip commute (north Cherokee to Windy Hill). My worst day has been a little over 50 miles battery and right at 40 mpg on ICE. My best day has been a little over 70 miles on battery and around 45 mpg on ICE. I filled up once in Feb. ONCE. Were I still driving my Wrangler daily to work (it's in the basement now for weekends) I'd be filling up 2 or 3 times a week.

My only complaint isn't even with the Volt - it's that the DOT has decided that AFV will *NOT* be able to use the HOT lanes for free on the Northwest Corridor like they can on I-85. Not the only or even the biggest reason why I bought the Volt but it *DID* factor into the monthly savings part of it.

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sparty

· #20 · Mar 7, 2017 (Edited)

Arcanox said:
It's obviously not illegal, as most new cars come with them.

I prefer it, and personally hope it becomes mandatory to flash the third brake light a few times before it becomes steady, because it has definitely saved me a couple times when I couldn't see solid lights well because of glare, etc.

This is contrary to my anecdotal findings, most cars I see do not have them.. It is a common rip off tactic by the dealers. I don't believe I've ever seen a Volt with one.

BTW - I looked up the code in my state, Oregon. I think many other states have similar code.

ORS 816.100 - Brake Lights
(4) Except as provided in subsection (11) of this section, brake lights shall emit a steady burning light.
(11) Brake lights for motorcycles may flash intermittently, provided that the brake lights do not override the rear turn signal function.

So the mod is illegal in at least my home state of Oregon for a Volt.

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