I would seriously doubt that the 2012s would get the 2013 batteries (for example, the software would likely have to be different as well, and the 2012 service manual would need to be updated). Even if it might, is it worth a gamble of a couple hundred bucks to maybe get something and maybe not (and would you even know)?

From a resale perspective, it's unlikely that anyone buying the car used in the future would pay more based on the VIN. But for a new car, knowing that it had likely spent less time sitting outside on a dealer's lot (or on a train or whatever), it might be worthwhile. I'm guessing perhaps 2-3 months time difference between the two cars, as far as when they were built.

 

If that matter to you, you can check if these ones are late MY2012 care with or without, the ''Engine Assisted Heating / Plugged-in" parameters as seen here.

About the increased EV range (and Hold mode), you'll have to wait for the MY2013

 

I did not even notice that I had this feature. Is this something new for 2012 that was added as a rolling change and early build 2012's don't have?

 

You could go test drive the newer one and deplete the battery. Check the power meter to see if you get 10.5 kWh or not. If you hot rod it with the HVAC full on maybe you can get it done in 30 minutes! I plan to pick up my 2012 Thursday and will get to check this on the 55 mile ride home.

 

I believe someone reported their 2012 MY car didn't kill the center console when the radio was turned off. I'd look at this. That would be worth a couple of hundred bucks.

 

The difference between the 2 cars would be worth $0 for me. Cars aren't like milk or bread (unless the car has been sitting on the dealer's lot for many, many months). Personally, I can't understand the fixation about turning the radio off (although I mute mine as occasionally necessary).

 

IF there isn't a difference in options or deal that you prefer, I'd take the later one. There are a couple changes that GM rolled in incrementally which the newer car is more likely to have. If there's a difference in price, or if the earlier car has an option you like better, I'd take that. Either way, it's an awesome car, and getting around to buying one is more important than debating over which one, IMO...

 

Whats this 10.5kw number all about...my 2012 got 10.6 the other day when we ran it right out of juice.

Luckily it switched over about 200m from my front door so no big deal.

 

The 2012's (and beyond) show you the amount of electricity the car used. In your case, you used 10.6kWh. The number can fluctuate slightly, as the initial charge and the charge at which it turns on the gas engine vary a bit.

 

I have heard that recently built cars may have 2013 cars battery chemistry and therefore increased ev range? Any other advantages ?

I believe that the newer MY2012 Volts likely do have the new battery chemistry. I just depleted my battery for the first time and reached 10.9kWh Used. From what I have seen posted from others, this is a bit more usable charge than on the MY2011 or earlier MY2012 Volts. Also, the newer VIN will likely have newer software installed. For example, on recent Volts, it is now possible to turn off the radio and still display the Home Screen, Energy and Climate controls. My VIN is #C-27825. I'd go with VIN #C-26129 if both Volts are otherwise identical.

 

The whole thing seems to be a mixed lot. My 2012 was built one month ago, does not kill the center stack when you turn off the radio (it works like most people think it should). I do not, however, have the "cold-weather ICE turn-on point" options that people have been seeing of late. I also have not seen more than 10.4 KW used during a charge, that I can recall. I will watch that more closely, though, going forward.

 

What are the last five digits of your VIN? Do you have Nav?

 

28233, no nav, with MyLink. Also has heated/leather seats.

 

I watched more closely today, and I used 10.7 in my constructed-six-weeks-ago 2012. It was 102F (or hotter... the car said 110F, but I don't believe it) here today and I used a lot of A/C, showed the car to a coworker (1 mi test drive, plus lots of high A/C while sitting and showing him the interior, opened hood so gas engine came on, etc.). Total miles was about 44, all 68MPH+, except the test-drive & 1 mile each approaching and leaving work. Ran out of electricity at 35 miles. This is my worst performance to date, BUT, this was with a lot of abuse, high temp, driving fast, etc.

10.7 is the highest KWHr consumption I can remember the car reporting. Not guaranteed, just the highest I can remember.

 

10.7 is the highest KWHr consumption I can remember the car reporting. Not guaranteed, just the highest I can remember.

We'll need to see if we can get earlier 2012s to chime in here (or get GM to show kWh on 2011s, or get those with later 2012s and DashDaqs/OBD2 interfaces to check). It would be very interesting if some 2012s did get the new battery.

I was also realizing that there could be issues with the EPA in doing so (as it would change the EPA numbers).

 

YES, YES, YES. Any car that avoids having the battery enhancement recall done AFTER manufacturing is a definite. Well worth the price if extra.

 

Interesting, we get easily 10kw+ on a regular basis...I also did not notice any increased range. It just shows 80km when fully charged 99% of the time. Sometimes it is slightly below 80km based on outside temps, but rarely is the initial range below 79km.

In the past I have done several "weird" trips that I attributed to just good driving skills translating over from my Honda Civic Hybrid.
On these occasions I drove my first 15km of distance without using more than about 1-3kms of battery range on the display. The terrain is mixed, hilly as well, ie. not all downhill.

So...what I wonder is....could the software in the car limited to displaying 80km initial range...but the battery has some extra initial capacity that is not being displayed?

I believe that I may have the 2013 battery capacity due to this increased "initial range" and the ability to use 10.6+kwh.

 

I believe that the car will not display an estimated range beyond 50 miles (or 80 km.) I drive too much freeway too quickly to see this, but that's what I've read on the forums.

 

My 10.9 reading was on a day with a high of 68 degrees. Hot for Seattle I guess

 

Fairly certain I saw 10.9 kwh used on mine. I should have snapped a pic.