Hi, folks -
I am looking to buy a Gen 1.
According to an article I can't link to (because I am too new to this site), it could be easier on the battery if I get a white or silver car:
"Silver and white cars are cooler, says study (Oct. 25, 2011) - The researchers had two cars in the sun for an hour, one black and the other silver, parked facing south, in Sacramento, California. The silver Honda Civic (shell SR 0.57) had a cabin air temperature of about 5-6°C (9-11°F) lower than an identical black car (shell SR 0.05). Overall, the numbers compiled in this car-color exercise found that using white or silver paint instead of black paint would raise fuel economy by 0.44 mpg (2.0 percent); would decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 1.9 percent, and reduce other automotive emissions by about 1 percent."
I may want to keep my Volt parked on my southwest-facing driveway so this could be an advantage. Since I am in coastal California, heat is more of an issue than cold. And I want to max my range as errands may push me into gas-using territory.
But boy, there sure are a lot of brownstone and grey Gen 1s on the market right now...I am waiting around for a white/silver with fairly low miles, good history and my desired options (safety 1, comfort 1/heated seats, safety 2 would be nice).
Any thoughts on how much of an impact this might make? If not much, maybe I will start looking at the darker cars.
I am looking to buy a Gen 1.
According to an article I can't link to (because I am too new to this site), it could be easier on the battery if I get a white or silver car:
"Silver and white cars are cooler, says study (Oct. 25, 2011) - The researchers had two cars in the sun for an hour, one black and the other silver, parked facing south, in Sacramento, California. The silver Honda Civic (shell SR 0.57) had a cabin air temperature of about 5-6°C (9-11°F) lower than an identical black car (shell SR 0.05). Overall, the numbers compiled in this car-color exercise found that using white or silver paint instead of black paint would raise fuel economy by 0.44 mpg (2.0 percent); would decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 1.9 percent, and reduce other automotive emissions by about 1 percent."
I may want to keep my Volt parked on my southwest-facing driveway so this could be an advantage. Since I am in coastal California, heat is more of an issue than cold. And I want to max my range as errands may push me into gas-using territory.
But boy, there sure are a lot of brownstone and grey Gen 1s on the market right now...I am waiting around for a white/silver with fairly low miles, good history and my desired options (safety 1, comfort 1/heated seats, safety 2 would be nice).
Any thoughts on how much of an impact this might make? If not much, maybe I will start looking at the darker cars.