Chevy Volt MPG Based On New Mileage System

By: Andy Hodges
Staff Writer
Published: Oct 13, 2009

How To Achieve 230 MPG Rating For Chevy Volt

About two months ago, General Motors (GM) announced that the Chevy Volt MPG (miles per gallon) rating will be 230, and that's what new car buyers want. However, the rating itself has been questioned by experts. The GM Volt mileage is actually based on a new system developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a way to measure the fuel economy on plug-in electric vehicles.

When GM used the EPA data, it faced scrutiny because experts feel that the new system has a flaw. The way it works can also be confusing. The calculations measure the mileage of new fuel efficient cars that are using alternative power sources. The system is based on 25 kilowatt-hours/100 miles electrical efficiency.

The data from this new system has brought mixed results. For example, The Nissan Leaf achieved a 367 miles per gallon rating for being all-electric. These figures only calculate the electric output and not the distance.

Most of the calculations to measure conventional gasoline cars include the distance it can travel on a single gallon of fuel. This is a simple calculation. However, the math for electric plug-in vehicles that have gasoline engines is quite confusing.

Hybrid cars that don't have a plug-in outlet use gasoline to recharge the battery. Since this is gas used, it's part of the fuel rating set by the EPA. However, if all hybrid cars had a plug-in outlet that could receive a recharge from direct electricity, the fuel estimates get higher. This is only because the vehicle doesn't use gas to recharge the battery for the electric motor. This is why some experts feel that the new system has a flaw.

Chevy Volt can receive a full charge from either the gas engine or through a plug-in. This only adds to the confusion because the EPA doesn't use different calculations to describe these options. However, there is good news to bring as the EPA initiated a new rule-making to explore other methods for calculating its fuel ratings for new fuel efficient vehicles.

When you charge a new plug-in electric car, the cost is around $0.75 to $2.50. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to recharge a vehicle. The cost varies from peak and non-peak hours. For example, if you recharge your vehicle after midnight, you will use the $0.75 price range.

GM Volt and other new plug-in vehicles will use new displays to allow consumers to set the time period for charging. This innovation is new, but from some of the software screens we've seen on the display, you can even have your credit card billed for the electricity. This is a great idea for motorists who travel and want to pay while on the road.

As far as the Chevy Volt 230 mileage rating, don't blame GM. They are going by the numbers given by the EPA. They are not out to trick anyone. We will announce further estimates, as soon as we find out from the new methods explored by the EPA.