Volt

Ok guys I can settle this by giving you two answers;

1. 42
2. Xanax

Go to sleep now.

Mountain mode: You neglected to mention that the RPM of the engine is raised, as well as the charge sustain level. You don't live around any mountains, so why do you care?
Mountain mode changes that charge sustain level from 30% to 45%. BTW your ~40 miles of all electric range is the battery going from 90% charge to 25% charge.

Yes, the "all gasoline engine" testing runs the car in a mode that is programmed to sustain battery charge. AFAIK, there is no way to turn off battery maintaining or Regenerative braking. The EPA test is the one that requires a full charge at the end (for hybrid cars), which is why the Volt is classified as an electric with a generator, not a hybrid (for the purposes of that test, I think).

I think I've put up a good defense for the Volt (a car that I don't really like) for a hooker review board.

Yes, the "all gasoline engine" testing runs the car in a mode that is programmed to sustain battery charge. AFAIK, there is no way to turn off battery maintaining or Regenerative braking. The EPA test is the one that requires a full charge at the end (for hybrid cars), which is why the Volt is classified as an electric with a generator, not a hybrid (for the purposes of that test, I think).
Originally Posted by Longermonger

Translation - the Volt gets terrible gas mileage, and any allegation that the test is skewed due to recharging is bunk.

I have to say I am a little dissapointed. When I started this thread, I expected appeals to patriotism, appeals to an 'American Car', appeals to support an 'American Technology', reference to the notion that the energy powering this car would be produced domestically. All of this, sprinkled in with a little 'too big to fail' - us all being investors in GM and all.

Instead, we had to have a discussion about the car's technical capabilites...some strange conspiracy that Consumer Reports and Edmunds reported false testing numbers. Very odd.

The original question - would the Volt be a 'HOT ITEM' later this year, was answered before I even started the thread. The hype is about to stop, and the bad press will soon follow. The Volt has just been blamed for a fire, summer is almost here - just wait for the warm driving complaints, summer electric rates are great too, and after a year of driving - some owners will start to notice battery losses. Its going to be a rough year for the Volt.

If you can't understand the Volt's gas mileage now, you're going to be totally lost if they make a flex fuel version that can burn E85.

I hear the E85 version will get 42 mpg.