Looking to ecomod my Chevrolet Volt (extend its electric range) - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

WindyDrew · 08-10-2015, 09:15 AM

I bought a 14 Volt newish 3 months ago then I got a new job 42 miles away from my house. I get 37 miles consistent with AC on going 60 but with nice enough weather, I can leave the ac off like this morning with 4 miles to spare going 56! But I charge at work on 110 plug so I only get 30 miles range in 8 hours. So I'd like to make some improvements. I'm starting with pizza pans since they're cheapest. I'm probably going to use the center cap hole to fashion a plate for removable mount instead of relying on the plastic cap. Then I was thinking of adding a short hitch boattail for a little more luggage room for vacation. I'd also like to get better fuel mileage on gas mode. I was thinking about adding a hot air intake.

So far the suggestions are

Wheel covers/rear wheel cover
Mirror deletes

me and my metro · 08-10-2015, 12:52 PM

I asked my brother in law about his Volt, he has #64, and 37 miles is about right stock. He changed tires and the ride is much better but the "e" miles dropped to 34-35. He has about 50k miles on his and the average mpg is in the 230 range. The only problem so far was the charging transistors and they were covered by GM.

Daox · 08-10-2015, 01:26 PM

Sounds like a good idea. I'd love to see what kind of mileage someone can eek out of an aeromodded Volt!

Have you considered one or both of the side view mirrors? That would probably get you 1 - 2 more miles of range (typically 3% increase in FE).

3-Wheeler · 08-10-2015, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WindyDrew

..... I was thinking about adding a hot air intake.

Hi,

Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm for a hot air mode, but my Insight did not really improve that much when I added one to that. The change was barely 2%, and that could easily be attributed other factors.

Your choice of aero improvements seems like it would be lower hanging fruit, and worth your energy.

Jim.

mf70 · 08-10-2015, 04:57 PM

Hmm, it looks like the air dam is already there in front. How about rear wheel covers? Side air fences?

WindyDrew · 08-10-2015, 06:29 PM

That's the kind of suggestions I'm looking for. I have been thinking about mirror deletes but not sure how to go about it without ruining the appearance. Maybe a molded fg cap similar to the mirror base. Just looking for mods that won't permanently affect the car negatively. Gm already got most of the low hanging fruit but left some for fear of the general public acceptance I'm sure.

WindyDrew · 08-10-2015, 06:34 PM

How tight would a hitch boattail have to be to the body to make the most effect without hitting the paint. Can somebody photoshop a 2 ft ideal boattail on a Volt?

Daox · 08-10-2015, 06:40 PM

Mirror deletes are usually pretty easy. Remove a trim panel on the inside and remove a few screws and the mirror pops off. You just need to fab up a plate of some sort to cover any holes. It can be as simple or fancy as you'd like.