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Re: IL Corrects Volt Story: Batteries Will NOT Charge When Driving; GM Website Differ
Quote:
Originally Posted by goblue
It works like the thermostat in your house. When the temp drops to 68, the furnace comes on and pushes it to +1-2 degrees, depending on the thermostat. Then the furnace shuts off. If you ran your furnace constantly at a low rate it would be horribly inefficient, so it cycles. Same thing.
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This furnace analogy is not what you what to use - you've got it flipped around. It is the lack of variable rate burner systems that results in the less efficient on off mode. A furnace or boiler - that can operate continuously is the most efficient possible. The common oversimplification into 1'speed' ( on/off) or the much rarer 2 or 3 'speed' furnaces is done in the name of complexity and initial cost reduction - not operating efficiency - which is traded off.
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In regards to the VOLT
With a typical annual driving pattern < totaling 11,390 miles - including three 450 mile trips and a bunch of 40 mile plus per days > and assuming you only charge <once > per overnight:
Vehicle ……………… Gallons per year
Volt ………………….. 37
Prius ………………… 228
30 MPG car ………… 380
20 MPG car ………… 570
Dave G.
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