How can I properly talk about the use of electric vehicles (EV) if I’ve never tried one? Well, I have and it was quite enjoyable. The Chevy Volt gets about 36 miles on straight electricity and 44 mpg when switching to the backup gas tank. Unlike some might imagine, this EV car actually looks pretty nice. Even Munchkin was impressed, and she’s pretty much a sports car-only girl.
One-week vehicle loan was provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
EV Review of 2014 Chevy Volt
On electricity, the 2014 Chevrolet Volt is SUPER quiet (you only know it’s on because the light on the dashboard tells you it is). The acceleration is instant and the car had no problem performing on slight inclines. The power was pretty much the same as when it went to using gas. Handling was good and control layout was clean. The view took a little getting used to as the curved shape made the windshield area a bit narrower.
The model we had only sat four with an opening into the cargo area between the two rear seats. Sometimes the ride was a little noisy because of this. Also, it was hard to ‘hide’ anything in the back, even with the stretchy cover attachment. The removable console in the second row was, well, interesting. Leg room was okay but pretty tight if a tall person is driving.
Charging Station Vs Portable Plug
With 36 miles of electricity, we pretty much needed to charge it every day we used it. Our building has its own charging station but it only has one plug for some 300 apartment homes. Apparently, the few that have EVs in the complex traded numbers and text each other when they’re done charging (using the 220v plug, a full charge only takes 2-3 hours). That was way too cumbersome for us.
Since we have a grounded outlet near our assigned space in the underground parking, we just used the portable 120v cord included with the Volt and charged it overnight. The Volt lets you charge using 8 amps or 12 amps in case you want to use less electricity. The 8 amps takes forever though so we set it at 12 amps and a full charge took about nine hours. Make sure you have the key nearby when you take the plug out or tap the ‘plug’ button. Otherwise the anti-theft alarm will sound.
Using the electric vehicle charging stations at work or around town is really easy. You just have to know what you’re doing and this “How to use a Charging Station” tutorial can help.
2014 Chevy Volt – A Good Buy?
The 2014 Chevy Volt is reasonably-priced and is a nice ride. It’s best for short city trips or if you have a max of a 20-mile commute with a charging station at work. The gas mileage is still about 37 mpg so you’ll still be saving even on longer trip. The only thing is I’d rather have a fifth seat that closes off the noise from the cargo area than a removable rear console, which seemed more weird than innovative to me.
40 comments
I’m not sure I like how few miles it gets on a charge, so that would be a no-go for me. I love the idea in theory though, and the car itself is quite a nice little ride.
It’s nice to see your review on this car. I’ve always wondered about them. It’s a good concept, and it’s sure a good looking car!
Is it as quiet as they say when it runs? I know I always listen for cars coming in parking lots or from behind.
Sounds like an amazing car. Looks interesting.
Sounds like a good car and theory. But 36 miles before needing a charge? Seems like it’s only good for people and work/live in town.
I agree. This model is great but only for certain circumstances. Those with longer commutes or who use it primarily for road trips might not benefit from the EV portion so much. It still has good gas mileage and a reasonable price point though 🙂
I am not sure on electric cars.Its sounds good and of course better for the environment but is it really good for us or is it more hassle than its worth.
Depends on what you use it for and the model you get. Definitely food for thought though.
I am really loving that car. I will be shopping for one soon for my daughter
Nice car… perfect to help save our environment. I would love one if we lived in town
I think I would love the Chevy Volt. Thank you for sharing your review.
Very sporty for a small electric car. You gotta love 36 and 44 mpg!
I have always been so intrigued and interested in those who drive electric vehicles. I get kind of jealous when I pull up to Whole Foods and see those super cool parking spots reserved for those that can “plug in” their cars while they shop!
I love the concept, but I drive 20 miles one way to work. I’d have to charge this while I was working so I could drive home (on the electric charge, at least.) I do like the look of the car!
I think it’s cool that it gets 36 miles- I’d be able to get everyone I needed in a day with that much, though I’d have to recharge every day, too. Good to know about the backup tank- I’d always wondered about that!
This does look very cool. I admit that I would miss my space!
The Chevy Volt would be a good option for my husband, as he only drives about 15 miles round trip each day for work. It would never work for me, as I do the bulk of the family driving in the mini van.
The Volt would be great for my husband. His commute to the train station is pretty short. Love that it is better for our environment too!
Way cool that you got the change to give it a whirl! I love the idea of and electric car for running errands and the like.
Whoops! *got the CHANCE
I’ve always wondered what electric cars were like. I wonder if it would be a better buy if it got more miles per charge?
Electric cars still freak me out a bit but this Chevy Volt looks pretty cool. I have a Chevy Aveo and I love it so I know Chevrolet’s are great cars!
I love electric cars; so much better for the environment. My brother-in-law has one and really likes it. I am sure that very soon they’ll make an electric car with better gas mileage.
I have never drove an electric car, I have seen a few of these Volts, they look pretty sleek. If we all drove electric cars I think how wonderful this would be for our world.
What a pretty car and the gas mileage sound perfect for us. I have a jeep right now and it sucks the gas down.
I’d be so curious to try the charger! Very cool concept for a car and it is quite sleek,
I always wanted to test out an electric car. Thanks for the honest review
Nice looking Car and I like the idea of an electrical car but I think I more like the concept because I forget to charge my phone.. I would never be able to go anywhere
Thanks for the review…I could drive to work and back and charge it at night!
This is a great car! I would love it! The look is very sleek and classy! Just my style!
i’ve love to drive one of those. I worry about finding charging stations
I wish there were more places around us that you could charge electric cars. If we could find more place to charge we would for sure look into an electric car.
That is a nice looking car! I don’t recall seeing one of these on the road. That gas mileage would sure be nice to have!
It is a lot roomier then I would have expected. Living in the city, so many people have electric cars, but we haven’t made the switch yet.
Thanks for the review. I’ve been interested in an electric car. I see them everywhere.
My husband was just talking about how his next car would me electric. He wants to wait until you can travel more miles on one charge. Hopefully that will happen.
That is such a cute little car. I see more and more places that have the charging stations in my area. It always makes me think that many more will be making the switch to an electric car soon!
I love the idea of being able to charge a car. I drove a hybrid energy saver car over the winter an it was awesome.
I have always been curious as o what the difference would be driving an electric car. I wouldn’t mind driving one. This one looks very nice.
Wow, huge cargo area, I’d love that! And all electric? Wow! I’d really like to test that one out.
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