GM estimated the mileage on the Chevy Volt would be 230 miles per gallon. The formula used for this wasn’t ever approved for the car. This means all hybrids may have to recalculate their mileage from this mistake.
How to calculate mpg on a hybrid
The calculation of miles per gallon for most hybrid autos has been a tough question for the EPA. The simple “real” mpg for cars is equal to miles driven by gallons of fuel. Unfortunately, it is a bit more complicated for EPA estimates. If you don’t take care of your car, the mileage is affected; also, driving on the highway versus city makes a difference to mpg. Hybrid vehicles have other things complicating the formula. In order to get an accurate estimate of the mpg a car will get, the EPA uses relatively complicated formulas.
Volt calculation issues
The formula for calculating mileage for the Chevy Volt was made by the government. The formula never hit “final approval” if you ask the EPA. 230 miles per gallon were supposed to be what the Volt got as they stated when selling. ”Working collaboratively,” the government and GM came up with a new formula. It is likely the Volt could be rated at between 70 and 140 miles per gallon, depending on the new calculations.
Electric balancing of cost
Electric and electric-hybrid vehicles have long presented a difficulty for government regulators. Because the cost of gas and also the cost of energy both fluctuate, it is not easy to give a dollars-to-miles comparison for driving distance. Electric cars can’t apply miles per gallon. Driving habits also affect the mileage in hybrids so often making it impossible to decipher. In short, the EPA is working hard to answer a question that is, at best, difficult.
