PIC5414J

Bulletin No.: PIC5414J
Published date: 03/20/2019
Preliminary Information
PIC5414J Explanation Electric Range Variation and Driving Tips For
Maximum Range
Models
Brand:
Model:
Model Years:
VIN:
from
Engine:
to
Transmissions:
Chevrolet
Volt
2011 - 2016
All
All
All
All
Cadillac
ELR
2014 - 2016
All
All
All
All
Chevrolet
Spark EV
2014 - 2016
All
All
All
All
Opel
Ampera
2013 - 2015
All
All
All
All
Holden
Volt
2013 - 2015
All
All
All
All
Supersession Statement
This PI was superseded to wording. Please discard PIC5414H.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition / Concern
Some customers may state that the vehicles electric range is less than customer
expectations or what is being displayed on the in-vehicle display for EV range.
The electric range of the Volt, ELR and Spark EV may be higher or lower than expected due
to the driver's technique, the terrain, and/or the outdoor temperature.
In other words, driving and braking aggressively, driving in areas with large elevation
changes, or driving in extreme outdoor temperatures will impact the electric range.
The electric range displayed in the vehicle is a prediction based on past driving conditions
(kw energy used per distance traveled), current ambient temperature and climate control
settings.
It is normal for the displayed value to adjust while the vehicle is driven as this estimate is
constantly being recalculated.
The displayed electric range can vary seasonally, weekly and daily based on the changes in
technique, terrain and, ambient temperatures, and predicted energy that will be necessary
to provide cabin comfort base upon climate control settings.
Recommendations / Instructions
For 2017 Volt please refer to the last version of PIC6231
The following items listed below explain what affects electric range and provides driving tips
for better energy efficiency
A) Temperature
Note: The distance you can go in an electric vehicle varies with the outside temperature. All
electric vehicles are less efficient in cold or hot conditions. This is a function of battery
storage capability and increased use of cabin heat and/or air conditioning in these
conditions. The vehicle must also maintain a consistent battery temperature which requires
high voltage AC compressor operation to cool battery or high voltage battery heater
operation to warm up battery in order to maintain desired long term performance.
1) Cold Ambient Temperatures
During periods of cold temperatures the electric cabin heater, electric air
conditioning, and battery heater may be running to defrost the windows and heat the cabin
and battery. These can have a noticeable effect on electric range.
The actual electric range during periods of cold temperatures will be at the low side of
range estimates. This may become more evident when a customer is driving for maximum
fuel efficiency or on the same route and the only thing that changed was outside
temperature. This is no different than a gas engine. Fuel mileage decreases due to cold
temperatures, efficiency losses, cold starts, cabin heat, and the use of defrosters.
Note: Volt and ELR - “ENGINE RUNNING DUE TO TEMPERATURE” DIC Message: In cold
conditions, below 35F or 15F (depending on Engine Assisted Heating selection if equipped)
the customer may experience the engine running due to low ambient temperatures even
when the battery is charged. This provides supplemental cabin heat as well as propulsion
energy. The engine may run periodically during these conditions.
Note: Volt Only - Engine Assisted Heating - If At Very Cold Outside Temperatures is selected
it will use less gasoline, but has a larger adverse impact on electric range.
2) Hot Ambient Temperatures
During high ambient temperatures the use of A/C will also affect electric range.
High ambient temperatures may also cause an increase in battery temperatures. When
battery temperatures increase this will force the A/C compressor and battery chiller to run
and maintain a battery temperature.
If operating the HVAC system in Fan Only Mode cold air may be felt through the HVAC
vents during chiller operation, this is normal operation. When the chiller is operating electric
range will be affected.
Avoid parking in direct sunlight or use sunshades inside the vehicle.
3) Tire Pressure
- Tire pressure can have an impact on your electric range. Additionally tire pressures can
change with temperature changes. In order to maximize your electric range, ensure that
your tires are properly inflated. For proper tire pressure, consult the Owner Manual and the
vehicle Tire and Loading Information Label.
4) Climate Settings
- Using the heat and air conditioning systems decreases the energy available for electric
driving due to the high voltage cabin heater. Optimal energy efficiency is achieved with the
heat, air conditioning, and fan turned off.
- Volt and ELR - Less energy is used at low fan speeds. When using the fan, Fan Only is the
most energy efficient climate setting. ECO mode is for moderate air conditioning and heater
operation and is the next most energy efficient setting. Comfort provides the most comfort
but is the least energy efficient.
- Spark EV - Operating with the TEMP button off is the most energy efficient climate setting
as long as defrost is not selected.
- The vehicle may be equipped with the Auto Defog feature, which can be enabled/disabled
via your vehicle settings. If this feature is enabled, the vehicle may automatically enable the
Air Conditioning Compressor if the system detects the need to defog the vehicle. Usage of
the Air Conditioning Compressor Energy will decrease the energy available for driving. If the
driver would like to have manual control over this, please refer to your user manual as to
how to disable this feature.
- Use the auto heated seat feature (if equipped) instead of climate settings. Heating the seat
uses less energy than heating the vehicle interior.
- Use remote start to heat or cool the interior when the vehicle is plugged in to maximize the
electric range by utilizing electricity from the electrical outlet.
- Turn off the front and rear window defog/defrost when they are no longer needed.
- Avoid driving with the windows open at highway speeds.
B) Drivers Technique
- Driving aggressively (rapid accelerations and decelerations) can drain the battery faster.
- High speed driving will deplete battery capacity and electric range quickly. Electric range
is maximized at 80 km/h (50 mph) and below.
- Increased weight from additional cargo or passengers can also decrease the electric range.
- Use the Efficiency Gauge located in the Instrument Cluster. The ball indicator should be
kept green and in the center of the gauge.
- Use cruise control when appropriate.
- Plan ahead for decelerations and coast whenever possible. For example, do not rush to
traffic signals.
- Do not shift to N (Neutral) to coast. The vehicle recovers energy while coasting and braking
in D (Drive) or L (Low).
- Use Normal Mode when possible. Sport Mode provides more responsive acceleration than
Normal Mode but can reduce efficiency.
- Use L (Low) and/or Regen On Demand Paddles (if equipped) in heavy stop-and-go traffic or
when traveling downhill. L (Low) and Regen On Demand Paddles capture maximum
regenerative braking energy, requiring less brake pedal application while providing a
controlled efficient way to slow the vehicle down.
Note: A significantly different driving style (higher speed and acceleration rate, harder
braking, etc.) compared to the previous drive event (the last X miles of history recorded in
the vehicle’s computer) will cause the actual electric range to be significantly less than the
initially predicted electric range.
C) Terrain
- Driving uphill requires more energy and can reduce electric range
- Volt and ELR - Use Mountain Mode prior to climbing long, steep grades in mountainous
areas. Be sure to engage Mountain Mode before starting to climb. Mountain Mode reduces
electric range and power but may be needed to maintain speeds above 96 km/h (60 mph)
when climbing grades of 5% or greater.
- Anything that negatively impacts aerodynamics, whether it’s open windows, bike racks,
roof racks, etc, will also increase energy usage and decrease range
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is
resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
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