230 miles per gallon were supposed to be within the Chevy Volt, with first GM estimates. The formula was never approved that was used to calculate. This means all hybrids may have to recalculate their mileage from this mistake.
Calculating mpg for hybrids
The calculation of miles per gallon for most hybrid automobiles has been a tough question for the EPA. The simple “real” mpg for cars is equal to miles driven by gallons of fuel. EPA estimates tend to be a little bit more interesting math than that. If you do not take care of your car, the mileage is affected; also, driving on the highway versus city makes a difference to mpg. Hybrid autos have other things complicating the formula. A mpg estimate formula issued by the EPA is very complicated usually.
Chevy Volt issues with calculation
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. The Volt was originally expected to get 230 miles per gallon. Now, GM and government regulators are “working collaboratively” to come up with a new formula to estimate miles per gallon. Actual calculations will likely bring that high number down to 70 or 140.
Balancing the cost of electric
Electric and electric-hybrid vehicles have long presented a difficulty for government regulators. It is hard to compare money with gas and energy considering gas and energy fluctuate often. Miles per gallon is a measurement that simply doesn’t apply to most electric cars. Mpg also skews the view of hybrids, because they often rely on energy created by the fuel and have highly variable ratings, depending on driving habits. The EPA is trying to answer this question though.
