230 miles per gallon were supposed to be in the Chevy Volt, with first GM estimates. The government formula that was used to calculate this number, though, was never officially approved. This means all hybrids could have to recalculate their mileage from this mistake.
Calculating mpg for hybrids
The EPA had a hard time figuring out how to calculate mpg for hybrids. The standard calculation for “real” miles per gallon involves simply dividing the number of miles driven by number of gallons of fuel. However, the EPA estimates of mileage are more complicated. The mileage changes based on city driving, highway driving, and maintenance. Hybrid autos have other things complicating the formula. .
Volt calculation issues
In calculating the mpg rating of the Chevy Volt, GM used a formula created by the government. The formula never hit “final approval” if you ask the EPA. In original marketing, the Volt was touted as getting up to 230 miles per gallon. ”Working collaboratively,” the government and GM came up with a new formula. It is likely the Volt will be rated at between 70 and 140 miles per gallon, depending on the new calculations.
Electric balancing of cost
Regulators have always had a hard time with electric cars. 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. In short, the EPA is working hard to answer a question that is, at best, difficult.
