Bulletin No.: PIC6231C
Published date: 02/12/2019

Preliminary Information
PIC6231C EV Range Driving Tips
Models
Brand:

Model:

Model Years:

VIN:
from

to

Engine:

Transmissions:

Chevrolet

Volt

2017 - 2019

All

All

L3A

MKV

Cadillac

CT6

2017 - 2018

All

All

LTG

MRD

Involved Region or
Country:

Condition:

Cause:

North America
Some customers may state that their EV range is less than expected, or
the estimated EV range on the display is greater than the actual range
achieved. This is most commonly noticed as the average outdoor
temperature decreases in the autumn and winter months.
The energy is being used in other ways, More energy to climb hills,
energy to heat or cool the cabin

Correction:
The electric range of the Volt and CT6 may be higher or lower than expected due to the
driver's technique, the terrain, climate settings, and/or the outdoor temperature.
In other words, driving in extreme outdoor temperatures, accelerating and braking
aggressively, use of climate control, and/or driving in areas with elevation changes will
impact the electric range.
The electric range displayed in the vehicle is a prediction based on past driving conditions
(kWh of 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 number is constantly being recalculated to provide the best estimate of electric range.
The displayed electric range can vary seasonally, weekly, and daily based on the changes in
technique, terrain, and outdoor ambient temperatures.

Information:
The 2017 model year electric vehicles provide two helpful graphical displays in the center
stack energy screen, or “leaf screen,” to help customers understand why their EV range will
vary.
The first is a doughnut chart showing the percentage of energy used for propulsion, the
percentage of energy used for cabin climate, and the remaining energy in the pack
remaining in black (Volt).

The second chart provides a total electrical energy score for the driver from -20 to +15 with
a graphical breakdown of each of the critical areas affecting EV range.
While the scored value itself is unitless, it provides feedback to the driver with a positive or
negative number to help explain the likely reasons the EV range is different than expected.
For example, a total score of +5 would yield greater than expected EV range, 0 would be
average, and -10 would correspond to a lower than expected value for EV range.
All values are reset after a complete charge and may not be stable until approximately 10
miles (16 km) have been driven.
2016 - 2018 models - Note it is just Score

2019 Volt- Note New Change, the Score has changed to Miles, but it is still considered a
score only and not a mileage measurement.

To improve scores in each area, consider the following:

Technique
·
The score for technique is based on the efficiency gauge in the instrument cluster.
The more time spent in the middle / green zone will equate to a better score.
·
Driving aggressively (rapid accelerations and decelerations) will drain the battery
faster.
·
High speed driving will deplete battery capacity and electric range quickly. Electric
range is maximized at 89 km/h (55 mph) and below.
·
Increased mass from additional cargo or passengers can also decrease the electric
range.
·

Use cruise control when appropriate for smoother applications of torque.

·
Plan ahead for decelerations. For example, do not rush to red traffic signals and
suddenly brake.
·
Do not shift to N (Neutral) while braking. The vehicle recovers energy while coasting
and braking in Drive (D) or Low (L).
·
Use Low (L) and/or Regen On Demand Paddles. These help reclaim maximum energy
automatically, requiring less brake pedal application while providing a controlled efficient
way to slow the vehicle down. There is no added wear on the vehicle to use these
features.
·
Use Normal Mode when possible. Sport Mode provides more responsive acceleration
than Normal Mode but can lower the score for technique by moving the efficiency ball out
of the optimal zone.
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.

Terrain
·

The score for terrain reflects even slight changes in elevation while driving.

·
Driving up or down even a 1% grade can greatly affect EV range. Large elevation
changes in mountainous regions will have an even larger impact than this score will reveal.
·
Elevation changes are calculated through mathematical modeling to determine the
scored value.
·
Keep tires at the proper inflation pressures. Colder outdoor temperatures will result
in lower pressure in the tires.
·

Strong headwinds or rain/snow will negatively impact this score.

·
Note: Volt - Use Mountain Mode when grades greater than 5% will be traversed at
greater than 60mph. This will limit EV range but allow for climbing grades at posted speed
limits. Engage Mountain Mode before reaching 10 miles (16 km) of EV range remaining.

Climate Settings
·
The use of cabin heat and air conditioning systems decreases the energy available
for electric driving. The best EV range is achieved with the heat, air conditioning, and fan
turned off.
·
Less energy is used at low fan speeds. Fan Only mode is the most energy efficient
climate setting. ECO mode (on some models) is for moderate air conditioning and heater
operation and is the next most energy efficient setting. Comfort mode provides the most
comfortable cabin but uses the most battery energy.
·
The vehicle is equipped with the Auto Defog feature, which can be enabled or
disabled via the vehicle settings. If this feature is enabled, the vehicle may automatically
enable the Cabin Heater and Air Conditioning Compressor and use energy if the system
detects the need to defog the vehicle. If the driver would like to have manual control over
this, please refer to your user manual for disabling this feature.
·
Use the auto heated seat feature and heated steering wheel (if equipped) instead of
cabin heat. Heating the seat or steering wheel uses less energy than heating the entire
vehicle interior.
·
Use cabin preconditioning (“remote start”) to heat or cool the interior when the
vehicle is plugged in to maximize the EV range by utilizing some electricity from the
electrical utility grid.
Note: Some EV range may be lost if the charge station cannot supply enough power for
the climate systems during preconditioning. Level 1 portable cord sets are limited to
about 1kW of energy.
·

Turn off the front and rear window defog/defrost when they are no longer needed.

·
Avoid driving with the windows open at higher highway speeds due to aerodynamic
drag.

Outside Temperature
·
During periods of cold temperatures, the electric cabin heater, electric air
conditioning, and battery heater may be running to defrost the windows and provide heat.
These can have a very noticeable effect on EV range.
·
The actual EV 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 also decreases due to
cold temperatures, efficiency losses, cold starts, cabin fan, and the use of the defrosters.
·
Note: Volt - “ENGINE RUNNING DUE TO TEMPERATURE” DIC Message: In cold
conditions, below 35F (2 C) or 15F (-9 C) (depending on Engine Assisted Heating selection)
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 some fuel
energy for propulsion.
·
Note: Volt - Engine Assisted Heating – When “At Very Cold Outside Temperatures” is
selected in the vehicle settings, the Volt will not turn on the engine until the outside
temperature is below 15°F (-9C) , but this has a greater impact on electric range in the
15°F (-9 C) to 35°F (2 C) ambient range due to the added electric heat needed for the
cabin.
·
During high ambient temperatures, the use of Air Conditioning will also affect
electric range, but to a lesser extent. This is due to the greater coefficient of performance
by the thermodynamic heat cycle for A/C.
·
High ambient temperatures may also cause an increase in battery temperatures. The
electric A/C compressor may run to provide cooling to the liquid battery chiller to maintain
proper 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 to aid in a cooler
cabin during summer months.

Version History
Version

Modi ed

4
11/18/2016 - Created on
10/10/2017 - Added CT6 and added 2018 model year
10/22/2018 - Removed Bolt EV and Ampera E and added picture of 2019 volt
screen
02/12/2018 - Remove pastel color Bolt EV pics

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