230 miles per gallon were designed to be in the Chevy Volt, with first GM estimates. The formula was never approved that was used to calculate. This means the estimation of miles per gallon for most hybrids could have to be recalculated — not just the Chevy Volt.
How hybrid mpg is calculated
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. City driving, highway driving and also the maintenance of the vehicle all impact the efficiency of a car. The formula also has to change considering the numerous different variables of hybrids. In order to get an accurate estimate of the mpg a vehicle will get, the EPA uses relatively complicated formulas.
The problem with Volt’s calculations
The government decided to give out their own formula on calculating mileage for the Chevy Volt. EPA explains the formula never hit “final approval” making it wrong. The Volt was at first expected to get 230 miles per gallon. ”Working collaboratively,” the government and GM came up with a new formula. It is likely that the Volt will be rated at between 70 and 140 miles per gallon, depending on the new calculations.
Electric needing to be balanced too
Electric and electric-hybrid cars have long presented a difficulty for government regulators. The fluctuation of energy and fuel make comparisons with money hard to do. Electric cars can’t apply miles per gallon. 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. Despite the fact that an answer hasn’t been found yet, the EPA is still trying to figure it out.
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