Winter is coming like a Ned Stark meme. And I have to drive somewhere. Okay, let’s get in the Chevrolet Volt and start her up.
Now normally, when I start Lightning’s Girl, I get this weird Star Trek-y sound effect that sounds like a revved-up power source.
This time, however, as I started the car, I heard something totally unusual.
The roar of horsepower. Real horsepower.
And apparently it all has to do with ICE. Let me explain.
ICE, in Chevrolet Volt acronymity, is the “Internal Combustion Engine.” In cold temperatures, the internal combustion engine engages when you start the car, so that all the fluids and internal parts can warm up. Once the car is sufficiently heated, the ICE will go silent and the car will run on electricity.
Or something like that.
I’ll tell you this. The first time I heard that engine start up – as opposed to the electric “woosh” sound effect – it kinda freaked me out.
But once the ICE kicked in, the car still ran like it always does – smooth as satin.
I’m still learning so much from this car. Six months into owning this powerhouse, and I’m discovering new Capital District charging stations and perks like that.
Which totally works for me.
So this is good.
It’s probably the only ICE I want to deal with in this upcoming winter.
Chuck The Writer 
ICE, ICE, baby!
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When I first got Jojo the hybrid Highlander it freaked me out when the engine would shut down as I pulled out into traffic: it wasn’t needed, so it turned off. It too starts up more when cold, and believe me we have cold here (it’s warmed up to freezing today). I have noticed as the years and kilometers pile up that the engine runs more: the battery is evidently losing power capacity. Over-all the experience with the hybrid is positive, and this one is not as advanced design as a newer model.
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Sounds like it might serve the same purpose as that first cup of morning coffee.
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