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The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle that was manufactured by General Motors. It was first released in 2011 and was the world's bestselling plug-in hybrid vehicle until December 2018. The Volt is considered an extended-range electric vehicle by Chevy, but it is commonly referred to as a series hybrid, meaning that it runs on electric energy until the battery is depleted, after which a gasoline motor powers the battery. The Volt has received numerous awards, including the 2011 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal and the 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Award in the electric car category. However, GM decided to decommission the Volt in 2019 due to the high production cost of the hybrid engine. So, is the Chevy Volt a pure electric vehicle?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Plug-in Hybrid, Extended-Range Electric Vehicle |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Years in Production | 2010-2019 |
| Markets | United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, United Kingdom, Europe |
| Trim Levels | LT, Premier |
| Engine Type | Hybrid |
| Electric Range | 38-53 miles (EPA-rated when new) |
| Total Range | 420 miles (electricity and gasoline) |
| Efficiency | 106 miles per gallon (combined city/highway) |
| Awards | Motor Trend Car of the Year (2011), Green Car of the Year (2011, 2016), Automobile of the Year (2011), North American Car of the Year (2011), Total Cost of Ownership Award (2012), International Engine of the Year Award (2012), Car of the Year in Denmark (2012) |
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What You'll Learn
The Chevy Volt is a hybrid electric plug-in vehicle
The Chevy Volt was the first series hybrid made by a major automotive company and has won multiple awards, including the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the 2011 Green Car of the Year, the 2011 Automobile of the Year, and the 2011 North American Car of the Year. It was also awarded the 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Award in the electric car category and the 2012 International Engine of the Year Award in the category of Green Engine. The Volt was well-loved by drivers for its flexibility, low operation and maintenance costs, and its high owner-satisfaction ratings.
The Volt has an EPA-rated range of 38 to 53 miles of all-electric range when new, depending on the model year. Factors like outside temperature, driving conditions, and driving style can affect the efficiency and energy needs of the car. For example, the all-electric range can drop by around 15 miles in cold weather and around 7 miles in hot weather. The Volt's total combined driving range of electricity and gasoline is 420 miles. The Volt's EPA combined city/highway efficiency rating is the equivalent of 106 miles per gallon when operating as an electric car. When the battery is depleted and the car starts working like a conventional no-plug hybrid, its efficiency falls to 42 mpg.
In 2019, GM decided to decommission the Volt as part of a strategic move away from the sedan body type and towards full electric vehicles. The hybrid engine was expensive to produce, and despite the Volt's mass appeal, it did not generate enough profit to continue its production. The Volt was discontinued in February 2019, with global combined Volt/Ampera-family sales totaling about 177,000 units by the end of October 2018.
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Volt's electric range is EPA-rated for 38-53 miles
The Chevy Volt is a hybrid electric plug-in vehicle that is EPA-rated for 38-53 miles of all-electric range when new, depending on the model year. Chevy considers the Volt an extended-range electric, but it is commonly referred to as a "series" hybrid, meaning that it runs on exclusively electric energy until the battery is depleted, after which a gasoline motor powers the battery. Volt is one of the highest-rated cars by Recurrent, with drivers praising the flexibility of the hybrid motor and the low operation and maintenance costs.
The Volt's electric range has improved over the years, with first-generation models (2011-2015) having a range of 38 miles, and second-generation models (2016-2019) offering a range of 53 miles. The electric range can be influenced by various factors, such as outside temperature, driving conditions, and driving style. For example, the electric range can drop by around 15 miles in cold weather and by about 7 miles in hot weather.
The Volt's long electric-only range makes it one of the most successful plug-in hybrids on the market. It offers impressive all-electric range and everyday practicality, with prompt acceleration and solid handling. The Volt received several awards, including the 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Award in the electric car category, granted by Kelley Blue Book. It was also named the 2011 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal, which recognised the Volt as the "first-ever electric vehicle to take the top prize".
Despite its popularity, GM decided to decommission the Volt in 2019 due to the high production costs of the hybrid engine and a strategic shift towards fully electric vehicles. The Volt is available in two trims: the LT and Premier, with the latter offering additional features such as driver-assist functions and a faster onboard charger.
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Volt's electric motor is powered by a battery
The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that has been on the market since 2011. It is powered by both a battery-electric motor and a gas-powered engine. The Volt's electric motor is powered by a 18.4 kilowatt-hour battery, which provides an estimated all-electric range of 38 to 53 miles, depending on the model year and driving conditions. When the battery is depleted, the Volt's gas engine powers an electric generator to extend the vehicle's range. This makes the Volt a ""series" hybrid, meaning it runs on electric energy until the battery is depleted, after which the gasoline engine powers the vehicle.
The Volt's battery-powered electric motor provides enough range for most daily driving needs, with some models offering up to 53 miles of all-electric driving. This range can be affected by external factors such as temperature, driving conditions, and driving style. For example, the all-electric range can drop by about 15 miles in cold weather and by about 7 miles in hot weather. However, the Volt's regenerative braking system can help to recharge the battery and extend the electric range.
The Volt's battery is also supported by the gas-powered engine, which provides additional range for longer trips. The gas engine has an 8.9-gallon tank and powers a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Volt's total combined driving range of electricity and gasoline is impressive, offering up to 420 miles. This extended range makes the Volt a practical choice for those who need the flexibility of longer trips without the range anxiety associated with pure electric vehicles.
While the Volt's electric motor and battery provide efficient and environmentally friendly transportation, the gas engine is available as a backup for peace of mind. Volt drivers typically plug in their cars daily but only visit a gas station a few times a year. This hybrid system offers the benefits of electric driving, such as reduced emissions and lower operating costs, while also providing the range and convenience of a conventional gasoline vehicle when needed.
The Chevy Volt has received numerous awards and recognitions for its innovative design and performance, including the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the 2011 Green Car of the Year, and the 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Award in the electric car category. It was also the first series hybrid vehicle made by a major automotive company, offering a unique combination of electric and gasoline power.
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Volt's gas engine is available for long trips
The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle. It is not a pure electric vehicle as it has two power plants. The Volt uses both a battery to power an electric motor and a gas tank to power an internal combustion engine. The Volt's gas engine is available for long trips.
The Volt operates as a pure battery electric vehicle until its battery capacity drops to a predetermined threshold from a full charge. After that, its internal combustion engine powers an electric generator to extend the vehicle's range as needed. While running on gasoline at high speeds, the engine may be mechanically linked (by a clutch) to a generator set, improving efficiency by 10% to 15%. The Volt's regenerative braking also contributes to the on-board electricity generation.
The Volt was manufactured by General Motors and marketed in rebadged variants as the Holden Volt in Australia and New Zealand, and the Buick Velite 5 in China. It was also sold with a different fascia as the Vauxhall Ampera in the United Kingdom and as the Opel Ampera in the rest of Europe.
The Volt has received numerous awards, including the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year, 2011 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal, 2011 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine, and 2011 North American Car of the Year. It was also the first-ever electric vehicle to take the top prize by Green Car Journal.
GM decided to decommission the Volt in 2019 as part of a larger strategic move towards full electric vehicles. The hybrid engine was expensive to produce, and despite the Volt's mass appeal, it never saw enough profit to continue it.
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Volt's production ended in February 2019
The Chevy Volt was a plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle manufactured by General Motors. It was launched in 2010 at the height of the Great Recession and was on the road from 2011 until 2019. It was the first series hybrid made by a major automotive company and was awarded the 2011 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
GM decided to decommission the Volt in 2019 as part of a larger strategic move away from the sedan body type and towards fully electric vehicles. The hybrid engine was expensive to produce, and despite the Volt's mass appeal, it never turned enough profit to justify its continuation.
In February 2019, Volt production ended, and with it came the end of the Volt/Ampera family of vehicles, which was the world's bestselling plug-in hybrid vehicle until December 2018. Volt production ended at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, which was one of five plants in North America that GM decided to end production at.
The Volt's demise was especially sad for many, as it was a huge sales success in some parts of the U.S. and had a strong following. However, the model's end did not mean the end of the road for plug-in hybrids with significant range, as other vehicles, like the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, could fill the void.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle.
The Volt runs on electric energy until the battery is depleted, after which a gasoline motor powers the battery.
The Volt is estimated by the EPA to travel up to 53 miles on electricity alone.
When the Volt's battery is depleted, an onboard gasoline engine turns on and powers the vehicle until it can be plugged in and recharged.
GM decided to decommission the Volt in 2019 as part of a strategic move towards fully electric vehicles. The hybrid engine was also expensive to produce.
