Can a Chevy Volt run on gas only?
The Chevy Volt cannot operate on gasoline alone to drive the wheels. It is a plug-in hybrid that relies mainly on electric propulsion from its battery, with the gasoline engine serving as a generator to extend range when needed.
How the Volt's drivetrain is designed
The Volt uses a Voltec powertrain where the electric motor handles propulsion. The gasoline engine is a small four‑cylinder unit whose primary role is to generate electricity for the electric drive and to recharge the battery when required. There is no direct mechanical linkage between the engine and the wheels.
Electric propulsion vs. range extension
In everyday use, the car is propelled by electricity from the battery through the traction motor. When the battery is low, the gasoline engine starts to generate electricity to feed the motor and extend the vehicle’s range. It does not directly power the wheels, even when running.
The following list summarizes the key facts about running a Volt with gasoline and why it cannot be treated as a gas-powered car.
- The gasoline engine powers a generator, not the wheels, so there is no direct gas-only propulsion path.
- The vehicle runs primarily on electric power from the battery and the traction motor.
- When the battery energy runs low, the engine starts to generate electricity to keep the motor running and extend range.
- There is no mode to switch the Volt into a purely gasoline-powered drive independent of the battery.
- Even with the engine running, the wheels are driven by electricity, not by the engine directly.
In practice, this means you cannot turn a Volt into a conventional gasoline-powered car. Its design centers on electric drive with gasoline as a secondary generator to extend range rather than a primary propulsion source.
History and current status
GM produced the Volt from 2010 through 2019. After production ended, the company shifted its focus to other electric offerings such as the Chevrolet Bolt. Today, Volts exist primarily in the used market, and owners typically charge from a home or public charger to maximize electric driving before the range extender engages.
Summary
No—the Volt cannot run on gasoline-only propulsion. It is a plug-in hybrid with an electric drivetrain and a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator to extend electric range. The engine does not directly power the wheels, and you will operate primarily on electricity unless the battery is depleted, at which point the engine generates electricity to sustain operation. Production ended in 2019, and the vehicle now lives mostly in the used-car market.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Volt get on gas?
The Chevy Volt's gas-only MPG varies by model year, but generally ranges from 35 to 42 mpg on the highway, and can be lower (around 30-35 mpg) in city driving or at higher speeds. For second-generation models, the EPA-rated combined MPG in gasoline-only mode is 42 mpg.
Factors affecting gas-only MPG
- Driving speed: Highway speeds, especially above 60-70 mph, can lower the MPG, as the engine must work harder. Driving at speeds between 35 and 60 mph tends to produce better results.
- Engine use: The engine in a Volt acts as a generator once the battery is depleted. In city driving, it may turn on and off frequently, leading to lower fuel economy than on the highway.
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration, using the air conditioning, or driving in hilly terrain will decrease fuel economy.
- Tire pressure: Maintaining proper tire pressure can help improve gas mileage.
- Engine warm-up: The engine's efficiency improves after it has fully warmed up.
What years of Chevy Volt to avoid?
The Chevy Volt years to avoid are generally the 2012, 2013, and 2017 models, primarily due to issues with the heater coolant heater, the auxiliary coolant pump, and the battery energy control module (BECM). The 2016 model also had more frequent issues, and some 2018 models need to be checked for the BECM failure if manufactured before March 2018.
Years to avoid
- 2012 and 2013: These model years are prone to failures with the heater coolant heater and the auxiliary coolant pump, which can be expensive to repair or replace.
- 2017: This year is notorious for BECM failures. While a recall and extended warranty are in place, the parts can be difficult to get, causing significant downtime.
- 2016: Although the first year of the second generation, the 2016 model had a higher frequency of issues than other second-gen years.
- 2018: Be cautious with 2018 models manufactured before March 2018, as they may have the same BECM issue that plagued the 2017 model year.
What to look for in other years
- 2014 and 2015: These are generally reliable years, but the 2015 model was the last year of the first generation and had a smaller battery than the second-gen models that started production later in the year.
- 2018: The 2018 model year is considered by some to be a good balance of value and reliability, especially if you can find one made after March 2018 to avoid the BECM issue.
- 2019: The 2019 model year offers some upgrades but can be expensive due to dealer pricing.
Does the Chevy Bolt have a gas engine?
Chevy Bolt EUV
With its 200-horsepower electric engine, the Bolt EUV can zip through traffic and reach high speeds on the open road with ease. This is especially true with a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of seven seconds. It also boasts an EPA-estimated driving range of 247 miles with one full charge.
How far can a Chevy Volt go on a full tank of gas?
420 miles
Hybrid Powerplant – When the gasoline/electric hybrid engine is engaged, the Volt returns an EPA-estimated 43 mpg/city and 42 mpg/highway fuel efficiency, and can travel up to 420 miles with a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery.
