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Do Chevy Volts take gas?

Yes, Chevy Volts are hybrid electric vehicles that do take gas, in addition to being able to run on electric power. The Volt has a gasoline-powered engine that acts as a generator to provide electricity to the electric motor when the battery is depleted.


Understanding the Chevy Volt's Hybrid Design


The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which means it has both an electric motor and a gasoline-powered engine. The Volt's electric motor is powered by a rechargeable battery pack that can be plugged into an electrical outlet to charge. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline-powered engine automatically turns on to generate electricity and power the electric motor, allowing the Volt to continue driving.


Unlike a traditional hybrid vehicle that relies on the gasoline engine and electric motor working together to propel the car, the Volt is designed to drive primarily on electric power. The gasoline engine in the Volt only turns on when the battery is depleted, acting as a generator to recharge the battery and keep the car moving.


Driving Modes and Fuel Efficiency



  • Electric Mode: When the Volt's battery is charged, the car can be driven in all-electric mode for up to 53 miles on a single charge, without using any gasoline.

  • Hybrid Mode: Once the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine automatically turns on to generate electricity and power the electric motor. In this mode, the Volt can achieve an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving.


The Volt's ability to switch between all-electric and hybrid driving modes allows it to achieve excellent fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 106 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in electric mode and 42 MPG in hybrid mode.


Refueling the Chevy Volt


Like a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, the Chevy Volt has a fuel tank that needs to be refilled with gasoline. The Volt's fuel tank holds approximately 8.9 gallons of regular unleaded gasoline. Owners can refuel the Volt at any standard gas station, just like they would with a conventional car.


In addition to refueling the gasoline tank, Volt owners also need to regularly charge the vehicle's battery by plugging it into an electrical outlet or charging station. This allows the Volt to maximize its all-electric driving range before the gasoline engine is needed.

How does a Chevy Volt charge?


Charging Your Chevy Volt at Home
Charging a plug-in hybrid at home is not much different from charging your cell phone or laptop. Just plug the cord that comes with the car into a regular wall outlet to add about 4 miles of Range Per Hour. It will take about 12 hours to recharge your Chevy Volt this way.



What happens when the Chevy Volt runs out of electricity?


With a fully-charged battery pack, it will drive on electric power alone until the charge is depleted, at which point the onboard gasoline engine activates. The gasoline engine serves as a generator, giving the Volt a total range on both gasoline and electric power comparable to a conventional gasoline car or hybrid.



How do you put gas in a Chevy Volt?


Door. When you pop it open you can go ahead and put some premium gas in and then.



Can Chevy Volt run on gas only?


It was designed to be an affordable, everyday car. It runs exclusively on electric energy until the battery is low enough to kick off a gasoline motor that recharges the battery.



Does Chevy Volt have a gas tank?


PLEASE NOTE: If the 12V battery is dead the fuel door will not open. You will need to jumpstart the Volt using the remote battery terminals under the hood. The Chevrolet Volt is equipped with a pressurized fuel tank and requires a specific refueling process to control evaporative emissions.



Can Chevy Volt use gas?


The Volt also has regenerative braking to help recharge the battery while driving. The Volt will also run with both electric and gas engines at high speeds or if the car is really heavy - whenever some extra power is required.



How far can a Chevy Volt go on a full tank?


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.



Is the Chevy Volt electric only?


It runs exclusively on electric energy until the battery is low enough to kick off a gasoline motor that recharges the battery. This hybrid engine configuration is referred to as a "series" hybrid, and the Volt was the first such hybrid made by a major automotive company.



Does the Chevy Volt have gas backup?


The Volt's innovative extended-range electric powertrain, which combined an electric motor with a gasoline engine for backup power, set a new standard for addressing range anxiety concerns while maximizing electric driving.



Does a Chevy Volt use gas?


The technology of the Volt is that electricity powers and drives the vehicle 100% of the time. A common confusion is that the vehicle switches to the gas engine after 40 miles of electric power. This is a common misconception.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.