Does Chevy Volt have a heat pump?
No—the Chevy Volt does not have a heat pump in any model year. In electric mode, cabin warmth is generated by an electric resistance heater, and when the gasoline engine runs, heat can be supplied via the engine's waste heat. The Volt was discontinued after the 2019 model year.
What a heat pump is and why it matters
A heat pump moves heat rather than generating it, using far less electrical energy to deliver cabin heat at typical winter temperatures. In electric vehicles, a heat pump can improve efficient range by reducing the load on the battery for heating. Many modern BEVs include heat pumps as standard or optional equipment, especially in markets with cold winters.
Volt heating technology: what was used
Here is how the Volt handled cabin heating over its production span:
- There was no heat pump option on any Volt model year (2011–2019).
- Cabin heating in electric-drive mode relied on an electric resistance heater, which uses battery power to generate heat.
- When the gasoline engine operated, the system could use engine coolant heat to warm the cabin, improving efficiency by not solely relying on battery energy.
- The Volt's battery thermal management is separate from the HVAC heater and did not incorporate a dedicated heat-pump cycle.
In summary, the Volt did not employ a heat pump; heating relied on electric resistance heating with support from engine heat when the ICE ran.
Context: GM's current EVs and the move to heat pumps
Since the Volt's demise in 2019, GM's electric models have increasingly used heat-pump technology to improve winter-range performance. This is part of a broader industry trend toward energy-efficient climate control in BEVs and plug-in hybrids.
- GM's newer electric vehicles, including the Bolt family and other BEVs, commonly use a heat pump for cabin heating to conserve battery energy in cold weather.
- The Volt’s absence from this feature reflects its status as an earlier-generation plug-in hybrid that predates widespread adoption of heat pumps in GM’s electric lineup.
While the Volt is no longer in production, prospective buyers and owners of used Volts should know that a heat pump was not part of the technology package in those cars.
Summary
In short, you won’t find a heat pump in the Chevy Volt. Its heating relied on electric resistance heating and, when available, engine heat, with no dedicated heat-pump system across its 2011–2019 production span. For those seeking heat-pump HVAC in GM’s lineup, look to later Bolt EV/EUV models and other current GM electric vehicles.
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.
Why is there no heat in my Chevy Volt?
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Volt heater isn't working are a broken heater blower motor, a problem with the thermostat, or a failed heater blower motor resistor.
Do Chevy EVs have heat pumps?
Heat pump. Your Chevy EV comes equipped with a highly efficient heat pump. This technology captures heat from various sources — like regenerative braking and even passengers' exhaled breath — and converts it into usable energy.
How do I know if my EV has a heat pump?
Well, one way to check for a heat pump is to use the heat in cooler weather. If the fan under the hood comes on you have a heat pump. We can also hear the compressor come on during this operation.
