Does the Chevy Volt have an engine?
The Volt does have a gasoline internal-combustion engine, but it mainly acts as a range extender to generate electricity for the electric drivetrain rather than directly driving the wheels.
How the Volt's powertrain works
The Volt is a plug-in hybrid that blends battery-electric propulsion with a small gasoline engine. In normal electric mode, the wheels are powered by electric motors using the battery. When the battery’s charge runs low or more power is needed, the gasoline engine starts to generate electricity to keep the battery charged and to supply the electric drivetrain.
Key aspects of the system
Before diving into details, here are the core facts about the Volt’s engine and drivetrain:
- The vehicle is classified as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
- The gasoline engine is engaged primarily as a generator, not as a direct-drive source to the wheels.
- The electric motor(s) directly drive the front wheels in most configurations.
- There is no conventional transmission tying the engine to the wheels during normal operation; energy is managed by the electric drive system and power electronics.
- GM discontinued the Volt after the 2019 model year, shifting emphasis to full-electric offerings like the Bolt family.
In practice, the gas engine starts automatically when needed and continuously cooperates with the electric drivetrain to extend the vehicle’s total range beyond what the battery alone can provide. This setup aims to offer the benefits of electric driving with the reassurance of gasoline range when required.
Production years and current status
GM produced the Chevrolet Volt from 2010 through 2019 across two generations. The first generation ran roughly 2010–2015, and the second generation was 2016–2019. In both cases, the engine’s role remained that of a range extender. Since then, GM has focused on fully electric options, and the Volt is no longer in production.
Bottom line
Yes—the Chevy Volt has a gasoline internal-combustion engine. However, it does not directly drive the wheels. Its sole purpose is to act as a range extender by generating electricity to power the electric drivetrain when battery charge is depleted or additional power is needed. The Volt stands as an early and influential example of a plug-in hybrid with a range-extending engine.
Summary
The Chevy Volt combines electric propulsion with a small gasoline engine that mainly serves as a generator to extend range. While the engine exists, it does not power the wheels directly, underscoring its classification as a plug-in hybrid. Production ended after the 2019 model year, with GM continuing to invest in full-electric alternatives like the Bolt.
How long do the batteries last in a Chevy Volt?
The Chevy Volt battery is designed to last for many years, with owners reporting exceptional longevity, sometimes over 300,000 miles with minimal degradation thanks to the vehicle's liquid-cooling system and software. General Motors provides an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the battery, which covers 75% of its original capacity, and many factors like proper charging and avoiding extreme temperatures can extend its life.
You can watch this video to learn how to check your EV's battery health: 0:54ThatJamesGuyYouTube · Jul 13, 2024
Battery longevity and performance
- Long lifespan: Chevy Volt batteries are known for their durability, with some owners reporting minimal battery capacity loss even after hundreds of thousands of miles.
- Built-in protection: The Volt has a liquid-cooling system that helps maintain an optimal battery temperature, which preserves battery life.
- Software management: The vehicle's software also helps protect the battery by limiting the charge to a certain percentage (e.g., below 100%) to extend its lifespan.
- Extended driving capability: Because the Volt is a plug-in hybrid, it can continue to run on its gasoline engine even if the battery is depleted, ensuring the vehicle can still be driven.
Warranty and maintenance
- Warranty: A limited warranty is provided for the high-voltage battery, covering it for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Maintenance: Regular charging and avoiding extreme temperature exposure will help maximize the battery's lifespan. Staying up to date with manufacturer software updates is also recommended.
Do Chevy Volts have engines?
The Volt operates as a pure battery electric vehicle until its battery capacity drops to a predetermined threshold from full charge. From there, its internal combustion engine powers an electric generator to extend the vehicle's range as needed.
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.
Are Chevy Volts only electric?
General Motors instead describes the Volt as an electric vehicle equipped with a "range extender" gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) functioning as a genset and calls it an "extended range electric vehicle".
