How did the Chevy Volt electrify GM?
The Chevy Volt electrified GM by proving that a mass-market plug-in hybrid could appeal to everyday drivers, sparking a rapid shift in GM’s electrification strategy and laying the groundwork for the company’s broader all-electric lineup.
Launched as GM’s flagship showcase of the Voltec propulsion system, the Volt blended a rechargeable battery with a gasoline range extender to deliver electric-driving confidence for daily trips and extended range for longer journeys. Over two generations, it demonstrated consumer demand for electrified mobility, accelerated GM’s investment in battery technology and manufacturing, and influenced the design and planning of future EV platforms across the portfolio.
Origins and technology
At its core, the Volt introduced GM’s Voltec extended‑range electric propulsion: a battery-powered drivetrain supplemented by a gasoline generator that recharges the battery and enables longer trips once the electric range is exhausted. This arrangement was intended to reduce “range anxiety” while still delivering the efficiency benefits of electrified driving.
Its development spanned two generations, each expanding the car’s all‑electric capability. First-generation Volt offered about 35 miles of all-electric driving on a ~16 kilowatt‑hour battery, with a total driving range approaching the high 300s miles. The second generation increased the all-electric range to roughly 53 miles and used a larger ~18.4 kilowatt‑hour pack, pushing the overall range further and improving daily usability. The Volt’s engineering also served as a proving ground for high‑voltage tech, battery integration, and manufacturing processes that GM later scaled across its EV programs.
Milestones in the Volt’s life help illustrate how it reshaped GM’s approach and expectations for electrified transportation.
- 2007: The Chevrolet Volt concept debuts, signaling GM’s intent to pursue extended‑range electrification.
- 2010–2011: Production Volt arrives as a 2011 model year, delivering the first practical plug‑in hybrid experience from a major U.S. automaker.
- 2012–2015: Volt remains in production with updates that improve efficiency, charging, and real‑world range.
- 2016: Second‑generation Volt debuts, expanding all‑electric range and refining the platform around a larger battery and updated Voltec integration.
- 2019: GM ends Volt production, refocusing efforts on a broader all‑electric lineup built on newer battery technologies and platforms.
These milestones highlight how the Volt evolved from an early demonstration project into a tangible consumer product, while also signaling to GM that electrification could work at scale and inform future vehicle design.
Impact on GM's electrification strategy
The Volt did more than sell cars; it acted as a catalyst for GM’s broader electrification commitments, shaping planning, manufacturing capabilities, and strategic priorities across the company.
Below are the core ways the Volt electrified GM and reshaped its roadmap.
- Validated consumer appetite for plug‑in hybrids, helping GM gauge demand for electrified drivelines and informing marketing, service, and charging‑infrastructure considerations.
- Accelerated development of high‑voltage systems, battery integration, and manufacturing processes, laying a foundation for scalable platforms and later battery chemistries.
- Influenced the evolution from Voltec to a unified, scalable electrification strategy, ultimately contributing to the Ultium platform that underpins today’s Chevrolet Bolt family and future GM EVs.
- Prompted partnerships and investments in charging networks and supplier relationships, reinforcing the ecosystem needed to support a growing EV lineup.
- Helped foster an internal culture shift toward electrification targets across GM brands, aligning engineering, manufacturing, and product planning with an all‑electric horizon.
Although the Volt itself ended production in 2019, its imprint remained evident as GM expanded its all‑electric ambitions, from the Bolt family to newer generation EVs built on Ultium technology.
Legacy and lessons
Voltec technology and the path to Ultium
The Voltec architecture provided GM with critical experience in integrating large‑capacity batteries, electric propulsion, and range-extending generators into a consumer‑friendly package. That experience informed the company’s transition to the Ultium platform, a modular, scalable approach that underpins today’s Chevrolet Bolt EVs and forthcoming GM electric models across brands.
Public perception and policy impact
The Volt helped shift consumer expectations around plug‑in hybrids as credible daily‑use vehicles, contributing to policy discussions on incentives, charging infrastructure, and emissions goals that have shaped GM’s and policymakers’ approaches to electrification.
Summary
The Chevy Volt’s blend of battery‑electric driving and a range‑extending gasoline engine demonstrated that electrified propulsion could be practical for real-world commuting and longer trips. By proving demand, accelerating technology development, and informing a scalable, future‑oriented platform strategy, the Volt helped GM pivot decisively toward a broader and deeper electrified future—an arc that continues to shape the company’s vehicles and investments today.
What year to avoid Chevy Volt?
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.
How does the Chevy Volt hybrid system work?
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.
Why did GM destroy the electric car?
GM loaded the EV1s onto semi trucks, hauled them to Mesa, Ariz., and crushed them. Photos showed flattened EV1s stacked on top of each other. GM said the cars were destroyed because a lack of replacement parts made the EV1 unsafe. "There are 2,000 unique parts to this vehicle," Barthmuss said.
Does a Chevy Volt charge itself while driving?
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.
