How is the high voltage battery recharged in a Chevrolet Volt?
The Chevrolet Volt recharges its high-voltage battery primarily by plugging in, with additional energy recovery from braking and from a gasoline-powered range extender that generates electricity when needed.
External charging: Plug-in options
To replenish the battery from a wall outlet, Volt owners connect a charging cable to a standard charging port. The vehicle supports two common charging levels, each with different timeframes to a full charge.
- Level 1 charging (120 volts) uses a standard household outlet. This is the slowest option and can take roughly 10–12 hours to fully recharge a depleted battery, depending on conditions.
- Level 2 charging (240 volts) uses a dedicated charging station. This method recharges faster, typically in about 4–6 hours for a full charge, depending on the charger's amperage and the car’s onboard charger capacity.
- The Volt’s onboard charger converts alternating current (AC) from the power source into direct current (DC) for the high-voltage battery, while the battery management system controls temperature and safety during charging.
In everyday use, Level 2 charging is the practical choice for home or workplace charging, enabling a full recharge overnight or during the workday.
Other recharge sources
Regenerative braking
During braking and deceleration, the Volt’s electric motors operate as generators, sending electrical energy back into the high-voltage battery. The amount recovered depends on driving conditions, braking intensity, and battery temperature. Regenerative braking is most effective in city driving with frequent stops.
Gasoline-powered range extender
If the battery’s state of charge drops to a lower threshold or additional power is needed, the Volt’s 1.4-liter gasoline engine starts and drives a generator that recharges the high-voltage battery while also supporting the electric drivetrain. The engine’s role is to generate electricity rather than directly drive the wheels, helping extend the car’s overall range when electric power is insufficient for longer trips.
Summary
In practice, the Chevrolet Volt recharges its high-voltage battery through a combination of plug-in charging (Level 1 or Level 2), regenerative braking, and the gasoline-powered range extender that generates electricity as needed. This multi-source approach supports daily driving on electric power with a gasoline backup to extend range when necessary.
What are the most common problems with Chevy Volt?
Common Chevy Volt problems include battery degradation, issues with the gasoline engine due to carbon buildup from short run cycles, charging system malfunctions, and electrical system faults like failed control modules. Other reported issues involve brake problems like premature wear and noise, and various software glitches.
This video discusses potential issues to watch out for when buying a used Chevy Volt: 1mThe Disgruntled MechanicYouTube · Jul 18, 2020
Battery and charging
- Battery degradation: Over time, the high-voltage battery can lose capacity, which results in a shorter electric-only range.
- Charging problems: Owners have reported the car won't charge at home, won't fully charge, or doesn't work with certain public chargers. A failed condenser in the charging system can also be a problem.
- High-voltage cooling system issues: A problem with the cooling system can prevent the battery from charging.
Gasoline engine
- Carbon buildup: The direct-injection engine can develop carbon buildup on the valves due to frequent, short run cycles, leading to rough idle, misfires, and reduced performance.
- Stuck valves: Owners have reported a stuck valve in the engine, sometimes related to the oil pressure control solenoid.
Brakes
- Premature wear: Owners have noted that brake pads and rotors wear out sooner than expected.
- Noise and vibration: Common issues include brake noise or vibrations and pulsations in the brake pedal.
- System failure: In some cases, problems with the master cylinder, calipers, or anti-lock system have been reported.
- Regenerative braking issues: Some owners have experienced problems related to the regenerative braking system.
This video shows an example of a common problem with the Chevy Volt's shifter: 56sWatchJRGoYouTube · May 30, 2025
Electrical and software
- Control module failure: The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) or Battery Control Module (BCM) can fail, causing significant reliability issues, including the car stopping unexpectedly.
- Software glitches: Various software glitches can occur, leading to problems like display screen flickering or intermittent satellite radio reception.
- Electric drive motor malfunction: At least one owner has reported a malfunction of the electric drive motor.
How does an electric vehicle charge the 12V battery?
The vehicle electronics, i.e. the battery management system, decides in the electric car when the charge controller recharges the 12V on-board battery with energy from the high-voltage battery - via a DC/DC voltage converter. Regardless of whether during the journey or when charging the high-voltage battery.
What is the warranty on the Chevy Volt high-voltage battery?
8 years
What is the 100,000-Mile/8-year battery warranty? Certain electric propulsion components on Chevrolet electric vehicles are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, including the high voltage battery.
Does the Chevy Volt engine charge the battery?
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.
