How many miles can a 2017 Chevy Volt go on a full charge?
Approximately 53 miles on electricity alone per EPA estimates.
The 2017 Volt is a plug-in hybrid that combines an 18.4 kWh battery pack with a gasoline engine. When the battery is charged, you can drive about 53 miles on electric power; once the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine allows the car to continue driving, bringing total range to roughly 420 miles depending on conditions.
Key specifications that determine the electric range
Key figures that define the electric range for the 2017 Volt include the battery size and usable capacity, the EPA electric-range rating, and the total range when the gasoline engine is engaged.
- Battery pack: 18.4 kWh total; about 17.1 kWh usable capacity.
- EPA electric range: 53 miles on a full charge.
- Total driving range: around 420 miles when the battery is charged and the gasoline tank is full.
- Charge times: roughly 4–5 hours on a Level 2 (240V) charger; about 10–12 hours on a standard Level 1 (120V) outlet.
That combination means the Volt can cover typical daily commutes on electricity alone, with the gasoline engine kicking in for longer trips.
Maximizing electric range in daily use
To get the most electric miles per charge, consider factors that drain or preserve battery life and adjust driving accordingly.
- Drive at moderate speeds; aggressive acceleration reduces range.
- Minimize climate control use; precondition cabin while plugged in to avoid battery drain while driving.
- Use Eco mode or similar efficiency settings when available.
- Keep tires properly inflated and avoid excess weight to improve efficiency.
- Charge regularly and use Level 2 charging when possible to maximize the usable battery before starting a trip.
Real-world range will vary with weather, elevation, and drive style, but these practices tend to maximize the electric miles you can get on a single charge.
Summary
The 2017 Chevy Volt offers about 53 miles of electric range on a full charge, backed by an 18.4 kWh battery (roughly 17.1 kWh usable). Its total range, with a full gasoline tank, is about 420 miles. Real-world numbers depend on weather, driving behavior, and climate-control use, but informed charging and efficient driving can help you maximize electric miles each day.
How much does it cost to replace a 2017 Chevy Volt battery?
Replacing the main hybrid battery for a 2017 Chevy Volt is a significant expense, ranging from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 including parts and professional installation. Refurbished battery packs can reduce costs to around $6,000 to $10,000, while individual modules may be replaceable for a much lower cost, around $400 to $700 if a full pack replacement isn't necessary.
Cost breakdown
- New Battery (Parts and Labor): Expect a range of $11,000 to $15,000, with the part alone costing around $9,000 plus installation.
- Refurbished Battery (Parts and Labor): The total cost can be closer to $8,000 to $10,000, using a refurbished unit priced around $6,000.
- Modular Replacement (Parts and Labor): A more affordable option, if only a specific module is bad, could be $400 to $700 for the repair. This requires diagnosis to confirm the battery pack isn't failing completely.
- Third-Party Options: Some companies offer refurbished batteries with warranties for $5,000 to $9,000.
What to do before replacing the battery
- Get an expert diagnosis: Have a qualified technician, ideally one certified for Volt hybrid systems, diagnose the issue to determine if a full pack replacement is needed or if it's just a single module that has failed.
- Shop around: Get quotes from both dealerships and reputable independent shops, including those that specialize in hybrid battery replacement.
- Consider a refurbished battery: A professionally refurbished unit can significantly lower your total cost while still offering reliability.
- Check for recalls or other issues: Before spending thousands, ensure there are no recalls or other covered issues with your vehicle.
How far will a Chevy Volt go on a full charge?
A Chevy Volt's electric range on a full charge is around 53 miles for newer models (2016-2019), while older models (2011-2015) have an EPA-estimated range of about 38 miles. However, the actual range can vary significantly based on driving conditions, with cold weather, high speeds, and heavy use of the heater or air conditioning potentially reducing the range to as low as 25 miles.
Factors that affect electric range
- Temperature: Colder weather can significantly reduce range due to battery efficiency and the energy needed for cabin heat.
- Driving style and speed: Aggressive driving and higher speeds use more energy. Driving at lower, more consistent speeds (20-45 mph) will yield the best efficiency.
- Climate control: Using the heater or air conditioning consumes a substantial amount of power, which reduces the electric range.
- Drive mode: Modes like "sport" or "mountain" use more energy, while "normal" is the most efficient.
- Battery age and condition: Over time, battery capacity can decrease, leading to a lower range than when the car was new.
Real-world vs. EPA estimates
- EPA estimates are based on standardized tests: The EPA ratings provide a good baseline, but your actual range will differ.
- For newer Volts (2016-2019): You can expect a range near the EPA's 53 miles if you drive in ideal conditions, but expect it to drop with temperature or speed.
- For older Volts (2011-2015): The EPA estimate is around 38 miles, and you will see variations based on conditions, with 25-30 miles being a common real-world figure in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Can a Chevy Volt use a Tesla charging station?
Yes, you can charge a Chevy Volt at a Tesla station, but you will need a GM-approved adapter for Superchargers and should only charge at compatible V3 or later Superchargers. Destination chargers are compatible with a J1772 adapter for AC charging, while Superchargers require a NACS DC adapter and can be accessed through the myChevrolet app. Note that older Volts lack DC fast charging capability and will only charge at a slower AC rate.
For Supercharging (DC Fast Charging)
- What you'll need: A GM-approved NACS DC adapter and the myChevrolet mobile app.
- Compatibility: Only compatible with V3 or later Superchargers.
- How to use:
- Activate your account: Use the myChevrolet app to activate your access to the Tesla Supercharger network and add a payment method.
- Locate a compatible station: Use the myChevrolet app, Plug Share, or Chargeway to find a compatible V3 or later Supercharger. The Tesla app may also be used with your adapter, but some users have reported issues with their vehicles appearing in the app.
- Park strategically: Park your vehicle so the charging cable can reach, which might mean parking in the space next to or behind the charger.
- Plug in: Connect the NACS DC adapter to the Tesla cable, and then plug the adapter into your Volt's charging port.
- Start charging: Your charging session should begin automatically through the app. You can monitor the progress in the myChevrolet app.
- Important: The Volt's maximum DC fast-charging rate is much slower than the Supercharger's potential, so the charging will be limited by your vehicle.
For Destination Charging (AC Level 2)
- What you'll need: A Tesla to J1772 adapter (also known as a Tesla Tap or similar).
- Compatibility: Compatible with Tesla Destination Chargers (the AC charging stations, not Superchargers).
- How to use: Connect the adapter to the Tesla charger and then plug it into your Volt's J1772 port.
Key considerations for older models
- No DC Fast Charging: The 2015 and earlier Chevy Volt models lack the ability to DC fast charge. They can only charge at AC (Level 1 or 2) speeds, even at a Supercharger with the right adapter.
- Slower Charging: If you are using a V3 Supercharger with an adapter, your Volt will charge at the maximum AC level 2 speed (around 3.63.63.6 kW) instead of DC fast charging speeds.
- Use Destination Chargers: It is often more practical to use a Destination Charger with a J1772 adapter for AC charging.
How many miles per charge on a 2017 Chevy Volt?
53 miles
Electric Charge – With just the EV motors running, the Volt is capable of traveling up to 53 miles on a single charge; more than enough for the average daily commute.
