How many miles can a Chevy Volt go on a full tank of gas?
The typical gasoline-only range for a Chevy Volt is about 340 miles on a full tank once the electric range has been used up; actual mileage varies by model year and driving conditions.
The Volt is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it runs on electric power from its battery for everyday driving and switches to a gasoline engine as a generator once the battery is depleted. When operating on gasoline alone, range depends on the engine’s efficiency and the vehicle’s fuel capacity. Most Volt generations use roughly a 9.3-gallon fuel tank, and real-world gas mileage in gasoline-only mode generally falls in the high 30s miles per gallon, with variations based on temperature, terrain, and driving style.
Understanding the Volt's gas-only range
Electric vs. gasoline phases
Before the gasoline engine takes over, the car runs on electricity from its battery. Once the charge is low or depleted, the engine powers a generator and drives the vehicle on gasoline, so the miles you get from a full tank depend on how long you operate in gasoline-only mode.
The following points summarize typical gasoline-only range estimates and how they can differ by year and conditions.
- Typical gasoline-only range across most Volt generations: about 320–360 miles per full tank, with a common figure around 340 miles.
- Tank size and efficiency: commonly cited fuel capacity is around 9.3 gallons; mpg in gasoline-only mode varies by model year and testing standard.
- Real-world factors: cold weather, hills, and heavy climate-control use can reduce the actual distance you can travel on a full tank.
In practice, drivers generally observe ranges in the mid-300s miles per full tank under normal conditions, though exact results can differ significantly depending on the specific year, maintenance, and driving habits.
Notes by model year
The Volt’s basic architecture—electric driving with a gasoline generator when needed—spanned two generations (2011–2015 and 2016–2019). The 2016–2019 models offered a larger electric-only range (about 53 miles) but retained a similar gasoline-tank size, so the gasoline-only range after the battery depletes remains roughly within the 320–360 mile band, contingent on conditions.
Summary: A Chevy Volt typically delivers around 340 miles on a full tank of gas after its electric range is exhausted. Real-world results fluctuate based on model year, temperature, terrain, and driving behavior, but the general range stays in the low to mid‑300s miles per tank.
How many miles can a Chevy Volt go on a full tank?
420 miles
Hybrid Powerplant – When the gasoline/electric hybrid engine is engaged, the Volt returns an EPA-estimated 43 mpg/city and 42 mpg/highway fuel efficiency, and can travel up to 420 miles with a full tank of gas and a fully charged battery.
How long does it take to charge a Chevy Volt?
Chevy Volt Basics
Charging times are as follows: 120-volt outlet: 13 hours. 240-volt outlet: 2.3 hours.
Can a Chevy Volt run on gas only?
Yes, a Chevy Volt can run on gas only after its battery is depleted, but it functions as a series hybrid where the gas engine acts as a generator to power the electric motor. The Volt is designed to be primarily driven on electricity, so running on gas alone is not its intended long-term mode of operation.
How it works
- Battery first: The Volt uses its battery power for all-electric driving until the charge is depleted.
- Gasoline engine activates: Once the battery is low, the gasoline engine turns on automatically to act as a generator, powering the electric motors and keeping the car moving.
- Continuous driving: This allows for continuous driving without needing to stop and charge, similar to a conventional hybrid, but with a smaller battery.
- Efficiency: While it can run on gas, the gas engine's primary role is to charge the battery, so the driving experience and efficiency differ from a conventional gasoline car.
Considerations
- Intended use: The Volt is designed for efficient short-distance electric commutes with a gas backup for longer trips, not for continuous, long-distance gasoline-only driving.
- Engine lubrication: The gasoline engine will occasionally run even if the battery isn't fully depleted to keep the engine lubricated and ready for use.
- Fuel economy: The gas-only mode will not have the same high efficiency as the electric mode.
- Charging is still recommended: It is recommended to charge the vehicle whenever possible to maintain the battery's health and to get the most benefit from the Volt's design.
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.
