How many miles can you drive on a Chevy Volt battery?

The electric-only range of a Chevy Volt depends on its generation: first-generation models typically offer about 35 miles per full charge (rising to about 38 miles on later 2010s versions), while the second-generation Volt delivers about 53 miles on a full charge. GM stopped Volt production after the 2019 model year, so current availability is limited to used vehicles, and real-world range varies with conditions.

Range by generation

Below is a concise summary of EPA-rated electric range and typical battery sizes for each generation.

• First generation (2010–2015): EPA-rated electric range around 35 miles, with some models reaching up to about 38 miles. Usable battery capacity is approximately 8.8 kWh from a 16 kWh pack.


• Second generation (2016–2019): EPA-rated electric range around 53 miles. Usable battery capacity is roughly 17 kWh from an 18.4 kWh pack.

Note: Real-world range can vary based on climate control use, driving style, terrain, and battery condition.

Real-world factors that affect electric range

Numerous variables influence how far the Volt can travel on electric power in daily use. The following factors are the most impactful:

• Ambient temperature and heating/cooling: extreme temperatures reduce efficiency and range.


• Driving style and terrain: city driving with frequent stops can improve efficiency, while high-speed highway driving and hills typically reduce it.


• Battery age and health: aging batteries store less energy, shortening EV-only miles.


• Vehicle load and accessory use: heavier loads and energy-intensive features lower available EV range.

Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for daily driving and charging needs.

Maximizing electric range in daily use

With careful planning and habits, many Volt owners can maximize the number of miles driven on battery power per charge.

• Charge regularly and keep the battery near full when possible.


• Use eco modes and smooth acceleration to boost efficiency.


• Precondition the cabin while plugged in to reduce load on the battery before driving.


• Maintain proper tire pressure and minimize extra weight to improve efficiency.

These practices can help preserve and extend EV-range performance across a given charge, though actual results vary by individual conditions.

Summary

In summary, the Chevy Volt’s electric range differs by generation: about 35–38 miles per charge for the first generation and about 53 miles for the second generation. Production ended after 2019, so prospective buyers should look to the used market or consider newer plug-in options for longer all-electric ranges. Real-world mileage will always depend on temperature, driving style, terrain, and battery health.

How much does it cost to replace a Chevy Volt battery?

Replacing a Chevy Volt battery can cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $13,000, depending on the battery type (new, remanufactured, or refurbished), labor costs, and the model year of your Volt. A new battery from a dealer might cost around $9,000 plus labor, while remanufactured options from third-party providers can range from about $4,000 to $9,000, often with different warranty options. 
Factors that influence the cost

• New vs. remanufactured/refurbished: A new factory battery is the most expensive option. Remanufactured or refurbished batteries from specialized companies can offer significant savings. 
• Labor: The total cost includes professional installation. Some dealers may have high labor quotes, while other specialized shops or independent mechanics may be more affordable. 
• Model year: Older Volt models might use older technology, and the cost of the battery pack can vary by model year. 
• Warranty: Your original Chevy warranty covers battery replacement for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you are out of warranty, you'll be responsible for the full cost. 

Cost examples

• New battery: A new battery from a dealer can be around $9,000, plus labor, for a total estimated cost between $11,000 and $13,000. 
• Remanufactured battery:
  • Greentec Auto offers remanufactured packs for $8,499 with a 36-month warranty or for $3,999 with an 18-month warranty, according to Greentec Auto. 
• Refurbished battery: Some sources mention that a refurbished unit from a dealer could cost around $6,000, with total replacement cost potentially between $8,000 and $10,000 with labor. 
• Individual module or cell replacement: In some cases, it may be possible to replace just a single module or cell instead of the entire battery pack, which can lower costs. A bad controller module might be a much cheaper fix, costing around $400-$700. 

How many miles can a Chevy Volt go on a 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. 

How long do the Chevy Volt batteries last?

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. 

Can you drive a Chevy Volt without charging?

Yes, you can drive a Chevy Volt without charging it, as it functions as a conventional hybrid once the battery's charge is depleted. The gasoline engine will start automatically, and the car will operate using the gas engine to generate electricity for the electric motor or directly power the wheels, similar to other hybrids. While it can be driven without ever being plugged in, you will not get the full fuel efficiency benefits, especially for city driving. 
This video explains how the Chevy Volt works as a hybrid when the battery is depleted: 45sVirtual City ToursYouTube · Nov 11, 2021
Driving on gasoline alone

• How it works: After the battery's electric-only range is used up, the gasoline engine takes over to power the car, much like a traditional hybrid vehicle. 
• Fuel efficiency: When running solely on gasoline, the Volt will get significantly better gas mileage than a non-hybrid car, but less than its potential "plugged-in" electric-only efficiency. 
• Battery management: The car automatically manages the battery, keeping a reserve to ensure it can run the electric motor even when the gas engine is active. 

You can watch this video to see how the Chevy Volt behaves when it runs out of both gas and battery: 54sLegitStreetCarsYouTube · Feb 13, 2017
Why charging is beneficial

• Maximum efficiency: Plugging in the Volt to charge the battery maximizes its potential for electric-only, fuel-free driving, which is most efficient for city commuting. 
• Savings: Charging the battery reduces or eliminates the need to use gasoline for shorter trips, which can lead to significant savings on fuel costs.