How many miles per gallon does a 2010 Chevy Volt get?

The 2010 Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid that prioritizes electric driving, with a gasoline engine that acts as a generator for longer trips. In EPA testing, it posts about 93 miles per gallon‑equivalent (MPGe) when running on electricity and around 37 miles per gallon (MPG) when the gasoline engine is used after the battery is depleted. The all‑electric range is roughly 35 miles on a full charge, depending on conditions.

EPA ratings and what they mean

Electric vehicles and plug‑in hybrids are rated using MPGe to compare energy efficiency to conventional gasoline cars. For the Volt, two key figures matter: MPGe when operating on electricity, and MPG when operating on gasoline after the battery is exhausted. The numbers reflect testing across standard driving cycles and can differ from real‑world results based on climate, driving style, and use of climate control.

Key official figures you should know:

• All‑electric range: about 35 miles per EPA testing on a full charge.


• MPGe (electric mode): 93 MPGe combined when the car is powered by electricity only.


• Gasoline‑only MPG: about 37 MPG once the battery is depleted and the gas generator powers the vehicle.


• Context: The Volt’s fuel economy is presented as MPGe for electric operation and MPG for gasoline operation; there isn’t a single combined MPG figure across both energy sources.

Taken together, these numbers illustrate that the Volt delivers strong electric efficiency with gasoline backup for longer trips, rather than conventional MPG alone.

Real‑world performance and ownership considerations

In everyday driving, actual mileage depends on several factors. Urban commuting with frequent charging can maximize electric usage, while cold weather and climate control use can reduce electric range. Once the battery is depleted, highway or mixed driving will typically yield gasoline MPG closer to the 37 MPG figure, though real‑world results vary by driving conditions and maintenance.

Real‑world factors that commonly affect efficiency:

• Electric range typically falls within roughly 25–40 miles depending on temperature, terrain, and driving style.


• Gasoline MPG after EV range is exhausted generally trends around the mid‑30s to high‑30s MPG, influenced by speed, load, and driving habits.


• Using climate control, regenerative braking efficiency, and charging habits can shift actual numbers up or down.

For prospective buyers or current owners, understanding the Volt’s energy strategy helps set expectations: drive primarily on electricity for daily commutes, and rely on the gasoline generator for longer trips without frequent recharging.

Additional context

Note: The 2010 Volt was the early production year, with EPA ratings that largely mirror later 2011–2015 Volt models. Battery technology, charging infrastructure, and ownership experiences have evolved since then, but the core EPA figures—93 MPGe electric, about 35 miles of electric range, and around 37 MPG gasoline—remain the reference points for the model’s efficiency profile.

Summary

The 2010 Chevy Volt delivers roughly 93 MPGe when running on electricity, about 35 miles of electric range on a full charge, and around 37 MPG once the battery is depleted and the gasoline generator takes over. Real‑world results vary with climate, driving style, and charging habits, but the car is designed to maximize electric driving for daily use with gasoline backup for longer trips.

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:
  1. Activate your account: Use the myChevrolet app to activate your access to the Tesla Supercharger network and add a payment method. 
  2. 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. 
  3. Park strategically: Park your vehicle so the charging cable can reach, which might mean parking in the space next to or behind the charger. 
  4. Plug in: Connect the NACS DC adapter to the Tesla cable, and then plug the adapter into your Volt's charging port. 
  5. 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. 

What is the life expectancy of a Chevy Volt battery?

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. 

Is the Chevy Volt good on gas?

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 many miles can 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.