How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Volt hybrid get?
The Chevy Volt isn’t measured by a single MPG figure; it’s a plug‑in hybrid rated in MPGe when running on electricity and in mpg when the gasoline engine is used. In short, roughly around 100 MPGe in electric mode and about 40–42 mpg on gasoline once the battery is depleted.
Below is a year-by-year look at EPA estimates for the Volt’s two-energy-mode performance, followed by how those numbers translate to real-world driving.
What makes its MPG unique
The Volt combines a battery-electric drive with a gasoline engine. When the battery is charged, most travel is powered by electricity; once the battery is exhausted, the car operates like a conventional hybrid, using gasoline and regenerating energy to extend range. The EPA publishes MPGe figures for electric operation and mpg figures for gasoline-only operation, which can be confusing but reflect two distinct driving modes.
EPA fuel economy ratings by generation
The following numbers reflect EPA estimates for the Volt’s two-energy modes across its production years.
- 2011–2015 Volt: EPA rating around 93 MPGe combined when operating on electricity; electric-only range of about 35 miles; gasoline-only mpg of roughly 37 mpg.
- 2016–2019 Volt: EPA rating around 106 MPGe combined; electric-only range of about 53 miles; gasoline-only mpg around 42 mpg.
Note: MPGe is a measure of energy efficiency that compares electricity to gasoline on an energy-equivalent basis. Real-world results vary with driving style, climate control use, terrain, and charging frequency.
Two core energy modes
The Volt blends electricity and gasoline to maximize efficiency. When the battery has charge, the car runs primarily on electric power; once the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine takes over, driving the wheels and charging the battery to extend total range.
Real-world driving and MPG expectations
In daily use, most Volt owners drive a portion of their commute on electricity and rely on the gas engine for longer trips. Efficiency will depend on charging habits, climate control use, and driving style.
To maximize efficiency, consider these practices:
- Charge the battery regularly to maximize electric driving miles.
- Use EV mode for short trips and city driving to stay within the electric range.
- Take advantage of regenerative braking to recover energy during deceleration.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure to minimize rolling resistance.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain steady speeds, especially on highways.
In practice, real-world results align with the two-mode framework: high MPGe when charging and driving on electricity, and roughly 40–42 mpg when the battery is depleted and the vehicle operates as a conventional hybrid.
Summary
The Chevy Volt’s fuel economy isn’t a single number. It delivers about 100+ MPGe when running on electricity and about 40–42 mpg in gasoline-only mode after the battery is exhausted. Your actual mileage depends on how often you charge, your daily driving habits, and how you balance EV versus gas use.
What is the range of the Chevy Volt hybrid?
The Chevy Volt has an EPA-rated electric-only range of 53 miles for second-generation models (2016-2019) and 38 miles for first-generation models (2011-2015). When the gas engine is engaged to extend range, the total driving range for second-generation models is 420 miles with a full battery and a full tank of gas. Factors like driving style, temperature, and climate control usage can impact real-world electric range.
This video explains the real-world electric range of a Chevy Volt: 1mDriven CompanionYouTube · Apr 17, 2017
First-generation (2011–2015)
- Electric-only range: 38 miles
- Total range: Over 300 miles with a full battery and tank
Second-generation (2016–2019)
- Electric-only range: 53 miles
- Total range: 420 miles with a full battery and tank
Real-world factors that affect range
- Temperature: Cold weather reduces electric range, especially when using the heater.
- Driving habits: Aggressive acceleration, higher speeds (especially on the highway), and frequent braking will decrease electric range.
- Climate control: Using the heater or air conditioning draws power from the battery, which shortens the electric-only range.
You can watch this video to see a walkaround of the 2017 Chevrolet Volt and its features: 1mWay Scarff Ford Isuzu in Auburn, WAYouTube · Mar 31, 2025
Which plug-in hybrid has the best MPG?
Best MPG from self-charging hybrids
- Engine: Toyota Prius 2.0 PHEV.
- MPG: Up to 565.0mpg.
- Engine: BMW 530e.
- MPG: Up to 470.8mpg.
- Engine: Mercedes E 300 de.
- MPG: Up to 706.3mpg.
- Engine: Mercedes GLC 300 de.
- MPG: Up to 565.0mpg.
How many miles per gallon does a 2025 plug-in hybrid get?
MPG. *EPA-estimated 127 combined MPGe rating for 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE, EPA-estimated 114 combined MPGe rating for 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid XSE and XSE Premium.
What is the average life of a Chevy Volt hybrid?
According to motorandwheels.com, a typical Chevy Volt will last 200,000-300,000 miles. Anything from driving in strange weather to natural aging will impact the lifespan of your machine. It's critical to take care of your Volt and it will care for you.
