How many miles will a Chevy Volt battery last?
On a full charge, the Volt delivers roughly 35 miles of electric range in its first-generation models and about 53 miles in the later generation. The battery’s longevity is measured in years and miles of electric use, and the car is backed by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty in the United States.
Electric range by generation
Here’s how the EPA-rated electric range breaks down by Volt generation.
- 2011–2015 Volt: EPA-rated electric range of about 35 miles on a full charge (typical real-world results may vary around the upper 30s).
- 2016–2019 Volt: EPA-rated electric range of about 53 miles on a full charge.
These figures refer to pure electric driving; once the battery is depleted, the Volt operates as a gasoline-hybrid with the internal combustion engine providing additional range.
Battery longevity and warranty
The battery life of the Volt is not described by a single mileage figure. It is influenced by usage, climate, charging habits, and maintenance. In the United States, GM’s warranty coverage for the Volt’s high-voltage battery and electric drive unit is 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, though exact terms can vary by region and model year.
- Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles on the high-voltage battery and electric drive unit (coverage varies by region and model year).
- Replacement costs: Replacing the battery can run several thousand dollars, with prices typically ranging from a few thousand up to around ten thousand dollars installed, depending on whether you install a new or refurbished pack and local labor costs.
Battery degradation is typically gradual, and many Volt owners report retaining a substantial portion of original capacity after many miles, though experiences vary with climate, charging patterns, and usage.
Factors affecting battery life and EV range
Several factors influence how many EV miles the Volt can deliver over its life. Key elements include:
- Ambient temperature and thermal management; extreme heat or cold can accelerate capacity loss.
- Charging practices and state of charge management; keeping the battery within moderate SOC ranges can help preserve capacity.
- Driving style and HVAC usage; aggressive driving and heavy climate control usage reduce efficiency.
- Battery age and cycle count; more charge/discharge cycles gradually wear the pack.
- Software updates and maintenance; updates can optimize battery management and efficiency.
Practical steps to maximize EV miles include regular Level 2 charging, maintaining proper tire pressure, and timely maintenance of the battery system and related components.
What to consider if you’re shopping for a Volt today
GM discontinued the Volt after the 2019 model year, so any Volt on the market today is a used vehicle. When evaluating a used Volt, consider:
- Warranty status and transferability for the high-voltage battery and electric drive unit.
- Battery health reports and real-world EV range testing to gauge remaining capacity.
- History of recalls, software updates, and any prior battery-related service.
- Availability and compatibility of Level 2 charging at home or in your area.
A careful assessment of battery condition and charging setup can help you estimate remaining EV miles and anticipate any future maintenance needs.
Summary
The Chevy Volt’s electric range depends on generation: about 35 miles for the 2011–2015 models and about 53 miles for the 2016–2019 models. Battery longevity is influenced by how you use and care for it, with GM offering an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery in the U.S. Since the Volt was discontinued after 2019, any current purchase is a used-vehicle purchase, making battery health and warranty transferability important considerations. Proper charging habits and routine maintenance can help maximize the usable miles the Volt delivers on electricity over its lifetime.
What happens to EV batteries after 8 years?
Yes, when EV batteries reach the end of their working life, they will be recycled. In the US, when the typical 8- to 10-year battery warranty has expired, most EV providers can reuse the batteries for a second or third time.
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.
How long will a 3.7 volt battery last?
A 3.7V battery's lifespan depends on its capacity and use, but a typical lithium-ion battery lasts for 2 to 3 years or 300 to 1,000 charge cycles. A single charge's runtime varies greatly depending on the device's power draw; for example, a 18650 battery might last 2 to 5 hours in a high-power flashlight. Factors like temperature, charging habits, and depth of discharge also significantly impact how long the battery will last.
Factors affecting battery life
- Charge cycles: The number of times a battery can be charged and discharged before its capacity degrades.
- Capacity: A higher mAh (milliampere-hour) rating means more runtime for a given device.
- Depth of discharge: Consistently draining the battery to 0% and fully charging to 100% can shorten its life. Keeping the charge level between 20% and 80% is ideal.
- Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can accelerate battery degradation.
- Charging habits: Overcharging or using incompatible chargers can damage the battery.
- Shelf life: Even when not in use, batteries lose charge over time due to self-discharge. A fully charged battery stored in a cool place will have a longer shelf life.
To extend battery life
- Keep the charge level between 20% and 80% when possible.
- Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures.
- Store the battery at a 50% charge level if it won't be used for a while.
- Use the correct, manufacturer-recommended charger.
- Replace the battery when its performance noticeably decreases.
How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Chevy Bolt EV?
Replacing a Chevy Bolt battery can cost anywhere between $16,775 and $19,000, depending on the battery's size, power, and quality. This price includes labor and related parts.
