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How many volts are in a Chevy Volt?

The Chevy Volt uses a high‑voltage battery pack with a nominal voltage of about 360 volts. When fully charged, the pack can reach roughly 400 volts, and the exact voltage varies with the state of charge. This high‑voltage system powers the electric drive and is separate from the car’s 12‑volt electrical system.


Voltage in the Volt: what you need to know


To understand how the Volt delivers electric propulsion, it helps to know how the high‑voltage battery behaves. The nominal voltage is the design target the system operates around, while the peak voltage occurs when the battery is full. The actual voltage also changes as the battery charges and discharges, and the energy stored is measured in kilowatt‑hours rather than volts alone.


Key voltage specs


Below are the core voltage figures for the Volt’s high‑voltage pack. Values can vary slightly by model year and battery condition.



  • Nominal voltage: about 360 volts

  • Fully charged (maximum) voltage: around 400 volts

  • Usable energy: approximately 16 kilowatt‑hours (kWh)

  • Voltage range during operation: typically varies from the low 300s to around 400 volts depending on state of charge


These figures describe the electric drive system’s electrical characteristics and how the Volt operates as a plug‑in hybrid.


Safety and handling of the high‑voltage system


Because the Volt’s battery operates at high voltage, servicing or opening high‑voltage components should be performed only by trained technicians. The vehicle includes safety interlocks and a high‑voltage disconnect to minimize risk during maintenance. Do not attempt to contact or service HV components unless you have proper training and equipment.


Context: generations and production timeline


The Chevrolet Volt was produced from 2010 through 2019. The first generation ran roughly from 2010 to 2015, with a second generation spanning 2016 to 2019. Across these years, the high‑voltage propulsion pack remained around 360 volts nominal, storing about 16 kWh of usable energy to power electric driving in combination with the gasoline range extender.


Summary


The Volt’s high‑voltage battery operates at a nominal ~360 volts, with a peak voltage near ~400 volts when fully charged, and stores about 16 kWh of usable energy. The voltage fluctuates with state of charge, and the system is intended to be serviced only by qualified professionals. The Volt remains a notable example of a plug‑in hybrid that combines electric propulsion with a gasoline engine for extended range.

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 voltage of a Chevy Volt battery?


CELL SPECIFICATIONS

Cell typeLaminate type
Rated capacity (0.3C)17 Ah
Average Voltage3.8 VDC
Maximum Voltage4.2VDC
Minimum Voltage3.0VDC



How many batteries are in a Chevy Volt?


The Chevrolet Volt features a 16kWh lithium-ion baery pack that weighs less than 400 pounds (181.4 kg). The baery pack is made up of multiple linked baery modules. All together the modules contain more than 200 baery cells.
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Is the Chevy Volt 100% electric?


While similar in some ways to hybrid vehicles, the Chevy Volt is an electric car with an onboard gasoline generator.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.