How much did a Chevy Volt cost new?
The Chevy Volt’s new-car price started around the low $40,000s before incentives, with later models generally pricing lower in the mid-$30,000s depending on trim and options. The exact sticker price varied by model year and configuration, while federal and local incentives could substantially reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
Launched as a two-generation plug-in hybrid, the Volt was GM’s flagship in the early era of extended-range electric vehicles. This article lays out typical new-car prices by generation and trim, and summarizes how incentives and promotions shaped the actual price buyers paid at the dealership.
Pricing by generation and trim
This section outlines the general price ranges for the Volt across its two generations, noting where prices tended to cluster for base and higher trims.
- First generation (2011–2015): The launch MSRP hovered around $41,000, with some variation based on options and packages. Higher-trim versions could push the price toward the low-to-mid $40,000s.
- Second generation (2016–2019): The redesigned Volt carried lower starting prices, with base LT models typically in the mid-$30,000s and higher-trim Premier variants reaching toward the upper $30,000s to just under $40,000, depending on options.
These figures refer to the sticker price before destination charges, taxes, and incentives. Final out-the-door pricing depended on added options, regional charges, and available promotions.
Incentives and discounts that reduced the price
Several programs could substantially cut the price from the sticker, including federal credits, state incentives, and dealer promotions. Here is a breakdown of how these factors commonly affected the Volt’s price.
- Federal plug-in vehicle tax credit: Up to $7,500 for eligible Volt models, though the amount could vary depending on year and eligibility, and it could phase out for a manufacturer after certain sales thresholds.
- State and local incentives: Some states offered rebates or tax credits for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, varying by year and program.
- Dealer promotions and lease incentives: Dealers frequently advertised promotions, financing deals, or lease terms that reduced the effective price.
In practice, the combined impact of these incentives and promotions could bring the effective purchase price well below the sticker price, sometimes by several thousand dollars.
Summary
In short, the Chevy Volt’s new-car price began around $41,000 for the early model years and trended downward in later generations to the mid-$30,000s for base trims, with higher trims approaching the upper-$30,000s. The net price paid by buyers was frequently far lower thanks to federal and state incentives and dealer promotions. The Volt was produced from 2011 through 2019, after which GM shifted focus away from the model.
