How much weight can a Chevy Volt tow?
The Chevy Volt is not rated for towing and cannot safely tow a trailer; there is no published towing capacity for this model.
As a plug-in hybrid built for efficiency and electric driving, the Volt emphasizes fuel economy over hauling power. Chevrolet’s official materials and the owner’s manual do not provide a towing specification for the Volt, and towing is generally advised against. This article explains the official stance, practical implications for owners, and sensible alternatives for anyone who needs to move a trailer or heavy cargo.
Official stance on towing a Chevy Volt
To understand the official position, it helps to look at what the manufacturer and the user guide say about towing.
What Chevrolet and the manual say
- No published towing capacity is provided for the Volt by Chevrolet.
- The Volt’s owner manual cautions against towing and does not authorize it.
- Attempting to tow could affect performance, safety systems, and may have warranty implications.
In short, Chevrolet does not endorse towing with the Volt, and there is no official weight rating to guide such use. This is consistent across model years and aligns with the vehicle’s design focus on efficiency and electric propulsion rather than towing capability.
Practical implications for Volt owners
Beyond the official stance, here are the real‑world considerations for people who already own a Volt or are evaluating one for everyday use.
Warranty and safety considerations
- There is no approved towing specification to follow, so towing is considered outside the intended use of the Volt.
- Using a trailer could place unexpected stresses on the drivetrain, electrical systems, and suspension, potentially affecting safety and reliability.
- Dealer advice and warranty terms typically reflect that towing is not supported; consult your dealer if in doubt.
For many buyers, these points translate to a practical rule: avoid towing with a Volt and plan alternative solutions for trailer needs.
Alternatives for towing needs
When towing is essential, consider options that match your weight requirements and safety standards. This section outlines viable paths.
Choosing a tow-capable option
- Use a vehicle with a published towing capacity that meets or exceeds the trailer’s weight, such as a midsize SUV, full‑size SUV, or pickup truck.
- If you need to move trailers or heavy cargo temporarily, consider renting a tow vehicle or trailer from a rental service rather than loading a Volt with towing duties.
- For occasional or lighter tasks, professional towing services can handle loads safely without stressing a Volt’s systems.
In practice, pairing your hauling needs with a vehicle designed for towing is the safest and most reliable approach, especially given the Volt’s emphasis on efficiency rather than towing performance.
Summary
The Chevy Volt does not have a documented towing capacity and towing is not recommended by Chevrolet. If you need to tow, use a vehicle designed for towing and consider alternatives such as rentals or professional services. For everyday use, the Volt remains a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid rather than a towing vehicle.
What year to avoid Chevy Volt?
The Chevy Volt years to avoid are generally the 2012, 2013, and 2017 models, primarily due to issues with the heater coolant heater, the auxiliary coolant pump, and the battery energy control module (BECM). The 2016 model also had more frequent issues, and some 2018 models need to be checked for the BECM failure if manufactured before March 2018.
Years to avoid
- 2012 and 2013: These model years are prone to failures with the heater coolant heater and the auxiliary coolant pump, which can be expensive to repair or replace.
- 2017: This year is notorious for BECM failures. While a recall and extended warranty are in place, the parts can be difficult to get, causing significant downtime.
- 2016: Although the first year of the second generation, the 2016 model had a higher frequency of issues than other second-gen years.
- 2018: Be cautious with 2018 models manufactured before March 2018, as they may have the same BECM issue that plagued the 2017 model year.
What to look for in other years
- 2014 and 2015: These are generally reliable years, but the 2015 model was the last year of the first generation and had a smaller battery than the second-gen models that started production later in the year.
- 2018: The 2018 model year is considered by some to be a good balance of value and reliability, especially if you can find one made after March 2018 to avoid the BECM issue.
- 2019: The 2019 model year offers some upgrades but can be expensive due to dealer pricing.
Can you tow a trailer with a Chevy Volt?
Direct from the manual: ``The vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer or another vehicle.'' You would have been better off renting a uhaul.
What is the towing capacity of the Chevy Volt?
7600 lbs.
Tow Capacity: 7600 lbs.
Can you tow a trailer with an electric van?
Electric vehicles have excellent torque from standstill, so many are well-suited to pulling heavy trailers. However, fleets need to consider the distances they will be towing, as batteries will drain much more quickly with the added heavy load behind the vehicle, which also increases wind resistance.
