What gas mileage does a Chevy Volt get?

The Chevy Volt’s gasoline mileage sits in the mid-30s mpg for older models and around 40–42 mpg for the later Gen 2, while its overall efficiency benefits significantly from its electric mode (often listed in MPGe). Its electric range also grew from roughly 35 miles to about 50+ miles depending on the model year.

The Volt blends electric driving with a gasoline range-extending engine. When the battery is charged, the car runs primarily on electricity; once the battery depletes, the gasoline engine takes over to extend range. Actual fuel economy depends on how you drive, whether you keep the battery charged, climate control usage, terrain, and maintenance. The last Volt rolled off production in 2011–2019, and EPA figures vary by year and driving conditions.

How the Volt delivers mileage

Understanding the Volt’s mileage requires separating its all-electric efficiency from its gasoline efficiency. The vehicle’s design aims to maximize miles driven on electric power for daily trips, then rely on the gasoline engine only when necessary. Here are the typical gasoline-only and electric-range figures by generation.

EPA ratings by generation

EPA estimates have varied by year and testing standards. The figures below reflect common ranges reported for the two main Volt generations.

• Gen 1 (2011–2015)
  Gasoline-only fuel economy: roughly 35–37 mpg. Electric range: about 35 miles on a full charge.


• Gen 2 (2016–2019)
  Gasoline-only fuel economy: roughly 40–42 mpg. Electric range: about 53 miles on a full charge.

In practice, the Volt’s overall efficiency when the battery is charged is much higher than gasoline-only figures, thanks to its electric propulsion. Real-world mileage can vary based on temperature, driving style, and how often the vehicle is plugged in.

What affects mileage in daily use

Several factors influence the Volt’s fuel economy beyond the base EPA numbers. Drivers can manage these to maximize efficiency.

• State of charge and how often you plug in


• Driving style, including rapid acceleration and heavy braking


• Climate control usage (air conditioning in hot weather and cabin heating in cold weather)


• Terrain and elevation changes


• Tire type and tire pressure


• Vehicle maintenance and battery health

Because the Volt was discontinued after the 2019 model year, there are no new EPA ratings beyond those years. For current owners and buyers of used models, the most accurate mileage reference remains the official EPA ratings for the specific model year and the vehicle’s current condition.

Summary

The Chevy Volt offers a strong all-electric range for a plug-in hybrid and a respectable gasoline economy when the battery is depleted. Gen 1 vehicles generally delivered about 35–37 mpg on gasoline and around 35 miles of electric range; Gen 2 improved to roughly 40–42 mpg gasoline and about 53 miles of electric range. Real-world mileage varies with charging habits, climate, driving style, and terrain. As production ended in 2019, prospective buyers should review used-Volt ratings by model year and consider battery health and charging infrastructure when estimating future fuel costs.

Endnote

If you’re evaluating a Volt today, prioritize the specific model year’s EPA ratings and assess the current battery condition. For anyone seeking a modern, higher-MPGe, all-electric option, consider newer plug-in hybrids or fully electric models from Chevrolet and other manufacturers.

How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Volt get on gas?

The Chevy Volt's gas-only MPG varies by model year, but generally ranges from 35 to 42 mpg on the highway, and can be lower (around 30-35 mpg) in city driving or at higher speeds. For second-generation models, the EPA-rated combined MPG in gasoline-only mode is 42 mpg. 
Factors affecting gas-only MPG

• Driving speed: Highway speeds, especially above 60-70 mph, can lower the MPG, as the engine must work harder. Driving at speeds between 35 and 60 mph tends to produce better results. 
• Engine use: The engine in a Volt acts as a generator once the battery is depleted. In city driving, it may turn on and off frequently, leading to lower fuel economy than on the highway. 
• Driving style: Aggressive acceleration, using the air conditioning, or driving in hilly terrain will decrease fuel economy. 
• Tire pressure: Maintaining proper tire pressure can help improve gas mileage. 
• Engine warm-up: The engine's efficiency improves after it has fully warmed up. 

Can a Chevy Volt run on gas only?

Yes, a Chevy Volt can run on gas only after its battery is depleted, but it functions as a series hybrid where the gas engine acts as a generator to power the electric motor. The Volt is designed to be primarily driven on electricity, so running on gas alone is not its intended long-term mode of operation.
 
How it works

• Battery first: The Volt uses its battery power for all-electric driving until the charge is depleted. 
• Gasoline engine activates: Once the battery is low, the gasoline engine turns on automatically to act as a generator, powering the electric motors and keeping the car moving. 
• Continuous driving: This allows for continuous driving without needing to stop and charge, similar to a conventional hybrid, but with a smaller battery. 
• Efficiency: While it can run on gas, the gas engine's primary role is to charge the battery, so the driving experience and efficiency differ from a conventional gasoline car. 

Considerations

• Intended use: The Volt is designed for efficient short-distance electric commutes with a gas backup for longer trips, not for continuous, long-distance gasoline-only driving. 
• Engine lubrication: The gasoline engine will occasionally run even if the battery isn't fully depleted to keep the engine lubricated and ready for use. 
• Fuel economy: The gas-only mode will not have the same high efficiency as the electric mode. 
• Charging is still recommended: It is recommended to charge the vehicle whenever possible to maintain the battery's health and to get the most benefit from the Volt's design. 

How far will a Chevy Volt go on a full charge?

A Chevy Volt's electric range on a full charge is around 53 miles for newer models (2016-2019), while older models (2011-2015) have an EPA-estimated range of about 38 miles. However, the actual range can vary significantly based on driving conditions, with cold weather, high speeds, and heavy use of the heater or air conditioning potentially reducing the range to as low as 25 miles. 
Factors that affect electric range

• Temperature: Colder weather can significantly reduce range due to battery efficiency and the energy needed for cabin heat. 
• Driving style and speed: Aggressive driving and higher speeds use more energy. Driving at lower, more consistent speeds (20-45 mph) will yield the best efficiency. 
• Climate control: Using the heater or air conditioning consumes a substantial amount of power, which reduces the electric range. 
• Drive mode: Modes like "sport" or "mountain" use more energy, while "normal" is the most efficient. 
• Battery age and condition: Over time, battery capacity can decrease, leading to a lower range than when the car was new. 

Real-world vs. EPA estimates

• EPA estimates are based on standardized tests: The EPA ratings provide a good baseline, but your actual range will differ. 
• For newer Volts (2016-2019): You can expect a range near the EPA's 53 miles if you drive in ideal conditions, but expect it to drop with temperature or speed. 
• For older Volts (2011-2015): The EPA estimate is around 38 miles, and you will see variations based on conditions, with 25-30 miles being a common real-world figure in less-than-ideal circumstances. 

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.