What is the capacity of the Chevy Volt?
The Chevy Volt’s battery capacity depends on generation: 16 kWh gross (about 8.8 kWh usable) in 2011–2015, and 18.4 kWh gross (about 17.1 kWh usable) in 2016–2019.
These capacities directly influence how far the car can drive on electricity alone and when the gasoline engine kicks in to extend overall range. The Volt is a plug‑in hybrid, designed to maximize electric driving for daily trips before relying on the gasoline generator for longer trips.
Battery capacity by generation
Below is a concise reference for the two battery-pack configurations used across Volt production years.
First generation (2011–2015)
Original Volt battery details and expected electric range:
- 16 kWh gross battery capacity; about 8.8 kWh usable; EPA-estimated electric range around 35–38 miles.
In this generation, the smaller pack limited pure electric driving distance, with the gasoline engine serving as a range extender when needed.
Second generation (2016–2019)
Updated Volt battery details and expected electric range:
- 18.4 kWh gross battery capacity; about 17.1 kWh usable; EPA-estimated electric range about 53 miles.
The larger pack in the later model year(s) delivered a significantly longer all-electric range while maintaining the plug-in hybrid design.
Summary
In brief, the Chevy Volt’s capacity rose from 16 kWh gross (8.8 kWh usable) in the first generation to 18.4 kWh gross (roughly 17.1 kWh usable) in the second generation, enabling a greater electric-only range. The Volt was produced from 2010/2011 through 2019, after which production ended.
What is the gas range of the Chevy Volt?
The Chevy Volt has an EPA-estimated gas range of about 367 miles (based on 42 MPG combined city/highway for the 2017 model year). However, the total range on a full tank is often higher in real-world driving, with some estimates reaching over 400 miles when both the electric and gas tanks are full. Factors like driving habits and conditions affect the exact gas mileage and range.
Factors affecting gas range
- Driving habits: How you drive, such as accelerating quickly or cruising at high speeds, will affect your gas mileage.
- Conditions: Temperature (AC use) and road conditions can also impact the gas range.
- Model year: The second-generation Volt (2016 and newer) has a higher gas range than the first generation.
- Electric mode: The Volt first uses electric power from its battery. Once the battery is depleted, it seamlessly switches to using the gasoline engine, which acts as a generator to extend the vehicle's range.
- Total range: The total range of the car is a combination of the electric range and the gas range.
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.
What is the battery capacity of a 2018 Chevy Volt?
18.4-kWh
The Volt's large 18.4-kWh battery lets the car outstrip many plug-in hybrid competitors for range. That big power source also translates to longer charging times than manyt rivals, however.
How many miles can 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.
