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What is the charging voltage for the Chevy Volt?

The Chevy Volt can be charged from standard 120-volt household outlets (Level 1) or from higher-speed 240-volt Level 2 outlets, with a high‑voltage battery around 360 volts nominal when fully charged. The on‑board charger provides roughly 3.3 kilowatts of charging power, and Level 2 charging is significantly faster than Level 1. In short, the Volt supports both 120V and 240V AC charging, and its high‑voltage pack runs at about 360 volts when charged.

Charging voltage and power basics

The Volt’s on‑board charger converts AC from your outlet into DC to charge the lithium‑ion battery. The voltage you supply depends on the outlet you use:

Level 1 charging (120V): up to about 12 amps, roughly 1.4 kilowatts of charging power.

Level 2 charging (240V): up to about 13–14 amps, roughly 3.3 kilowatts of charging power.

These figures translate into different recharge times. The high‑voltage battery in the Volt runs at about 360 volts nominal and can rise toward around 400 volts when fully charged, depending on temperature and state of charge.

Generation-specific charging details

Gen 1 (2011–2015)

All Gen 1 Volts use roughly a 3.3‑kW on‑board charger and support both Level 1 and Level 2 charging. With a depleted 16 kWh pack, Level 2 charging typically takes about four to five hours, while Level 1 can take well over half a day depending on starting charge and conditions.

Gen 2 (2016–2019)

Gen 2 Volts maintain the same general charging architecture, with a slightly larger battery pack (18.4 kWh gross). Level 2 charging remains the quickest option, and Level 1 remains available for slower replenishment. Practical times vary by temperature and battery state, but Level 2 generally delivers a noticeable speed advantage.

Practical guidance for everyday charging

For daily use, Level 2 charging is the recommended option where available, as it offers significantly faster replenishment and better utilization of the battery’s electric-only range. Level 1 charging remains useful when Level 2 is not available, such as on the road or in locations with only standard outlets. The Volt’s charging management handles voltage and current automatically within the limits of the outlet and the onboard charger.

Summary: The Chevy Volt supports both 120V Level 1 and 240V Level 2 AC charging, with an onboard charger around 3.3 kW, and a high‑voltage battery nominally around 360 volts. Level 2 is much faster, while Level 1 is slower but functional for basic charging. The exact times depend on the generation, battery state, temperature, and outlet capability.

What voltage is a Chevy Volt charger?

You can use the standard three-pronged 120-volt plug (NEMA 5-15) for Level 1 charging at your home (up to 1.4 kW) or the larger four-pronged 240-volt plug (NEMA 14-50) that provides Level 2 charging (up to 7.7 kWh), similar to AC charging stations you may find in public.

Can you charge a Chevy Volt with a 110 outlet?

This. And plug it into the car. And I come over here. I'm going to plug it right into this port. Here. All right so to plug it in you got to have your fob.

Is 11.7 volts a dead battery?

Partially Discharged: A battery showing around 12.1 volts is approximately 50% charged, while a reading of about 11.7 volts indicates it's around 25% charged. Fully Discharged: A reading of 10.5 volts or lower usually indicates a dead or fully discharged battery.

Is 14.7 volts too high on a battery?

A 14.7-volt reading is generally not too high for a 12-volt lead-acid battery while it's being charged, as it's within the typical range for a healthy alternator or charger, though it is at the upper end. However, if the voltage stays at or above 14.7 volts for a prolonged period after the battery is fully charged, or if readings are consistently above 15 volts, it could indicate overcharging and lead to damage.
This video explains the ideal voltage range for a car battery: 1mOBD InsightsYouTube · Feb 13, 2025
What to know about 14.7-volt readings

While running: A reading of 14.7 volts is common and usually indicates the charging system is working correctly to keep the battery full while the engine is on.
Maximum limit: Voltages above 15 volts are a strong indicator of overcharging.
Monitor the voltage: If you see 14.7 volts, monitor the charging process to ensure the voltage drops to a lower, maintenance level once the battery is full.
Potential for damage: Prolonged overcharging can cause the battery to lose water and shorten its lifespan.

This video demonstrates what a charging voltage too high can look like: 56s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · May 11, 2020
When to be concerned

If you consistently see a reading above 15 volts.
If the voltage remains at 14.7 volts for a long time, even after the car has been running for a while.
If you notice other symptoms of overcharging, such as a glowing check engine light or a rotten egg smell.

If you are concerned about your battery's voltage, it is best to have a professional check the charging system for you.

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.