What is the gas mileage on a Chevy Volt?

The Chevrolet Volt’s gasoline mileage, measured when its battery is not providing propulsion, sits in the mid-30s to low-40s miles per gallon depending on the model year. Because the Volt is a plug-in hybrid, its overall efficiency is also tracked as MPGe when it runs on electricity.

How the Volt measures fuel efficiency

The Volt operates as a plug-in hybrid, delivering electric driving from its battery and switching to a gasoline engine when the battery is depleted. EPA tests report two key metrics: MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) for electric operation and MPG for gasoline-only operation. Real-world results vary with how often you recharge, driving style, climate control use, and terrain.

Gas mileage by generation

Below is a generation-by-generation snapshot of EPA fuel-economy reporting for gasoline-only operation, along with typical electric range. Numbers vary by year, trim, and testing conditions.

• Gen 1 (2011–2015): Electric range about 38 miles per full charge; gasoline-only fuel economy around 35–37 mpg (EPA combined).


• Gen 2 (2016–2019): Electric range about 53 miles per full charge; gasoline-only fuel economy around 40–42 mpg (EPA combined).

In practice, your gasoline MPG will depend on how much you rely on the gasoline engine after the battery is depleted, as well as driving conditions and how often you charge the car.

MPGe and electric efficiency

The Volt’s electric efficiency is reported as MPGe by the EPA. While the gasoline mpg figure reflects energy use when the car runs on gas, MPGe translates electricity consumption into an mpg-equivalent to enable comparisons with gasoline-powered vehicles.

• Gen 1 MPGe: typically in the upper 90s (roughly 93–98 MPGe combined).


• Gen 2 MPGe: typically in the low hundreds (roughly 102–106 MPGe combined).

Note that MPGe is not a direct gasoline mpg figure; it expresses how efficiently a vehicle uses electricity, in terms comparable to mpg for gas-powered vehicles. Exact numbers vary by year and test cycle; consult fueleconomy.gov for precise ratings.

Real-world factors

Actual fuel economy for the Volt depends on several everyday factors. Understanding these can help you estimate what you might achieve in regular use.

• How often you plug in and charge (more electric driving reduces gasoline use).


• Driving style and speed (gradual acceleration and steady highway cruising help).


• Climate control usage (heating and air conditioning can impact electric range and efficiency).


• Tire condition, wheel size, and overall vehicle maintenance.

Drivers who maximize electric driving and minimize gasoline use typically see gasoline MPG well below the mid-40s, whereas heavier reliance on the gasoline engine yields values closer to the mid-30s depending on generation.

Market history and context

The Chevy Volt was produced from 2010 through 2019 as GM’s plug-in hybrid offering. It was discontinued after the 2019 model year, with GM pivoting toward all-electric models like the Bolt lineup for longer-range EVs. The Volt’s design aimed to bridge traditional hybrids and full battery-electric vehicles, emphasizing flexibility between electric driving and gasoline backup.

Summary

In gasoline-only operation, the Volt typically achieves about 35–37 mpg for Gen 1 models and about 40–42 mpg for Gen 2 models. When you include electricity, EPA ratings show MPGe in the upper 90s to around 100+ MPGe for Gen 1 and low- to mid-100s MPGe for Gen 2, with actual results driven by charging habits and driving conditions. The Volt is no longer in production, having been discontinued after 2019 in favor of fully electric offerings from GM.

What happens if you never charge a Chevy Volt?

But what happens if a plug-in hybrid doesn't get plugged in? TL, DR: Nothing. More specifically, it continues to operate just like a regular hybrid. Its larger battery makes it heavier than a comparable hybrid, but it may also offer a bit more electric assistance and quicker acceleration as a tradeoff.

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. 

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. 

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.