What kind of batteries are in a Chevy Volt?
In short, the Chevy Volt uses a lithium-ion battery pack to power its electric drive, with two generations offering different sizes: 16 kWh gross in the first generation and 18.4 kWh gross in the second generation. The usable energy and all-electric range improved notably from Gen 1 to Gen 2.
To understand what this means, the Volt’s battery is a high‑voltage traction pack supplied by LG Chem that uses nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) chemistry. It’s distinct from the car’s 12‑volt battery and is paired with a thermal management system to keep the cells operating safely. Production of the Volt ended in 2019, but its battery design continues to be a reference point for early plug-in hybrids.
Battery specs across generations
The Volt was offered in two generations, each with a different battery size and all-electric range. The following breakdown highlights the key numbers and their practical implications.
- Gen 1 (2010–2015): 16 kWh gross battery capacity; about 8.8 kWh usable energy; EPA all-electric range roughly 35 miles.
- Gen 2 (2016–2019): 18.4 kWh gross capacity; about 16 kWh usable energy; EPA all-electric range roughly 53 miles.
- Both generations use lithium-ion cells built by LG Chem, with nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) chemistry, packaged into a single high-voltage traction pack around 360 volts.
- The pack is integrated into the vehicle floor and features active thermal management to maintain safe operating temperatures and longevity.
In summary, the Volt’s battery design evolved to deliver more all-electric range between generations, while maintaining the same fundamental lithium‑ion, NMC chemistry and LG Chem cell sourcing.
Chemistry and suppliers
Understanding the chemistry and manufacturing helps explain performance and durability expectations for owners and technicians.
- Cell chemistry: lithium-ion with nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes; graphite is used for the anode.
- Primary supplier: LG Chem supplied the cells for the Volt’s traction packs.
- System voltage and configuration: the pack operates as a high-voltage system (around 360 V) and is designed for modular assembly within GM’s platform.
These choices aimed to maximize energy density, safety, and longevity within the Volt’s plug-in hybrid architecture, while enabling a practical electric range for daily driving.
How this affects ownership
For drivers, the battery size directly influences how far you can go on electricity alone before the gasoline engine assists. The Gen 2 upgrade offered a meaningful jump in all-electric range, reflecting a larger usable energy reserve. Real-world performance varies with climate, driving style, and charging habits, but the Volt’s battery was designed to be charged from standard household or dedicated charging stations and managed to keep the system within safe operating parameters over time.
As a historical note, the Chevy Volt was discontinued after the 2019 model year, but its battery technology remains a reference point for early plug-in hybrids and GM’s ongoing exploration of extended-range electric vehicles.
Summary
The Chevy Volt uses a lithium-ion traction battery pack supplied by LG Chem, with two generations featuring 16 kWh gross (Gen 1) and 18.4 kWh gross (Gen 2) capacities. Both generations rely on nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) chemistry and include an integrated thermal management system. The main takeaway is the progressive increase in usable energy and all-electric range from Gen 1 to Gen 2, reflecting GM’s early efforts to expand electric driving in plug-in hybrids.
