Why was Volt discontinued?
The Chevrolet Volt was discontinued in 2019 as GM redirected resources toward a broader, fully electric future. While the Volt pioneered extended-range plug-in technology, GM’s shift toward pure battery-electric vehicles and a scalable EV platform led to its retirement from the lineup.
Strategic pivot: from plug-in hybrids to all-electric vehicles
GM executives framed the move as part of a broader plan to accelerate into battery-electric vehicles and to streamline its product portfolio around a common, scalable EV platform. The Volt’s plug-in hybrid setup required maintaining two distinct powertrain architectures, a burden for a model with relatively modest sales compared with GM’s growing BEV ambitions.
- The company prioritized pure electric vehicles (BEVs) built on a unified platform rather than maintaining a parallel hybrid system.
- There was a desire to capitalize on stronger demand for longer-range BEVs and to simplify manufacturing and supply chains.
- The Ultium battery platform emerged as GM’s backbone for future EVs, enabling a broader family of vehicles across brands.
In essence, GM chose to retire the Volt to align production with a long-term EV roadmap and to free capacity for investments in new BEVs and the Ultium framework.
Market performance and timeline
Volt sales and product lifecycle illustrate the tension between early electrification leadership and later market realities. After a high-profile launch and several years of steady interest, Volt volumes plateaued, while the market increasingly favored full BEVs with longer electric ranges and faster charging. GM ultimately announced the discontinuation in February 2019, with production winding down shortly thereafter as the company shifted focus to the Bolt EV and other EV programs.
- 2010–2015: Volt introduction and first-generation lifecycle established the model as a pioneering extended-range EV.
- 2016–2019: Second-generation Volt offered improved electric range and efficiency but with growing competition from BEVs.
- February 2019: GM confirmed Volt discontinuation as part of a broader shift toward full-electric vehicles; production ended in 2019 to concentrate on BEV growth.
The discontinuation reflected a strategic recalibration rather than a failure of the Volt alone. It signaled GM’s emphasis on scaling BEVs across its lineup rather than maintaining a smaller, hybrid-focused option.
What replaced the Volt in GM's lineup
With the Volt retired, GM leaned into its all-electric offerings, notably the Bolt family, and laid groundwork for a broader EV ecosystem built on the Ultium platform. The company expanded BEV options across segments, including larger crossovers and trucks, to meet consumer demand for zero-emission transportation.
- The Bolt EV became the flagship affordable BEV in GM’s lineup, with the Bolt EUV later joining the family.
- GM’s Ultium platform underpinned a new generation of BEVs across Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
- New electric models followed in the 2020s, reinforcing GM’s strategy to prioritize BEVs over plug-in hybrids.
The Volt’s retirement did not mark the end of electrification at GM; it marked a shift toward a more expansive and scalable BEV strategy designed to compete in a rapidly evolving market.
Summary
The Chevrolet Volt was discontinued as part of GM’s strategic pivot to a fully electric future. While the Volt helped popularize plug-in hybrids, GM concluded that concentrating on BEVs—supported by the Ultium platform and the Bolt family—offered a clearer path to profitability, scalability, and widespread adoption. The move reflected broader industry momentum toward longer-range, all-electric vehicles, a trend GM has pursued with a growing lineup through the 2020s.
Why was the Chevy Volt recalled?
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Camaro, Sonic, and Volt vehicles. The driver-side air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
Was the Chevy Volt a success?
The Chevrolet Volt didn't fail. It succeeded quietly. It proved that people will drive electric if it's done right. And it showed that there's a huge middle ground between gas and full EV that remains underserved.
Why did they quit making the Chevy Volt?
What happened was the Volt was made in a factory that made many sedans. Sedan sales are way way down in the US, and it simply wasn't profitable to operate the factory. All vehicles manufactured there were canceled which included the Chevrolet Impala, Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac CT6.
What year Chevy Volt to avoid?
You should be wary of the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Chevrolet Volt models due to potential issues, particularly the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) and "Shift to Park" problem. While later years are generally better, specific manufacturing dates can matter, as some 2018 models made before March 2018 may also be affected by early BECM problems. Early Volts (2011-2012) may also have issues with the heater coolant heater and auxiliary coolant pump.
Years to approach with caution
- 2016: This year had the fewest reliability improvements compared to other Gen 2 Volts.
- 2017: This model year is notorious for BECM failures.
- 2018: Some early models may have been built before the BECM issue was resolved in March 2018.
- 2011-2012: These early models had issues with the heater coolant heater and auxiliary coolant pump, which can be expensive to fix if not under warranty.
What to look for when buying
- For Gen 2: Look for 2019 models as they are generally more reliable than the 2016, 2017, and early 2018 models.
- For Gen 1: 2015 models are a good choice, as they are generally more reliable than the earlier 2011-2014 models.
- When buying: Check service records for any repairs that may have been done, especially those related to the BECM and the "Shift to Park" problem.
