If you’ve been searching for a General Motors Volt electric car, you’re not alone. The Chevrolet Volt has a loyal following because it delivers most of the everyday benefits of an electric vehicle, smooth torque, low fuel costs, quiet driving, without the range anxiety of a pure battery‑electric car. But it’s also a discontinued model with a unique drivetrain, so going in informed matters, especially in 2025 when there are more EV options than ever.
Key takeaway
The Chevy Volt is a plug‑in hybrid that can drive dozens of miles on electricity alone and then run like a fuel‑efficient gasoline car. It’s not a full battery‑electric vehicle, but for many commuters it feels like one most days.
Chevy Volt at a glance: What it is, and what it’s not
Chevy Volt quick stats (second generation)
Despite the marketing spin when it launched, the Volt is officially a plug‑in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), not a full battery‑electric car. Under the skin it combines a lithium‑ion battery, two electric motors, and a gasoline engine that can drive the wheels and/or act as a generator. In everyday use, though, many owners treat their Volt like an electric car that just happens to have a built‑in backup plan.
- All‑electric for the first ~35–55 miles, depending on generation, driving style, and weather.
- Gasoline engine takes over for longer trips, so you can refuel in minutes at any station.
- Charges on a regular 120V outlet (slow) or a 240V Level 2 home charger (much faster).
- Never offered with DC fast charging, this is a commuter and road‑trip‑capable hybrid, not a highway fast‑charging EV.
Terminology matters
Listings often call the Volt an "electric car" or even a "full EV." If you’re shopping used, know that it always has a gas engine on board, this is part of its appeal, but it’s different from a Bolt EV or Tesla that run only on electricity.
A brief history of the General Motors Volt electric car
General Motors revealed the original Volt concept in 2007 as a bold answer to early EVs and hybrids. The production first‑generation Chevrolet Volt arrived for the 2011 model year and ran through 2015. It used a 16 kWh battery and delivered roughly 35–40 miles of electric range before its gas engine stepped in.
The second‑generation Volt, built from the 2016 through 2019 model years, is the one most shoppers are considering today. GM refined almost everything: the battery grew to 18.4 kWh, electric range jumped to about 53 miles, efficiency improved, and the interior and styling were updated. In everyday use, that meant many owners could cover their entire commute on electricity and only burn gasoline on occasional road trips.
- 2011–2015: First‑gen Volt launches GM’s modern electrification push.
- 2016: Second‑gen Volt arrives with more range and better packaging.
- 2017–2018: GM adds the all‑electric Bolt EV, signaling a shift toward full BEVs.
- February 2019: Volt production ends as GM focuses on dedicated battery‑electric platforms.
Why GM ended the Volt
By 2019, GM was pivoting hard toward dedicated battery‑electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and its Ultium‑based successors. The Volt’s complex plug‑in hybrid drivetrain was expensive to build and overlapped with simpler hybrids and full EVs in GM’s lineup.
How the Chevy Volt electric drivetrain works
Electric first, gas second
The Volt’s control software always prioritizes electricity. You plug it in, charge the lithium‑ion battery pack, and drive on smooth, quiet electric power until the usable portion of the battery is depleted. During this phase, the car feels like a pure EV, with instant torque and regenerative braking to recapture energy when you slow down.
Then it becomes a hybrid
Once the battery reaches a preset state of charge, the 1.4L (gen 1) or 1.5L (gen 2) gasoline engine starts up. It can work as a generator to feed the electric motors, or in certain conditions it can mechanically assist the front wheels. The transition is automatic; you just keep driving, now with fuel economy similar to a very efficient compact car.
Think of it like this
The Volt is best viewed as an electric car with a built‑in safety net. If your daily driving fits inside its electric range and you plug in regularly, you might visit a gas station only a few times a year, yet you’ll never worry about finding a charger on a long trip.
- Two electric motors provide propulsion and help manage efficiency across different speeds.
- A multi‑mode transmission blends power from the battery, motors, and engine seamlessly.
- Regenerative braking turns deceleration into charge, extending your electric miles.
- Drive modes like Normal, Sport, and Mountain adjust how aggressively the system uses the battery.
Battery, range, and charging in the real world
On paper, the second‑generation Volt’s battery offers about 53 miles of EPA‑rated electric range. In practice, your results will vary with temperature, speed, and driving style:
- Warm‑weather city driving can exceed the rating; 60+ electric miles per charge isn’t uncommon.
- Cold winters can cut electric range significantly as the battery and cabin heating draw more energy.
- High‑speed highway driving uses more energy, so range drops compared with mixed suburban routes.
Cold‑weather quirk
In very low temperatures, the Volt’s engine may run briefly even with plenty of battery charge. It’s designed to protect components and maintain cabin heat, so don’t be surprised if you hear the engine on sub‑freezing mornings.
Chevy Volt charging options and times
How long it takes to charge a Volt battery from empty to full in typical home scenarios.
| Charging type | Outlet / equipment | Approx. power | Typical time (0–100%) | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 120V household outlet | ~1.4 kW | 10–13 hours | Overnight charging for light daily driving |
| Level 2 (16A) | 240V, 20A circuit | ~3.3 kW | 4–5 hours | Overnight or mid‑day top‑ups for most owners |
| Public Level 2 | 240V station | 3.3 kW max | 4–5 hours | Destination charging while parked at work or shopping |
The Volt was designed around home charging, not DC fast charging at highway stations.
Visitors also read...
No DC fast charging
Unlike GM’s Bolt EV or newer Ultium‑based models, the Volt never offered DC fast charging. Long trips rely on the gas engine, not ultra‑fast chargers along the highway.
Ownership costs and reliability
One big reason shoppers still chase the General Motors Volt electric car on the used market is cost. You get substantial electric driving, no range anxiety, and a proven drivetrain, usually for far less money than a comparable newer EV. Total ownership cost depends on your mix of electric vs. gas miles, local electricity and fuel prices, and how aggressively you maintain the car.
Where the Volt tends to save you money
Electric miles are cheap miles, especially if you charge at home off‑peak.
Fuel savings
Electric miles are typically much cheaper per mile than gasoline. If most of your driving is within the Volt’s EV range, your monthly "fuel" bill can drop sharply compared with a traditional gas compact.
Maintenance
No timing belt, fewer oil changes, and less wear on brakes thanks to regen. You still have an engine and transmission to service, but intervals are longer than a conventional car.
Emissions
On local trips powered by electricity, tailpipe emissions are effectively zero. For many buyers, the Volt is a lower‑risk stepping stone into cleaner driving without lifestyle changes.
Battery longevity
Real‑world experience and data suggest the Volt’s battery packs age gracefully when charged and driven regularly. Unlike some early EVs, the Volt’s liquid‑cooled pack and conservative tuning helped reduce degradation for most owners.
That said, every used Volt has a history. How it was charged, climate exposure, and maintenance habits all affect long‑term reliability. Modern diagnostics, like the Recharged Score battery health report we run on EVs we list, can give you an objective view of pack condition before you commit.
What to look for when buying a used Volt
Essential checks for a used General Motors Volt electric car
1. Confirm generation and model year
Second‑generation Volts (2016–2019) have more range, better packaging, and updated electronics. First‑gen cars can still be great buys but come with shorter electric range and older tech.
2. Evaluate battery health
On a test drive, fully charge the car and watch how many electric miles you actually get. Ask for service records and any available battery diagnostics. A platform like Recharged includes a <strong>Recharged Score</strong> report so you can see quantified battery health up front.
3. Check charging equipment
Make sure the factory portable charge cord is included and working. Inspect the charge port for corrosion or damage. If the seller has a home Level 2 unit, ask if it’s included or negotiable.
4. Review maintenance and recalls
Look for regular oil changes, coolant service, and software updates. Confirm that any recall campaigns, especially early battery and powertrain updates, have been completed.
5. Inspect interior electronics
Test the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and all driver‑assist features. A flaky touchscreen or intermittent charging indicator can hint at deeper electrical issues.
6. Consider your driving pattern
Map your typical week. If most days fall within 30–40 miles, a Volt can cover the majority on electricity. If you regularly drive 150+ miles per day, a full EV with DC fast charging might be a better fit.
Buy like a pro
If you’re shopping used online, favor sellers who provide battery reports, detailed photos of the charge port and underbody, and a clear service history. Platforms built specifically for EVs, like Recharged, bake this information into every listing so you’re not guessing about the expensive parts.
Chevy Volt vs GM’s full EVs: Bolt and beyond
General Motors effectively used the Volt as a bridge to its modern electric lineup. The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV that followed are true battery‑electric vehicles: no engine, larger battery packs, and the ability to fast‑charge on the road. GM paused Bolt production at the end of 2023 and is preparing a revamped, more affordable family of Ultium‑based Bolt models later this decade, but used Bolts remain a strong value play alongside the Volt.
Chevy Volt vs Chevrolet Bolt EV (high‑level comparison)
How GM’s range‑extender plug‑in compares with its first mass‑market all‑electric car.
| Feature | Chevy Volt (2016–2019) | Chevy Bolt EV (2017–2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Plug‑in hybrid (battery + gas engine) | Full battery‑electric (no engine) |
| Electric range | ~53 miles | ~238–259 miles, depending on year |
| Total range | ~420 miles (electric + gas) | Limited by battery; relies on DC fast charging for road trips |
| Fueling/charging | Home Level 1/2 charging + gas stations | Home Level 1/2 + DC fast charging network |
| Best for | Drivers who want EV feel with a gas safety net | Drivers committed to full EV living and charging access |
| Road trips | Runs like a high‑mpg gas car | Requires planning around fast‑charge stops |
The "right" choice depends on how much you value gasoline‑free road trips versus never worrying about charging infrastructure.
When the Volt makes more sense
- You live in an area with sparse public charging.
- You’re nervous about long‑distance EV travel but want electric commuting.
- You share the car with someone who prefers the familiarity of gas backup.
When a Bolt (or newer GM EV) is better
- You want to cut gasoline out entirely and rely on electricity only.
- You have reliable access to home charging and, ideally, DC fast charging along your routes.
- You’re comfortable planning road trips around charging stops.
Is a General Motors Volt right for you?
Who the Volt tends to suit best
Daily commuters with occasional road trips
Typical weekday round‑trip under 40–50 miles.
Ability to charge at home overnight most nights.
A few long highway drives per year where gas convenience matters.
Apartment or condo dwellers
Limited or inconsistent access to charging at home.
Ability to plug in at work or public Level 2 occasionally.
Peace of mind from having gasoline as backup when chargers are busy.
Budget‑conscious EV shoppers
Want EV benefits but newer full EVs stretch the budget.
Comfortable financing a used car that’s already taken most of its depreciation.
Value transparency on battery health before purchase.
How Recharged can help
At Recharged, every used EV, including plug‑in hybrids like the Volt and full battery‑electric models, comes with a Recharged Score Report that verifies battery health and fair pricing. You can get expert guidance, compare Volts and Bolts side‑by‑side, arrange nationwide delivery, and even trade in your current car without ever setting foot in a traditional dealership.
If your goal is to slash fuel costs and experience electric driving without completely giving up the simplicity of gasoline on long trips, a well‑sorted General Motors Volt electric car remains a smart, practical choice in 2025. If you’re ready to go all‑in on electric, a used Bolt EV or another modern BEV may fit you better. Either way, the key is understanding your daily driving pattern, getting trustworthy battery data, and buying from a seller who treats EVs as more than just another used car. That’s exactly where Recharged is designed to shine.
