Powered by electricity without being tethered to electrical outlets, the Volt is unique among electric vehicles because of its two sources of energy. There's an electric source that allows you to drive gas-free for an EPA-estimated 35 miles in addition to an onboard gas generator that produces electricity so you can drive for hundreds of additional miles on a full tank of gas(3). This innovation in extended-range technology has changed the future automotive landscape and has given freedom to drivers to keep going-Volt can always get you back.
Volt was voted 2011 North American Car of the Year by automotive journalists, has collected Green Car Journal's Car of the Year® award, and was chosen Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year. Looks like someone just had to be first.
A. Volt is a full performance and full speed electric vehicle with extended range. In its simplest form, the Volt operates two ways - EV mode (battery powered) and extended-range (gasoline powered). With a fully charged battery, in moderate conditions and depending on the temperature, terrain, battery age and how you drive, Volt offers an initial electric range of 35 miles(1) - totally gas and tailpipe emissions free. After that, you can drive for a total range of up to 375 miles(2) with the extended range mode until you can plug it in or fill it up again.
A. While Volt has been designed to be the most efficient when it's plugged in daily, it will run efficiently without being plugged in for days, weeks or even months. With Volt, you don't have to plug in every day if it doesn't accommodate your schedule.
A. With a fully charged battery, in moderate conditions and depending on the temperature, terrain, battery age and how you drive, you can go 35 miles(1) on the electricity stored in the battery - totally gas and tailpipe emissions free.
A. On a full electric charge, most people can commute gas- and tailpipe emissions-free for an average of $1.50 of electricity per day(1). The battery combines the power of 288 lithium-ion battery cells. Each cell is about the size of a 5- by 7-inch photo frame, less than a quarter-inch thick, and weighs about a pound. The battery monitors the voltage and current of groups of cells.(1) EPA estimated 35 miles initial range based on 93 MPGe (electric); actual range varies with conditions.
A. While the published EPA EV range for the Volt is an estimated 35 miles, the electric range that customers actually experience may be higher or lower than 35 due the driver's technique, the terrain, battery age and the outdoor temperature. On a full charge, most customers under moderate conditions will experience an estimated 25 to 50(1) miles of EV range. The high range of 50 miles is based on ideal circumstances - conservative driving using no air conditioning in mild outdoor temperatures. The 25 mile range represents a slightly more aggressive driving style using the heater in the ECO setting in cold outdoor temperatures of 25 degrees F.| High/Maximum impact | Medium Impact | Low/Minimal Impact |
| High cabin heat used on a cool day | Eco cabin climate control | Radio/USB |
| Cabin A/C on a hot day | Rear window defog | Sport Mode |
| Defrost (front window) | Heated Seats | |
| Cold outdoor temperatures | Accessories (power outlet) | |
| High Speeds (70+ mph) | Low tire pressure | |
| Aggressive Accelerations | ||
| Steep Incline |
A. To use the power grid more efficiently, we recommend recharging the Volt when overall energy demand is at its lowest each day. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this is usually from around 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. If you'd like to know whether reduced off peak electricity rates are offered in your area, contact your local electric company(3).
A. You'll probably spend more money on gas than you need to, but Volt will run just fine.
A. You won't have to worry about having enough time to fully charge Volt. A partially charged battery will work until it runs out, then the gas-powered electric generator will seamlessly kick in to provide electricity and extend your range for hundreds of miles.
A. The Volt battery is designed for long life and to be reliable. Each battery pack is made up of 288 rectangular cells arranged in a series-parallel configuration. Computer systems monitor the battery cells to make sure everything is working correctly.
Say hello to Volt, Chevrolet's electric vehicle that can use gas (but only if you need to). Volt will take you wherever you need to go - whether it's to the corner store or on a long-distance road trip. Check out the video to get an overview of Volt from the minds behind its creation.
By its very nature, Volt is engineered to change the face of transportation as we know it. Nearly every component of Volt has been selected to get the most out of every charge, including:
Volt has two LCD screens that display speed, battery power, range to recharge or re-fill as well as an efficiency gauge that gives you real-time feedback. On the center console you'll find a seven-inch diagonal high-resolution screen with touch-sensitive control that helps you get the most out of your Volt.
Volt drivers and passengers will be wrapped in a cocoon of standard safety. With eight air bags(5) ready to deploy in an emergency, it's obvious safety is of the highest priority. Joining this built-in safety is an unprecedented five-year subscription to OnStar®(6) Directions and Connections® including Automatic Crash Response. In the event of a collision, built-in sensors can automatically alert an OnStar Advisor, who is immediately connected into your vehicle to see if you need help sent to your exact location - even if you can't respond.
The Volt has been programmed with three unique driving modes to accommodate different driving styles. Normal mode is the most efficient setting that takes the electricity and focuses it on operating the electric drive. Sport mode sacrifices a small amount of efficiency for more responsive acceleration, and Mountain mode makes sure the battery has a bigger energy reserve for driving up long, steep inclines.
Anywhere you get a signal on your smartphone, you can have control of your Volt. Tap away and, with the OnStar RemoteLink®(7) mobile app, you'll be able to check the battery charge level, available range, tire pressure, remote lock and unlock, and even activate the remote start to heat or cool the interior to your preferred temperature. Navigate the interactive screens of the app, and you can change how and when you want your Volt to charge. You can even set up alerts via text or email to remind you to plug in your Volt, when charging is complete or if charging has been interrupted. The app also provides a single button to access a Volt Customer Advisor who can answer vehicle-specific questions.
Put simply, electricity is a cleaner source of power. Advancements in electricity production, along with reduction in tailpipe emissions from electric-powered driving, could help make our world a better place.
Building fuel-efficient vehicles(3) like Volt is one way to use resources smarter. But that's just the beginning. Through the Chevy Carbon Reduction initiative, we're committed to reducing our total carbon dioxide emissions by up to 8 million metric tons over the next few years(8). That's the equivalent of the annual CO2 reduction from 1.2 million acres of pine forest(9). It's an aggressive goal, but it's one our planet deserves. After all, we're all in this together.
The year of the Volt continues. Green Car Journal has just named the all-new Chevrolet Volt its 2011 Green Car of the Year, the first electric car to ever win the award. The premier magazine on high fuel efficiency and alternative fuel vehicles says, "This has been a long time coming," noting that early electric cars showed promise, but lacked practicality. The Volt runs on electricity for an initial range of 35 miles on a single charge, before a gas generator seamlessly creates electricity for up to 340 additional miles on a full tank of gas.* Practical indeed.
*EPA estimates. Actual range varies with conditions