About the Chevrolet Volt
The Volt is a plug-in serial hybrid.
History of the Chevrolet Volt
Production of the Chevrolet Volt began in 2011 and ended in 2019. It was also marketed in re-badged variants such as the Holden Volt in Australia and New Zealand, Buick Velite 5 in China, with a different fascia as the Vauxhall Ampera in the United Kingdom, and as the Opel Ampera in the remainder of Europe.
Chevrolet Volt Trim Levels
The Chevrolet Volt only has two trim levels, LT and Premier, with LT having base options and Premier featuring more upscale options such as leather seats and more advanced driver safety features. You can typically identify a Premier package if it has a black and tan interior, where the LT only came with a monochromatic black interior.
For more information, check out Chevy Volt on Wikipedia.
Chevrolet Volt Powertrain Information
Chevy Volt Electric Powertrain
The Chevrolet Volt’s “Voltec Electric Drive” powertrain is very compact and well-suited for both urban and highway commuting. The on-axis electric drive consists of two electric motors, one 111kW motor providing 370 Nm of torque, the other serving as a 55kW generator. Power is supplied through one planetary gearset, with a geared final drive and three clutches providing the slip needed for a smooth, fun driving experience.
Emissions systems include multiple catalytic converters, returnless fuel rails, a fast light-off O2 sensor and a sealed & pressurized fuel system.
EVEngineering has a great breakdown of the Chevy Volt battery:
Chevrolet Volt Gasoline Powertrain
First Generation – The engine behind the first generation Volt hybrid is a 1.4L inline four cylinder, with a cast-iron block and cast aluminum head. With an overhead cam, 4 valve engine, sequential MPFI with ETC fuel injection system and 10.5:1 compression ratio, the Chevrolet Volt’s gasoline engine produces 83hp or 62kW at 4800 rpm.
Second Generation – The second generation Volt is powered by a 1.5L DOHC I-4 engine that revs to 5600 RPM. Emissions controls include close-coupled catalytic converters, 58x ignition system, returnless fuel rail, and a fast light-off O2 sensor. Chevrolet Volt takes regular unleaded fuel and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg combined city and 106 mpg-e highway.
Chevy Volt FAQs
Where do I Purchase a Chevrolet Volt?
Your local dealership will be the best place to go out and actually drive a Chevrolet Volt to see if it is the right fit for you. Of course, the Volt is no longer made, so you may want to visit your used dealership. Good used examples can still be found on many different websites:
How long do Chevy Volt batteries last?
The Chevy Volt is equipped with a hybrid high voltage battery, and these types of batteries typically last, on average, about 6-10 years. On the flip side, batteries in conventional, gas-powered vehicles only last about 3-5 years.
What type of charging plug does the Chevy Volt use?
If looking for a replacement Chevrolet Volt charging plug, you’ll want to seek out a J1772 5-pin standard plug. We recommend genuine General Motors part number 24280119 for the best fit.
Genuine GM Chevy Volt J1772 Charge Plug on Amazon
Consult Your Chevrolet Volt Factory Service Manual
Please consult your Chevrolet Volt Factory Service Manual for all repair instructions and technical how-to. Don’t have one? Here are links to purchase replacement Chevrolet Volt Owners Manuals.
What to expect when purchasing a replacement battery for your hybrid
The process for purchasing a battery for your hybrid can include a few surprises:
- Core Charges – A “core charge” is where a vendor charges you a fee as collateral until you send them the part that you are replacing, in this case the battery pack. It is not unusual to see a core charge be the same price as your used battery, typically around $1000-3000.
- Shipping Charges – Batteries are heavy! You can’t exactly toss one in the mailbox. Some vendors will include the cost of batteries in your purchase. Others may charge you anywhere from $100 to $300 to ship. You may also be assessed an additional charge to deliver to a residential address.
- Packaging – If you need to ship your battery to a vendor, you may want to consider the cost of packaging. Typically if you are returning a core, you can simply put your old battery in the same packaging that your replacement battery came in, and ship it back. Be extra careful when packing your battery as most vendors require a core battery to be able to be refurbished, and you may not receive back your core charge if the battery is damaged in transit.
Where to Find an Electric Car Battery Replacement for the Chevrolet Volt
Finding an electric car battery replacement can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.
Your local Junkyard
About 60,000 Chevrolet Volts have been made. Chances are some have been wrecked in a way that leaves their battery in good condition. Your local wrecking yard is likely your best bet for finding replacement batteries for the Chevrolet Volt. To be sure, you can check out https://www.car-part.com/ and search for the make and model of Chevy Volt you are seeking a battery for.
Nationwide Vendors in the US
Brick and Mortar vendors are a reputable choice for finding a replacement battery for your hybrid or BEV. Here is a list of vendors that may offer replacement electric car batteries for the Chevrolet Volt:
Best Hybrid Batteries – Recommended by one of our site visitors, Best Hybrid Batteries is based out of Shorewood, IL and has a mission to build “Only The Best” hybrid battery packs for their customers each time.
GreenBean Batteries – “Born out of the need for a better hybrid battery, Green Bean Battery was built around the core of creating a reliable reconditioned hybrid battery and extending the hybrid battery life. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown to create a proprietary hybrid battery reconditioning process that puts our hybrid batteries in a league of their own.”
GreenBeanBattery.com
GreenTec Auto – Established in 2012, with 3 brothers working at their father’s auto repair shop, GreenTec Auto’s mission is to create effective and sustainable solutions for you and your vehicle. “Nothing ends up in a landfill.” With over 20 service centers across the United States, there is sure to be a location near you.
GreenTec typically offers an 18 month warranty on their batteries.
Chevy Volt Community
GM-Volt Forum – A forum community dedicated to Chevy Volt electric car owners and enthusiasts. Discussion about hybrid performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, reviews, and updates.
Chevrolet Forum: Volt – Volt: Get plugged into Chevrolet’s electric car! The batteries will take you most anywhere and the on-board generator can take you beyond!
chevroletforum.com/forum/volt-87
ChevyForum.org: Volt -Popular forum for Chevrolet Volt enthusiasts.
chevyforum.org/chevy-forums/forums/chevy-volt-forum.21
Chevrolet Volt Paint Information
For factory color codes and other Chevrolet Volt Paint information, please check out our handy guide:
Chevrolet Volt Paint Codes by Year
Chevy Volt Hot Wheels
Did you know HotWheelsTM made a Chevy Volt? They called it the “Super Volt” and it came as part of their “HW Green Speed” and “HW City” lines.
Chevy Volt “Super Volt” on Amazon
Chevy Volt “Super Volt” on eBay