Chevy Volt Original Release & Various Chevy Volt Models
The Chevrolet Volt, as the name suggests, is a plug-in hybrid car first released towards the end of 2010 in the United States.
The automobile company wanted to be ahead of everyone else to reach the electric market that they took the plunge and brought the Volt under different names in Australia, China and other parts of Europe.
General Motor’s stepped into the world of plug-in hybrid cars with the second-generation Chevrolet Volt in 2016.
Ever since the complete redesign, the Volt has witnessed significant improvement in performance including mile range covered with battery power, battery capacity and the maximum power exerted by the built-in electric motors.
A new version of the Volt was released every year since its original launch in 2010 and there are
- Chevy Volt 2012
- Chevy Volt 2013
- Chevy Volt 2014
- Chevy Volt 2015
- Chevy Volt 2016 redesigned edition
After the redesign with several modern-day features, the new Volt released in 2017 and 2018 is much more advanced with features like
- Bose audio system
- Navigational system
The latest version of the Volt 2019 edition is approximately priced at $33,520 for the base model.
In many instances, buyers opt for used plug-in hybrid models from the past at a lower cost.
The Chevrolet Volt released in the past three or four years usually delivers the latest automobile features combined with an eco-friendly electric motor.
Was Chevy Volt discontinued?
The PHEV vehicle gained its popularity but was officially discontinued by GM to pave way for the Chevrolet Bolt EV in 2019.
Chevy Volt Powertrain
Watch the following video of Chevy Volt Powertrain animation
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 edition is the latest plug-in hybrid car in the lineup. The primary gasoline engine is a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter traditional engine and it makes use of a single-speed automatic transmission to make driving easier.
Some of the features of Chevy volt includes:
- front-wheel-drive setup
- regenerative braking
- charges the battery at every instance to deliver good mileage.
Under the hood, the car is powered by the second-generation Voltec electric drive system. The powertrain on its own may be yet another vehicle but when combined with the electric motor and the battery, it becomes far more efficient.
The total power deliverance is at 149 horsepower, which is 111kW of power while the gas-engine is also capable of delivering about 294lb-ft/ 398N-m torque.
When choosing their next car, most buyers wouldn’t consider a plug-in hybrid model unless they have a strong focus on the battery capacity and the mile range it can deliver without using the gasoline-powered engine at all times. The Chevrolet Volt 2019 edition excels in both areas, as its primary engine is more than capable of delivering maximum horsepower and torque while the dual electric motors are equally powerful for the environmental-conscious buyers.
Watch the video below for details on Voltec system or second-generation Chevy Volt Powertrain
Apart from a reliable engine, the manufacturer has also included a range of interior features such as
- Wireless charging
- Bose sound system in the Premier edition
Chevy Volt Powertrain Problems
There are many reports by Chevy Volt users about the powertrain problems.
If you are looking for manufacturer’s manuals, check this
one out.
Battery Capacity & Range
The primary purpose of purchasing an electric or a hybrid car is to be more eco-friendly when driving long distances. The environment-friendly features are handled by the built-in electric motors and the battery.
The car delivers 149 horsepower combined with 294-pound feet of torque from the dual electric motors while it gets its hybrid power generated from an 18-kWh lithium-ion battery.
The driving range of the car, when switched to all-battery power, is about 53 miles and delivers about 42mpg when the plug-in hybrid setup is put to use.
The latest version of the Volt makes use of a 7.2-kW built-in charger (an additional accessory/upgrade).
For those who have used the car in the past, it will be easy to figure out that the new setup charges the battery much faster.
The improved mile range of the car is another significant improvement over the past models besides the car being much more silent and quick to respond while driving. Users can upgrade to the fast charging system and by using a 240-volt output, the battery can be fully charged in two hours twenty minutes.
However, for most users in the United States or countries where a 120V charging port is primarily available, it takes about 13 hours using the bundled charger.
In order to make use of the fast charging capabilities, the battery must be plugged into a 240V charging port and the 7.2 kW fast charger is available in the Premier edition and as an upgrade. When using the 3.6kW charging module in the same 240V port, the battery in the Volt can be charged to its full capacity in about 4.5 hours.
Battery Replacement and Maintenance Charges
People who are completely new to the world of plug-in hybrids and electric cars naturally have second thoughts about the maintenance costs as well as the life of the battery. The Chevrolet Volt with its General Motors backing and improvements made to its battery over the years is pretty reliable in the long run.
According to the official statement made by General Motors, the Volt’s battery can comfortably run for up to 100,000 miles or 160,000 kilometers. The numbers are pretty high and on an average user, the company estimates it will take up to 8 years for the person to touch these numbers.
Unless the PHEV is being used as a means of public transport or a hired cab, personal owners who buy it can expect it to last many years before the battery needs to be replaced.
The latest version of the Chevrolet Volt 2019 could cost higher if you are to replace the battery entirely but it is highly unlikely to happen in a new car.
However, when buying used Volts from the past, the cost could be anywhere between $3,400 for replacing the old parts and as high as $15,734 for a new battery, according to Chevrolet’s official listing of the battery’s price in the Chevy Bolt EV page.
In Volt forums, users suggest that they paid $3,000 for a single cell/unit and with four total cells and the cost could go up to $12,000. The first-generation Chevy Volt released before 2016 and particularly the 2013 edition of the car is way cheaper as it costs about $4,500 according to a service advisor.
Luxurious Features to Expect in Chevy Volt
Within its life span, the Chevrolet Volt came up with lots of great features on the interior and the exterior to make the driving memorable. However, in select models in the past, General Motors removed some of the important features and as a buyer, it is important that you pay attention to the most luxurious features you want in your Volt before deciding to buy the car.
The best model is obviously the latest 2019 Chevrolet Volt which has been upgraded to the Infotainment 3 system. With a large 8-inch touchscreen system, it is great to navigate through the map, use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while the touchscreen experience is super responsive.
The adjustable steering wheel allows the driver to get a comfortable position while the back-up camera and security system further enhance the safety and comfort features in the car.
Another significant upgrade in newer models that music lovers would appreciate is the inclusion of the Bose audio system in the Premier models. They provide an exciting surround sound experience like no other and the car can also deliver Wi-Fi hotspot in select models combined with wireless charging support.
The ideal legroom space, multiple airbags, foldable rear seats and a wide range of technological advancements make it one of the best plug-in hybrid electric cars that one could buy.
The hydraulic bushings and front-loaded coil springs add up to the cushioning factor in the Volt that further makes the ride more comfortable than it already is. Features like leather seats, charging USB ports make long trips more comfortable and convenient for all passengers.
Features in various years/models
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt Premier is at the top of the line and is filled with features because it happens to be the latest car in the lineup. The second-generation Volt cars received a significant upgrade when compared to the first-generation models released before 2015.
1st Generation Chevrolet Volt Features
The cars released in its early stages from 2011-2015 featured a 1.4L gas engine with the capacity to deliver 149 horsepower. It featured automatic transmission and had a lower battery range up to 38 miles on a full charge.
Being an old model, it featured the following:
- A CD player
- A navigation system,
- A hands-free onboard communication system
- An MP3 player
- Multiple airbags
- Used 4-wheel ABS
- Disc brakes for maximum comfort while driving
- Child safety lock
- Day time running lights
- Electronic stability control
2nd Generation Chevrolet Volt Features
The Chevrolet Volt models released from 2015 to 2019 are considered as the 2nd Generation cars. In order to keep things simpler, we can consider the 2019 Premier model as the latest variant which was released at a time where technology was at its best.
The car is equipped with
- Wireless charging pads
- Supports Android and iOS in the infotainment system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- The WiFi hotspot
- Leather heated seats
- Smart device integration
Every year, Chevrolet released Volt with significant improvement in battery capacity. So opting for a used Volt car is ideal to save cash. When making a purchase, it is good to check the features in the particular variant, the total number of miles and years of operation before finalizing on its pricing.
Difference Between Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Bolt
Most new buyers will be left in the lurch when trying to understand the technical specifications of two different cars. The Chevrolet Volt and Bolt may be named similarly but they are completely different cars in the way they operate.
Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that has both an electric motor and a gasoline-powered engine.
The car makes use of this dual set up in order to achieve better mileage, stay eco-friendly and serve as an entry point into the world of fully electric cars. The advantage is that in case the battery runs out of power, you can fill up the gas tank and keep going.
The Volt can deliver 420 miles by combining the gas-engine and battery power.
On the other hand, Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric car.
The Bolt is powered by a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery. The electric motor powered by this battery can deliver 200 horsepower and 266-pound feet of torque. The lightweight car can comfortably go for 238 miles before the battery requires recharging whereas the Volt’s battery can go only up to 53 miles before it switches to the gasoline-powered engine to cover the further distance.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Yes.
No, Chevy Bolt is all-electric.