Chevrolet constructed the Bolt EV. However the lineup, considerably confusingly, additionally featured the Volt. Learn how to categorize the Volt was contentious — not less than for those who occur to be dragooned at a dinner with automobile journalists and engineers.
GM marketed the Volt as an extended-range electrical car (EREV). It ran on battery energy and used the gasoline engine as a generator, just like the expertise proposed for the Ram 1500 Ramcharger and Scout EV — however in a compact automobile. Media shops insisted on calling it a plug-in hybrid, as the gasoline engine was not decoupled fully from the wheels.
The PHEV moniker may go nicely sufficient for many patrons. The Volt was a hybrid that used each battery and gasoline energy. And also you plugged it in to cost the battery. And it was an excellent one. The Volt delivered extra EV vary than a Toyota Prius Prime, as much as 53 miles within the second era, and it was nicer to drive.
GM discontinued the Volt after the 2019 mannequin yr, including to the illustrious checklist of GM concepts that had been a decade forward of their time and deserted too shortly for not being instantly worthwhile. However the Volt can nonetheless be a compelling used choice. The Volt’s tech stays aggressive with what’s on the PHEV market now. And you may rating a good used one for lower than half the worth of a brand new “reasonably priced” PHEV.
Photograph by: InsideEVs
There are two Chevrolet Volt generations
Chevy constructed first-generation Volts for the 2011-15 mannequin years. They’d a 16.4 kWh battery pack at launch and provided 38 miles of EV vary when new. It sat 4 passengers; GM packed the batteries right into a central tunnel. And it required premium gasoline.
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The second era Volt debuted for the 2016 mannequin yr and ended manufacturing in 2019. It improved on the primary version. The up to date Volt packed a bigger 18 kWh battery pack, providing 53 miles of EV vary whereas shedding important weight. It had a nominal fifth seat and will use common gasoline. It additionally added smartphone projection for Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
How a lot does a used Chevrolet Volt value?
First-generation Volts usually run for about $4,000 to $10,000, relying on the mileage and classic. Second-generation Volts are a bit costlier (although nonetheless reasonably priced within the PHEV realm), costing between $12,000 and $19,000. A uncommon unicorn of a Volt with low mileage would possibly exceed $20,000. Each used Chevrolet Volt needs to be beneath the $25,000 threshold to qualify for the used EV tax credit score.
Are there any recognized points to fret about with a used Chevrolet Volt?
Frequent complaints concerning the Chevrolet Volt relate to battery and electrical points. The NHTSA investigated second-generation Chevrolet Volts for defective battery electrical management modules after greater than 60 complaints. House owners reported Volts abruptly dropping energy on the highway or being unable to restart. The Volt was additionally amongst a number of GM autos that exhibited a difficulty with shifting to park that required restore.
A Volt gained’t be as simple to restore as a 6.2-liter V8 Silverado. The Volt left manufacturing in 2019. GM didn’t use its hybrid tech in different autos. GM, till very not too long ago, swore off utilizing hybrids fully. The one hybrid GM at the moment affords is the Corvette E-Ray. Chevrolet sellers are plentiful. However elements and technicians that also know the best way to work on Volts could also be at a premium.
Volts additionally don’t cost as shortly by fashionable EV requirements. Volts can not DC quick cost. Within the 2019 mannequin yr, Volts obtained the choice for a faster 7.2 kW AC charger. Nevertheless, most Volts would require greater than 4 hours on a Stage 2 house charger or greater than 13 hours on an ordinary Stage 1 outlet to obtain a full cost.
Do used Chevrolet Volts have battery degradation?
Battery degradation shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a difficulty with a used Chevrolet Volt. All lithium-ion batteries lose capability over time. However GM engineered the Volt’s batteries to assist mitigate that. The Volt had additional unused capability and software program prevented the battery from holding too excessive or low states of cost. A liquid thermal administration system limits temperature extremes. And homeowners couldn’t injury the battery with frequent quick charging because the Volt couldn’t quick cost.
Degradation can also be much less of a difficulty for a PHEV or EREV than a full EV. A second-generation Volt that has misplaced 20 % of its capability would have the gasoline generator kick in after 43 miles as a substitute of 53 miles and nonetheless be fairly serviceable.
Do used Chevrolet Volts have any guarantee protection?
The Volt left manufacturing after the 2019 mannequin yr. Bumper-to-bumper warranties have expired on each Volt. Nearly each Volt could have had its five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain guarantee expire, too. The one guarantee nonetheless related on second-generation Volts would be the eight-year or 100,000-mile battery guarantee.
Be aware that the guarantee doesn’t mechanically cowl an entire battery substitute. GM expects regular put on and tear to decrease the battery capability by 10-40% over 100,000 miles. A technician decides whether or not a restore beneath guarantee is required, and the restore solely wants to revive the battery capability as much as the place it needs to be for the car’s age and mileage.
