2011 Chevrolet Volt: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is an all-new model and the first year of Chevrolet’s plug-in electric car. Its defining feature is the Voltec drive system, which handles many daily trips on battery power and uses a 1.4-liter gas engine to support longer drives once the battery is depleted.
About the 2011 Chevrolet Volt
1st generation, first model year.
Chevrolet sold the Volt as an electric car you could use every day without giving up road-trip ability. The core pitch was simple: do most commuting on electricity, plug in at home, and still keep an onboard gas engine for longer drives. That set the Volt apart from both conventional hybrids and pure EVs of the time. Chevrolet also positioned it as a technology-rich hatchback, not a stripped efficiency special.
Chevrolet positioned the lone 2011 Volt trim as a complete showcase for electric-first driving, with the flexibility to continue beyond the battery’s charge. It is a four-seat hatchback with touchscreen navigation, Bose audio, Bluetooth, remote cabin preconditioning, and Sport and Mountain drive modes.
What changed, by category
2011 Chevrolet Volt specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | Voltec Electric Drive |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.1 in |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| MPGe Combined | 93 |
| Alarm System | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| USB Ports | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
| Remote Start | |
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2011 Chevrolet Volt the first model year?
Yes. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt was the model’s debut year and the start of its first generation, not an update of an earlier Volt.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt fully electric?
The 2011 Volt is a plug-in electric-drive car with a gas engine for extended driving. It can handle many daily trips on battery power, then the 1.4-liter engine supports the drive system after the battery’s usable charge is depleted.
How many people does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt seat?
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt seats four people. Its T-shaped battery layout divides the rear seating area into two individual seats.
How does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt charge?
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt supports charging from 120-volt and 240-volt power. It also includes charging-management functions for controlling the charging process.
What notable cabin technology does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have?
The 2011 Volt has touchscreen navigation with voice control, Bluetooth hands-free calling, Bose audio with a USB input, and remote cabin preconditioning. These features are part of its lone, well-equipped trim.