“Love my Chevy Volt!! Perfect car to drive around town on the battery but still have the option for a long trip. I got the premier level and it is very luxurious. Love getting into my car every day.”
Chevrolet Volt: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Chevrolet Volt is a compact five-door plug-in hybrid car known for handling everyday commutes on electricity, then using a gasoline engine to keep going on longer drives. It combines an EV-like daily driving experience with less dependence on public charging.
The Volt’s defining idea stayed consistent from its 2011 debut through its final 2019 model year: use battery power first and gasoline only after the charge runs low. The first generation established that formula with four seats, while the redesigned second generation added a fifth seat and substantially more electric range. Later updates refined charging and cabin technology rather than changing the car’s basic mission.
Strengths
- Second-generation models were EPA-rated for 53 miles of electric driving, enough to cover many commutes without using gasoline.
- The gasoline engine keeps the car moving after the battery runs low, so longer trips do not depend on finding a charger.
- The five-door layout gives the Volt the convenient rear access of a hatchback rather than a conventional trunk opening.
- The 2016 redesign added a fifth seating position, cleaner cabin controls, and Apple CarPlay.
- A Hold mode on 2013 and newer models lets the driver save battery charge for later in the trip.
Who it's for
The Volt suits commuters who can charge at home or work and want to make most routine trips on electricity. It is especially useful for someone who also takes longer drives and does not want to plan every trip around charging stops. Buyers who regularly carry adults in the back should note that the rear seat is fairly compact.
Chevrolet Volt lineup
First-generation Volts largely followed a single, well-equipped configuration instead of a broad trim ladder. The redesigned 2016 model introduced the LT and Premier structure used through 2019, with both trims sharing the same core plug-in hybrid system. Pick the LT for the essential Volt experience, while the Premier is the step up for added comfort and technology. In 2019, the Premier also made the faster 7.2-kW charging setup standard, while it was offered on the LT.
Chevrolet Volt generations
From 2011 to 2019, the Volt spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2016, following the 1st Generation (2011–2015).
2nd Generation (2016–2019)
The redesigned Volt gained a five-seat cabin, cleaner controls, and Apple CarPlay. A larger battery raised its EPA-rated electric range to 53 miles, while a new 1.5-liter gas engine extended longer trips after the battery ran low.
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2019
Faster 7.2-kW charging arrived, along with an updated touchscreen system, revised regenerative braking, and small cabin upgrades.
2018
The Volt carried over with the same two-trim lineup, plug-in hybrid system, and 53-mile EPA-rated electric range.
2017
Teen Driver became standard across the lineup; the styling, powertrain, and touchscreen system otherwise carried over.
2016New generation
A full redesign brought new styling, five seats, a larger battery, 53 miles of EPA-rated electric range, and a new 1.5-liter gas engine.
1st Generation (2011–2015)
The original Volt was a four-seat, five-door plug-in car designed to drive on battery power first, then use a 1.4-liter gas engine for longer trips. Its electric range and equipment improved over the years, but the basic body and drivetrain remained unchanged through 2015.
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2015
Battery capacity increased slightly to 17.1 kWh, while the EPA-rated electric range stayed at 38 miles.
2014
A leather-wrapped steering wheel became standard; the body, drivetrain, and major technology carried over.
2013
EPA-rated electric range rose to 38 miles, and a new Hold mode let drivers save battery power for later.
2012
Keyless entry expanded to all doors and the liftgate, and a 7-inch touchscreen audio system became standard.
2011New generation
The Volt debuted as a four-seat plug-in car that drove on battery power first and used a gas engine to continue longer trips.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Chevrolet Volt.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Volt a hybrid or a fully electric car?
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid that drives on electricity first. After the battery runs low, its gasoline engine extends the trip, so it does not depend entirely on charging stops.
Do I have to plug in a Chevrolet Volt?
No. The Volt can continue on gasoline after its battery is depleted. Plugging it in regularly is still important because that is how you make the most of its electric-first design.
How far can a Chevrolet Volt drive on electricity?
It depends on the generation. Later first-generation Volts are EPA-rated for 38 electric miles, while second-generation models are rated for 53 miles before the gasoline backup takes over.
Is the Chevrolet Volt practical for longer trips?
Yes. The Volt uses battery power for shorter everyday driving and gasoline backup for longer trips, reducing the need to plan a journey around charging stops.
How many people does a Chevrolet Volt seat?
First-generation Volts seat four. The redesigned second generation has five seating positions, though its rear middle seat is an added position rather than a sign of a large back seat.
Is the Chevrolet Volt a sedan or a hatchback?
The Volt is a compact five-door car with a rear liftgate rather than a conventional separate trunk. That liftback layout provides hatch-style access to the cargo area.
Who is the Chevrolet Volt a good fit for?
The Volt suits someone who can charge regularly, wants to handle many commutes on electricity, and still needs gasoline backup for occasional longer drives.
What is the main difference between first- and second-generation Volts?
The 2016 redesign brought the biggest changes: 53 miles of rated electric range instead of 38 on later first-generation cars, a five-seat cabin, an 18.4-kWh battery, a new gasoline backup engine, and Apple CarPlay.
Chevrolet Volt Reviews
What owners are saying about the Chevrolet Volt.
4.4
Chevrolet Volt
(1,483 reviews)
“I love my Chevy Volt. I never go to the gas station when I am in town but can use gas on long road trips so I don't ever have to worry about running out of charge. It's quiet and smooth to drive. It has bare minimum internal features. No electric seats. No grab handle on the ceiling. Hard to get in to for larger people.”
“My volt has been incredibly reliable and very comfortable. I've had a great experience with it.”
“Couldn't love it more. It's perfect for the daily commute with zero dollars spent on gas.”
“Great car to drive to work. I rarely have to put gas into it. I never run the engine unless I am going out of town.”
“I absolutely love my Volt. It's dramatically cut my fuel costs. The car is fun to drive and handles well.”
Sources
- contentdelivery.ext.gm.com — Active / Quick Reference Manuals Browse / GTK 2019 Chevrolet Volt 84044805 A PDF 090718
- contentdelivery.ext.gm.com — Active / Owners Manuals Browse / 19 CHEV Volt OM en US U 84044803B 2018NOV13 2P
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Volt / GTK 2018 Chevrolet Volt
- contentdelivery.ext.gm.com — Active / Quick Reference Manuals Browse / GTK 2017 Volt 23452971 B
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Volt / GTK 2015 Volt 22934034 A
- chevrolet.com — 2015 / Chevrolet / Volt
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Volt / 2014 Chevrolet Volt Owners
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Volt / 2K14Volt Info
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Volt / 2013 Chevrolet Volt Getknow
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Volt / 2013 Chevrolet Volt Owners
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Volt / 2012 Chevrolet Volt Owners
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Volt / 2011 Chevrolet Volt Owers