The Chevrolet Volt, a groundbreaking plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), offered a compelling blend of electric driving range and gasoline-powered backup. Navigating the used car market for these vehicles requires careful consideration of model year differences, reliability records, and feature enhancements. This guide will help you identify the best years of the Volt and highlight potential pitfalls to avoid, ensuring a smart and satisfying purchase.
Chevrolet Volt: Model Year Comparison
| Model Year | Notable Features & Improvements | Potential Issues & Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | First generation Volt; 35-mile electric range; 1.4L gasoline engine. | Early production issues; potential battery degradation in hot climates; infotainment system limitations. |
| 2012 | Refined battery chemistry; Hold mode added; available leather seats. | Similar battery degradation concerns as 2011; potential for software glitches. |
| 2013 | Minor interior updates; available MyLink infotainment system. | Potential for engine issues reported in some instances; continued battery degradation worries. |
| 2014 | Pedestrian alert system added; improved regenerative braking. | Some reports of electrical system malfunctions; battery degradation still a concern. |
| 2015 | OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity; enhanced safety features (lane departure warning, forward collision alert). | Few significant changes; battery degradation remains a factor to consider. |
| 2016 | Redesigned second generation Volt; 53-mile electric range; 1.5L gasoline engine; improved interior. | Potential for transmission issues reported; some complaints about the smaller fuel tank. |
| 2017 | Teen Driver Technology added; Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking available. | Similar transmission concerns as 2016; potential for premature tire wear. |
| 2018 | Standard 7.2 kW charging capability (on Premier trim); available adaptive cruise control. | Continued reports of transmission issues; some owners report issues with the regenerative braking system. |
| 2019 | Minor cosmetic changes; faster charging standard across all trims. | Last model year produced; potential for parts availability concerns in the future. |
Detailed Explanations
2011: The inaugural year for the Volt, the 2011 model introduced the world to Chevy's innovative extended-range electric vehicle. It boasted a 35-mile electric range and a 1.4L gasoline engine that acted as a generator to extend the vehicle's overall range. However, being the first model year, it was susceptible to early production issues, and owners in hot climates reported battery degradation over time. The infotainment system was also less advanced compared to later years.
2012: Building on the foundation of the 2011 model, the 2012 Volt featured a refined battery chemistry aimed at improving longevity and performance. The "Hold" mode was added, allowing drivers to preserve battery charge for later use, particularly in urban environments. Leather seats also became available as an option. Despite these improvements, the 2012 Volt still faced similar battery degradation concerns as its predecessor, and some owners experienced software glitches.
2013: The 2013 Volt saw minor interior updates, enhancing the cabin's aesthetics and functionality. The MyLink infotainment system became available, providing a more modern and user-friendly interface. While largely similar to the 2012 model, some owners reported engine issues, and battery degradation remained a potential concern, particularly in hotter climates.
2014: The 2014 Volt introduced a pedestrian alert system, enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Improved regenerative braking further optimized energy recovery, increasing the vehicle's overall efficiency. Despite these improvements, some owners reported electrical system malfunctions, and battery degradation remained a factor to consider when purchasing a used model.
2015: The 2015 Volt marked the introduction of OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity, providing a faster and more reliable internet connection for the vehicle's infotainment system. Enhanced safety features, such as lane departure warning and forward collision alert, were also added. Being a relatively minor update year, the 2015 Volt didn't introduce any groundbreaking changes, and battery degradation continued to be a consideration.
2016: A major redesign marked the arrival of the second-generation Volt in 2016. The electric range was significantly increased to 53 miles, and a more efficient 1.5L gasoline engine replaced the previous 1.4L unit. The interior was also redesigned, offering a more modern and comfortable driving experience. However, some owners reported potential transmission issues, and the smaller fuel tank compared to the first generation was a point of contention for some.
2017: The 2017 Volt saw the addition of Teen Driver Technology, allowing parents to monitor their teen's driving habits. Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking became available, further enhancing safety. Similar to the 2016 model, the 2017 Volt faced potential transmission concerns and some owners reported premature tire wear.
2018: The 2018 Volt introduced standard 7.2 kW charging capability on the Premier trim, significantly reducing charging times. Adaptive cruise control became available, enhancing convenience and safety on long drives. Despite these improvements, continued reports of transmission issues persisted, and some owners reported issues with the regenerative braking system.
2019: The final model year for the Chevrolet Volt, the 2019 model featured minor cosmetic changes. Faster charging became standard across all trims. As the last model year, potential buyers should consider the possibility of future parts availability concerns, though the car shares many components with other GM vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the electric range of the first-generation Volt (2011-2015)? The first-generation Volt has an EPA-estimated electric range of approximately 35-38 miles, depending on the year and driving conditions.
What is the electric range of the second-generation Volt (2016-2019)? The second-generation Volt has a significantly improved EPA-estimated electric range of around 53 miles.
What are the common problems with the Chevrolet Volt? Common issues include potential battery degradation in early models, transmission problems in later models, and occasional electrical system malfunctions.
Is the Chevrolet Volt reliable? The reliability varies by model year, with later models generally considered more reliable than the early ones. Regular maintenance is crucial.
Is it expensive to maintain a Chevrolet Volt? Generally, the Volt is less expensive to maintain than a traditional gasoline car due to reduced reliance on the gasoline engine. However, battery replacements can be a significant expense.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Volt? Check the battery health, examine the vehicle history report for any accidents or repairs, and ensure all software updates have been performed.
Are the batteries in the Chevrolet Volt reliable? While the batteries are generally durable, they can experience degradation over time, especially in hot climates. Consider getting a battery health check before purchasing a used Volt.
Which year of the Volt has the fastest charging speed? The 2018 Premier and 2019 models have a standard 7.2 kW charging capability, allowing for faster charging times compared to earlier models with 3.6 kW.
Is the Chevrolet Volt a good car for long trips? Yes, the Volt's gasoline engine provides extended range, making it suitable for long trips even when the battery is depleted.
Why was the Chevrolet Volt discontinued? The Volt was discontinued as part of GM's broader strategy to focus on fully electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the 2018 and 2019 Chevrolet Volt models represent the best options for buyers seeking a used PHEV, due to their increased charging speed, improved features, and refined engineering. While earlier models offer a more affordable entry point, potential buyers should carefully consider the risks associated with battery degradation and potential maintenance needs, but these are still viable options.