The Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), offered a unique blend of electric and gasoline power. For those considering a used Chevy Volt, understanding its long-term performance and ownership experience is crucial. This review delves into a 50,000-mile, three-year ownership experience to provide insights into the Volt’s reliability, running costs, and overall value proposition.
Electric and Gas Range Performance in Real-World Chevy Volt Reviews
The Chevy Volt is designed as a PHEV with a significant electric range, aiming to maximize electric driving for daily commutes and utilize gasoline for longer journeys. Boasting around 53 miles of electric range and over 300 miles of total range with gasoline, the Volt seamlessly transitions between electric and gas power. This transition is so smooth that drivers often don’t notice when the car switches from battery to gas generator.
For many owners, the Volt’s electric range is sufficient for daily commutes and errands. The original article highlights a user whose wife’s 40-mile round trip commute was comfortably covered on a single charge, with extra range for local driving. This aligns with GM’s marketing, which suggested drivers could travel up to 1,200 miles between gas station visits. Real-world experiences often mirror this claim, although actual mileage varies depending on driving habits and conditions. The ability to primarily use electric power for daily driving significantly reduces reliance on gasoline.
Chevy Volt Reliability and Maintenance After 50,000 Miles
One of the standout aspects of Chevy Volt Reviews is the reported trouble-free ownership. Over three years and 50,000 miles, the original reviewer experienced minimal issues. The vehicle visited the repair shop only four times, with three visits covered under warranty or recall. These warranty repairs were fully covered by Chevrolet, and in one instance requiring a longer service time, a loaner vehicle was provided. The fourth visit was for a tire repair, a typical wear-and-tear issue.
Beyond warranty work, routine maintenance has been exceptionally low. The owner replaced the cabin air filter once, while oil changes and filter replacements were covered under a complimentary 24-month maintenance plan. Tire rotations, performed every 7,500 miles at a local tire shop, further contributed to minimal out-of-pocket expenses. The total maintenance cost reported was a mere $14, showcasing the low running costs associated with the Chevy Volt.
This low maintenance experience is a significant advantage of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The reduced number of moving parts in the electric drivetrain compared to traditional gasoline engines translates to fewer potential maintenance needs.
The Shift in Fueling Habits: Gas Stations Become Inconvenient for Chevy Volt Owners
While not a fully electric vehicle like the Chevy Bolt or Tesla Model 3, the Chevy Volt drastically reduces the need for gas station visits. Home charging becomes the primary refueling method, leveraging the Volt’s electric range for daily driving. For owners, gas stations transition from a frequent necessity to an infrequent stop, mainly required for out-of-town travel.
Charging the Volt at home is straightforward. Most owners establish a routine of plugging in their vehicle upon returning home, ensuring a fully charged battery each morning. This consistent home charging habit makes gas station visits feel like an unusual detour when they are needed.
The convenience of home charging contrasts sharply with the dedicated time needed for gas station refueling. While gasoline refueling takes only minutes, EV charging, even at home, takes longer. However, home charging occurs overnight or during downtime, allowing owners to start each day with a full “tank” of electricity. This shift in refueling habits is a key lifestyle change highlighted in Chevy Volt reviews, emphasizing convenience and reduced reliance on gas stations.
Charging Infrastructure and Cost Savings: Chevy Volt Review Highlights
Chevy Volt owners primarily charge their vehicles at home. Initially, a standard 120-volt outlet (Level 1 charging) can be used, adding about 4 miles of range per hour and fully charging the Volt in approximately 12 hours. For faster charging, a 240-volt outlet (Level 2 charging) paired with a Level 2 charger reduces charging time to around 4 hours, providing about 10 miles of range per hour.
Public charging stations offer another charging option. Apps like Plugshare help locate public charging stations, many of which are free. Paid public charging is often comparable to or cheaper than the cost of gasoline, further reducing running costs. The original review mentions utilizing free charging stations at locations like Target, allowing owners to combine charging with errands.
Overall, home charging, whether Level 1 or Level 2, is significantly cheaper than gasoline. Estimates suggest that charging an EV at home can be about one-third the cost of gasoline, making the Chevy Volt a cost-effective vehicle to operate, especially for those with consistent access to home charging.
Voltstats and Battery Longevity: Addressing Chevy Volt Concerns
Voltstats.net is a website dedicated to tracking data from Chevy Volt vehicles. By connecting their Volts, owners can access detailed statistics on electric versus gasoline miles, MPG, MPGe, and compare their vehicle’s performance with others. According to Voltstats, the reviewed vehicle traveled over 50,000 miles, with 60% of those miles driven on electric power. This translates to significant gasoline savings and reduced emissions.
Concerns about battery longevity are common among potential EV and PHEV buyers. However, Voltstats data reveals Chevy Volts with remarkably high mileage, some exceeding 300,000 miles, with a substantial portion accumulated on battery power alone (e.g., 100,000+ electric miles). These high-mileage examples demonstrate the durability and longevity of the Chevy Volt’s battery pack, alleviating concerns about premature battery degradation.
Chevy Volt vs. Chevy Bolt: Choosing Between PHEV and EV
When considering electric or electrified vehicles, the comparison between the Chevy Volt and Chevy Bolt often arises. The Chevy Bolt is an all-electric vehicle with a larger battery and a longer all-electric range. When the original reviewer was making their purchase decision, both the Volt and Bolt were considered. The Volt was chosen primarily for two reasons: lower purchase price and concerns about the then-limited DC Fast Charging infrastructure.
At the time of purchase (around 2017), the Chevy Volt was more affordable than the Bolt, even after factoring in EV tax credits. While the Volt uses gasoline for longer trips, the initial cost savings made it an attractive option. Furthermore, the DC Fast Charging network was not as developed in 2017 as it is today. This made long-distance travel in a Bolt, which relies solely on electric charging, more challenging. The Volt’s gasoline backup provided peace of mind for longer trips.
Today, the EV charging infrastructure has significantly expanded with networks like Electrify America. For many drivers now, an all-electric vehicle like the Bolt is a more viable option for both daily driving and longer trips. However, the Volt still holds appeal as a used PHEV, offering a balance of electric driving and gasoline range security.
Chevy Volt Review Conclusion: A Solid Used PHEV Option
After three years and 50,000 miles, the Chevy Volt ownership experience is overwhelmingly positive. The original reviewer expressed being “hooked on EVs” due to the Volt’s blend of electric driving and gasoline backup. Despite being discontinued in 2019, the Chevy Volt remains a compelling option in the used car market, particularly for those seeking an affordable PHEV with a proven track record.
For buyers today, considering a used Chevy Volt means accessing a vehicle with a strong electric range for daily commutes, low running costs, and a reliable powertrain. While newer EVs and PHEVs are available, the Volt’s value proposition as a used car, combining electric benefits with gasoline range confidence, makes it a worthwhile consideration. The increased availability of EVs and charging infrastructure today further strengthens the case for transitioning to electric driving, whether through a PHEV like a used Volt or a newer all-electric vehicle.
