Vehicle Segment:
Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) / Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Target Audience:
Environmentally conscious consumers seeking electric driving with gasoline backup
Primary Competitors:
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Fisker Karma, potentially early Tesla Model S variants
Powertrain Layout:
Series-parallel hybrid with electric motors driving wheels, internal combustion engine acts as a generator
Electric Range:
Approximately 38 miles (EPA estimated) on a full charge
Charging Capabilities:
120V AC (Level 1), 240V AC (Level 2) charging
Powertrain:
Hybrid system, electric drive unit, range-extending internal combustion engine (1.4L Ecotec), battery pack, charging system, power electronics
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear independent suspension), steering (electric power steering), brakes (regenerative braking, hydraulic braking system, ABS, ESC)
Electrical:
12V electrical system, high-voltage system, battery management system (BMS), infotainment, lighting, sensors, control modules (ECU/PCM/VCIM)
Body:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, brake inspections, battery checks (12V)
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit diagrams, component testing procedures
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, specifications, torque values, wiring repairs, body panel replacement
Hybrid System:
High-voltage battery pack servicing, charging system diagnosis and repair, electric motor inspection, power control module servicing
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid changes to complex hybrid system component replacement and advanced electrical troubleshooting
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Engine Code:
LCV (1.4L Ecotec, specific variant for Volt)
Displacement:
1.4 Liters (1398 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
73.4 mm x 80.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.2:1
Engine Horsepower:
84 hp @ 4800 rpm (primarily for generator duty)
Engine Torque:
96 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (primarily for generator duty)
Hybrid System Peak Output:
149 hp (combined system power)
Hybrid System Peak Torque:
273 lb-ft (combined system torque)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD-II)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 quarts (3.98 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (GM P/N 12378560 or equivalent orange silicate-free)
Type:
Electric Drive Unit (EDU) - Single Speed
Drive Modes:
EV (Electric Only), Sport, Mountain, Hold
Regen Braking Integration:
Integrated into electric drive unit
Transmission Fluid Type:
GM proprietary, often referred to as 'Auto-Trak II' or equivalent for electric drivetrains
Length:
179.1 inches (4550 mm)
Width:
70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Height:
56.4 inches (1433 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Passenger Volume:
83.7 cubic feet (2370 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
10.6 cubic feet (300 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
19.8 cubic feet (561 L)
Curb Weight:
3740 lbs (1700 kg) - approximate
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4540 lbs (2060 kg) - approximate
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2014 model year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (StabiliTrak)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, knee airbags (driver and passenger)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system
Display Size:
7-inch touchscreen (standard)
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, USB ports, auxiliary input
Rearview Camera:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Optional (rear)
Bluetooth:
Standard (for hands-free calling and audio streaming)
Onstar:
Available (with subscription)
Hybrid Control Module:
Dedicated control unit managing power flow between engine, motors, and battery
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific conditions (e.g., mileage, time, engine usage)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual (typically based on driving conditions)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual (typically every 12,000 miles or 12 months)
Coolant Replacement:
Refer to manual (often at higher mileages, e.g., 100,000 miles for Dex-Cool)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Refer to manual (typically every 3-5 years)
High Voltage Battery Maintenance:
No user-serviceable components; requires specialized diagnostic tools
Common Concerns 1St Gen:
Battery coolant leaks, electric drive unit control module issues, charge port issues, occasional software glitches
Diagnostic Difficulty:
Requires specific GM diagnostic software (e.g., GDS2) and understanding of hybrid/EV systems
Manufacturer:
General Motors (GM)
First Generation Introduction:
2010 model year
Second Generation Introduction:
2016 model year (significant redesign)
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Production Years Covered:
2011-2015 (first generation)
