Vehicle Segment:
Compact Hatchback / Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)
Unique Selling Proposition:
Pioneering EREV technology, offering electric-only driving for daily commutes with a gasoline engine for extended range.
Key Competitors:
Nissan Leaf (BEV), Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Electrification Strategy:
Voltec powertrain system featuring a battery pack, electric motors, and a small gasoline engine as a generator.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic design for improved efficiency, innovative powertrain integration.
Powertrain:
Electric Drive Unit (EDU), Extended Range Electric Motor, Regenerative Braking System, Battery Pack (Volt's Voltec System)
Engine And Fuel:
1.4L Ecotec Gasoline Range Extender Engine (LLT), Fuel Tank and Lines, Exhaust System
Transmission:
Electric Drive Unit (eCVT-like functionality), Power Split Device
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brakes (including regenerative braking integration)
Electrical And Electronics:
High Voltage Battery Management System (BMS), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Infotainment System, Lighting, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Seats, HVAC System, Interior Trim, Safety Restraints (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tire Rotation, Battery Coolant Service
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault Code Diagnosis, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Electrical System Diagnostics, Powertrain Diagnostics
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission (EDU) Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Battery Pack Servicing (limited to module replacement/testing where applicable)
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complex electrical system diagnostics and powertrain component rebuilds.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, and specialized procedures may be included.
Transmission Type:
Electric Drive Unit (EDU) with Power Split Device
Optional Transmission:
N/A
Drive Modes:
Hold, Sport, Normal, Mountain
Power Delivery:
Electric motors drive the wheels directly; gasoline engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery or provide power.
Regenerative Braking:
Integral part of the transmission's operation, capturing energy during deceleration.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (Overall)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
Electronic Stability Control:
Yes (StabiliTrak)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal, Knee
Airbags Side:
Front and Rear Side-Curtain, Front Seat-Mounted Side
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear with pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink with touchscreen interface
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, USB port, auxiliary input.
Rearview Camera:
Standard on most trims
Parking Sensors:
Optional
Bluetooth:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Charging Port:
Standard J1772 charging port for Level 1 and Level 2 charging
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,070 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Use synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), or as per manual inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) or annually.
Brake Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed based on condition.
Battery Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 150,000 miles (241,400 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 Full Synthetic (API SN, ILSAC GF-5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter
Battery Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (GM P/N 19372363 or equivalent purple coolant)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI (for planetary gearset lubrication within EDU)
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads (due to regenerative braking, wear can be less than expected but should be monitored), 12V battery, tires.
Powertrain Concerns:
Occasional issues with battery cooling systems, charging port components, and software glitches related to powertrain management.
Range Extender Engine Concerns:
Potential for oil consumption in high-mileage engines, ignition coil issues.
Manufacturer History:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of automotive innovation and manufacturing.
Volt Introduction:
The Chevrolet Volt was introduced as a groundbreaking EREV, aiming to address range anxiety associated with pure EVs.
First Generation Timeline:
Launched for the 2010 model year in the US, with significant updates for the 2012 and 2013 model years.
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Green Car Of The Year:
Awarded Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal (2011 model year, influencing perception of later models)
Epa Electric Range:
Approximately 38 miles (61 km) for 2013 model
Epa Mpge:
101 MPGe combined (electric), 37 MPG combined (gasoline)