Segment:
Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) / Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Target Audience:
Environmentally conscious consumers, early adopters of EV technology, fleet operators
Primary Competitors:
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Ford Fusion Energi, Fisker Karma
Powertrain Architecture:
Series Hybrid (electric motor drives wheels, gasoline engine generates electricity)
Unique Selling Proposition:
First mass-produced plug-in hybrid from a major American automaker, offering significant electric-only range
Purpose:
To provide technicians and knowledgeable owners with detailed instructions for servicing, diagnosing, and repairing the 2012 Chevrolet Volt.
Powertrain:
Electric Drive Unit (EDU), Regenerative Braking System, Extended Range Electric Motor (EREV), Gasoline Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Battery Pack (Li-ion), Charging System, Power Inverter
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS and EBD), Wheels and Tires, Chassis and Body Structure
Electrical:
HVAC System, Body Control Modules (BCM), Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Infotainment System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Driver Information Center (DIC), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) wiring, High Voltage system wiring, Low Voltage system wiring
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes (ICE), Filter Replacements (air, oil, cabin), Tire Rotation, Fluid Checks and Top-offs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation and resolution, Component Testing
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Technical Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Data, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Internal Combustion Engine:
1.4L (1398 cc) naturally aspirated Ecotec inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves
Engine Horsepower Ice:
83 hp @ 4800 rpm (net)
Engine Torque Ice:
103 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (net)
Electric Motor Peak Hp:
149 hp (111 kW)
Electric Motor Peak Torque:
273 lb-ft (370 Nm)
Total System Horsepower:
149 hp (111 kW)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Port Fuel Injection (PFI)
Battery Type:
Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Battery Capacity:
16 kWh (nominal)
Electric Range:
Approximately 35 miles (56 km) (EPA estimated)
Charging Time Level 2:
Approximately 4 hours (from empty)
Type:
Electric Drive Unit (EDU) with planetary gearset
Transmission:
N/A (Single-speed EDU is standard)
Driving Modes:
Normal, Sport, Mountain, Hold, Charge
Regenerative Braking:
Integrated into Electric Drive Unit
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink with 7-inch touchscreen
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Bose premium audio
Parking Assist:
Available Rear Park Assist
Camera:
Available Rear Vision Camera
Energy Flow Display:
Included in Driver Information Center, visualizing power usage and regeneration.
Engine Oil Change Ice:
Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (whichever comes first), based on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific usage recommendations.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Coolant Ice:
Initial change at 5 years or 150,000 miles, then every 5 years or 150,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement every 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (GM dexos1 Gen 2 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity Ice:
4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
GM DEX-COOL® Orange Long-Life Coolant (pre-diluted)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual - typically a specialized electric drive unit fluid, not a conventional ATF.
Battery Degradation:
Potential for gradual reduction in electric range over time, though generally robust.
Charging System Faults:
Occasional reports of charging port or onboard charger issues, often resolved by software updates or component replacement.
Software Glitches:
Early models could experience minor electronic system anomalies requiring software updates.
Manufacturer History:
General Motors, a long-standing American automotive giant with a history of innovation.
First Generation Start:
2011 (introduced as a 2011 model, but 2012 is the first full model year)
Key Technological Advancement:
Pioneering the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) concept in a mass-market vehicle.
Assembly Location:
Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
