The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle, available since November 2010. It’s often called a hybrid but in fact it has a very different drive system from conventional hybrids. There is an on-board gasoline generator that cuts in when the battery charge runs low, providing power to run the electric drive directly. The generator’s motor can also connect through a gearbox to the drive train if more power is needed. General Motors avoid using the word “hybrid” and call the Volt an electric vehicle with extended range.
Autocar UK, Chevrolet Volt Review
The Volt has won several awards, including the 2009 Green Car Vision Award, 2011 Green Car of the Year, 2011 North American Car of the Year and 2012 European Car of the Year. It’s now widely through GM subsidiaries Vauxhall (UK), Holden (Australia) and Opel (Germany) and has become very popular in the Netherlands. It’s currently the best-selling plug-in car both in the USA and, including the Vauxhall Ampera, Holden Volt and Opel Ampera, globally.
The Volt is a five-seat compact car with a top speed of 100mph and 0-60 acceleration of 9.2 seconds. It can travel 38 miles on electric power alone or 380 miles with a full tank for the generator, according to EPA figures.Chevrolet, Chevrolet Volt Receives New Fuel Economy Label From EPA These numbers may be conservative; official testing in Germany gave the Opel Ampera an electric-only range of 52 miles.
A smartphone app is available for the Volt that lets owners remotely monitor battery level and charge status, as well as giving access to the owner’s manual and Chevrolet assistance. An optional Challenge app allows owners to set and share efficiency goals.Volt Driver Challenge
Technical stuff (information, how-tos, problems/issues)
Sticky or Stuck Chevy Volt charge port door
A common problem, but easily solved by using some silicon lubricant spray on the release pin and rubber seal. Be careful with oil based lubricants like WD-40 as it may cause the plastic parts to wear prematurely.
Some people have taken there Volt into the dealership for service
Charge Port Door won’t close
Sometimes in freezing weather, after charging outside, the charge port door won’t latch shut.
“You do the same as a frozen lock,you put methyl alcohol with a syringe.”
Others have used a magnetic vent cover to make a weatherproof booty for over the top of the charge port door when it is open.
http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?19620-Charge-door-frozen-open
Installing a Cabin Air Filter
The GM Volt does not come with a cabin air filter. Here are details on how to install one
Adding Backup Camera
Instructions pre-2013 Volt with non-MyLink OEM Radio
Details for 2013 and newer Volt with MyLink Radio
Spare Tire Kit
Build your own spare tire kit with quality Chevrolet OEM Parts for around $150
FAQ
How much is a Chevy Volt?
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt has an MSRP of $33,170. With a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 in the USA, the Volt price can be as low as $25,670.
How far can a Chevy Volt go on a single charge?
GM says the Volt plug-in hybrid range extended vehicle can travel 40 miles on pure electricity, and when combined with a full tank of gas, over 400 miles.
How long does it take to charge the Chevy Volt?
If the battery is completely empty, it can take up to 10 hours to charge from a standard 120-volt outlet. If using a ‘level 2’ charging station and 240-volt outlet, the Volt recharges in about 4 hours.
How many Volts have been sold so far?
Chevrolet sold 3 times as many Volts in 2012 as it did in 2011.
In 2014, Chevrolet sold 18,805 Volts in the USA alone. In 2015, that number was 15,393.
Official Chevrolet Volt FAQ
Buying
Official Chevrolet Tax Incentives page