These days, car owners are increasingly looking for eco-friendly, electric options. While Tesla may be the first thing to come to mind when you think of an electric vehicle, other options like the hybrid Chevy Volt also have great battery capacity and charge times. So, how long does it take to charge a Chevy Volt?
A Chevy Volt takes around 12 or 13 hours to charge with a home charging socket. If you use a level 2 outlet, you can charge a Chevy Volt within 3-4 hours. The Chevy Volt can be charged at most DC charging stations, but you may need an adapter to charge it at Tesla charging stations.
Let’s take a closer look at the charging duration of the Chevy Volt, how it charges, and the type of charging stations compatible with this innovative vehicle.
What Is a Chevy Volt?
The Chevy Volt is a popular plug-in hybrid vehicle that runs on both electric and gas systems. While the gas-powered engine gives it most of its range, the Volt can travel up to 40 miles on the all-electric system.
For some drivers, this is preferred over all-electric options, as you can take the Volt on long trips without worrying about the availability of charging stations in remote areas.
The Chevy Volt gives you a smooth driving experience with good acceleration and stable handling. The car has a modern and sleek exterior with a well-designed interior and comfortable seating.
Since the Volt’s initial release, Chevy has released a new model every year, and each one has been an improved version with impressive new features.
Cost of the Chevy Volt
A Chevy Volt costs around $35,000 to $45,000 for the base vehicle. However, the price differs for each model. If you want custom electronic systems like touch screens and high-tech sound systems, the cost may increase.
If you have a Chevy Volt, you won’t have to worry about fuel consumption. All you’ll have to do is charge it for a few hours and your vehicle will cover a range of 35 to 40 miles.
Furthermore, the Chevy Volt retains its value. Buying a used Chevy Volt is also a good option, especially if the owner installed extra custom features and it’s still in good condition.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Chevy Volt?
If you use a typical 120-volt outlet, it should take around 12 or 13 hours for your Chevy Volt to charge. Since this is quite a long time, it’s best to plug in your car at night. That way, you can drive it during the day without issue.
However, if you don’t have 12-13 hours to spare on a regular basis, you can switch to a higher-voltage outlet. If you use a 220-volt or 240-volt outlet, it’ll take around 2.5-4.5 hours for the Chevy Volt to charge. This is a massive difference in time compared to a regular outlet, which is why many Chevy Volt owners prefer using a level 2 home charger.
There’s no other home-based fast charging option available for the Chevy Volt. All you can do to speed up the charging time is to switch from a 120-volt outlet to a 220-volt outlet.
Is the Chevy Volt a Hybrid?
The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid car. That means that it has both a gas engine and an electric motor, which is one of the reasons why the car is highly efficient. Since it already has a very good range with the electric motor, most users say that they prefer to drive it on electric energy.
Like many other electric vehicles, the Chevy Volt has a lithium-ion battery that stores more electric energy. The lithium-ion batteries used in a Chevy Volt are made with new-generation technology, which makes them powerful and highly durable. If the batteries are well maintained, they can last around 7 to 10 years.
However, if the need arises, you can switch to the gas engine whenever you like. This makes the car very convenient for owners who have to go on long road trips and don’t have access to a charging outlet during their route.
With a Chevy Volt, you won’t have to ever worry about the car stopping in the middle of the road thanks to the availability of both gas and electric options.
Can You Use Any Charging Station to Charge a Chevy Volt?
If you’re converting from a gas-powered car to a Chevy Volt and don’t have a volt outlet suitable for your car, don’t worry. Most regular electric charging stations will work for a Chevy Volt.
Tesla chargers don’t fit on the vehicle, but you can keep an adapter on hand that will allow you to access Tesla charging stations as well.
Electric car charging stations are available near most public places in the US and in most of Europe as well. While many remote areas don’t yet have access to charging stations, this is likely to change in the next few years.
You won’t have to worry about the 12 to 13-hour charging time at these stations because most of them have level 2 outlets. Some public stations are also equipped with a DC fast charging option, which charges your vehicle in a fraction of the time.