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Fuel Economy and Driving Range

Photo credit: The Manufacturer - Car and Driver
Photo credit: The Manufacturer - Car and Driver

From Car and Driver

Fuel Economy and Driving Range Rating:

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

As much as we like the Chevy Volt's driving character, it would be tough to justify the extra cost of a plug-in if the battery didn't mean greater freedom from the gas pump. The Volt's long electric-only range makes it one of the most successful plug-in hybrids on the market in this regard. However, once the battery runs out of charge and the Volt must rely more heavily on its gasoline engine, its fuel economy is modest.

What's New for 2019?

While the EPA has not yet released the Volt's fuel-economy numbers, it has the same hybrid powertrain as it did in 2018. Therefore, we don't expect its real-world efficiency to differ.

EPA Fuel-Economy Ratings Compared


Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Test Results: Highway Fuel Economy


Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Electric-Only Range

Except for the Bolt, which is a dedicated EV, the Volt’s 53-mile electric range is more than twice the offering of the closest competitor in this set and could allow drivers with regular access to charge points to go months without sending a dollar to Big Oil.

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

We've devised our own fuel-economy test in an attempt to replicate how most people drive on the highway. Our procedure entails a 200-mile out-and-back loop on Michigan's I-94 highway. We maintain a GPS-verified 75 mph and use the cruise control as much as possible to mimic the way many drivers behave during long trips.

Test Results: Electric-Only Highway Range


Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

Test Results: Highway Range


Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

For more information on this vehicle's fuel economy and driving range, read our in-depth review of the 2018 Chevrolet Volt.

Photo credit: Car and Driver
Photo credit: Car and Driver

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