The Chevrolet Volt was the company’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid car.
Chevrolet launched the Volt for the 2011 model year. Its Voltec system used a rechargeable battery pack and electric motor for normal electric driving, while a gasoline engine could provide electricity when the battery’s usable charge was depleted. This extended-range approach distinguished the Volt from conventional hybrids, which generally rely on a gasoline engine and regenerative braking without regular external charging.
The Volt is often confused with the Chevrolet Bolt, but the two cars use different powertrain concepts. The Bolt EV is a battery-electric vehicle with no gasoline engine, while the Volt combines electric propulsion with a range-extending combustion system. Chevrolet ended Volt production in 2019 after two generations and more than 175,000 units were sold worldwide.