2018 Chevy Volt Electric Car Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2018 Chevy Volt stands out as a versatile plug-in hybrid, blending an impressive 53-mile electric range with a gas-powered generator for stress-free long-distance driving. Its refined interior, responsive handling, and advanced tech—like Apple CarPlay and Teen Driver mode—make it a smart, eco-friendly choice for daily commuters and road-trippers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive 53-mile EV range: Ideal for daily commutes without gas.
• Smooth hybrid transition: Seamlessly switches to gas when battery depletes.
• Quick 240V charging: Fully recharges in under 4.5 hours at home.
• Spacious interior: Comfortably seats four with premium materials.
• Advanced safety features: Includes lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.
• Regen on Demand paddle: Boosts efficiency with one-pedal driving control.

Introduction: Why the 2018 Chevy Volt Deserves Your Attention

Let’s be honest: the world of electric cars can feel overwhelming. Between range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and the sheer number of new models hitting the market, picking the right one can be a headache. That’s where the 2018 Chevy Volt electric car comes in—not as a flashy Tesla rival, but as a smart, practical middle ground for drivers who want electric efficiency without the stress of being stranded with a dead battery.

Imagine this: you’re commuting 30 miles each way to work. You plug in your car overnight, wake up to a full charge, and drive all day on electricity. Then, when you take a weekend road trip to the mountains, you don’t panic because the gas engine quietly kicks in. That’s the magic of the Volt’s plug-in hybrid system. It’s not fully electric, but it’s not just a gas guzzler either. It’s a bridge—one that made sense in 2018 and still holds up today for drivers who want to dip their toes into electrification without going all-in. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a budget-conscious commuter, or a parent tired of gas station runs, the 2018 Chevy Volt offers something refreshingly balanced.

Design and Interior: Comfort Meets Practicality

Exterior Styling: Sleek, But Not Flashy

The 2018 Chevy Volt wears a design that’s modern without trying too hard. It’s not a head-turner like a Tesla Model S, but it’s far from boring. With its sharp headlights, sculpted hood, and a rear hatch that gives it a sporty liftback look, the Volt strikes a balance between sophistication and approachability. The signature blue accent on the front grille and the Volt badge subtly signal its eco-friendly credentials without screaming “look at me!”

One thing I appreciated? The low drag coefficient (0.285), which helps with efficiency. The car slips through the air smoothly, and you’ll notice it on the highway where wind noise is minimal. The LED daytime running lights add a premium touch, and the 17-inch alloy wheels look sharp. It’s not a luxury sedan, but it doesn’t look like a science experiment either—a win for drivers who want to blend in while doing their part for the planet.

Interior Quality and Comfort: Where You Spend Your Time

Inside, the Volt feels more upscale than its price tag suggests. The cabin uses soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, and the seats are supportive even on long drives. I took a 2-hour trip to visit my sister last winter, and the heated front seats (standard on the top trim) were a godsend. The cloth seats are breathable and comfortable, though the leather-trimmed option (on the Volt Premier) adds a touch of luxury.

Rear legroom is decent for a compact car, but taller passengers might feel a bit cramped. My 6-foot-tall nephew fit, but he had to slide his feet under the front seat. The center console is well-organized, with intuitive buttons and a responsive 8-inch touchscreen. One small gripe: the gear shifter feels a little flimsy, like it’s made of plastic that could break if you’re rough with it—something to keep in mind if you’ve got a heavy hand.

Tech and Infotainment: User-Friendly and Connected

The infotainment system is where the Volt shines. The 8-inch touchscreen runs Chevrolet’s MyLink system, which is simple and fast. Pairing my phone via Bluetooth took less than a minute, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard—no extra cost. I used CarPlay daily for navigation, and the voice recognition worked surprisingly well, even with my thick accent.

The driver gets a 4.2-inch color display between the gauges, showing real-time energy flow, battery status, and trip data. It’s not flashy, but it’s informative. For example, it clearly shows when the car is using battery power vs. the gas engine, which helps you optimize efficiency. One cool feature: the “efficiency coach” that gives you a score after each trip. I got a “B+” after a week of city driving—not perfect, but a fun way to gamify eco-driving.

Performance and Efficiency: The Heart of the Volt Experience

Electric-Only Range: 53 Miles of Pure EV Driving

The 2018 Chevy Volt boasts an EPA-estimated 53 miles of all-electric range—a standout number for a plug-in hybrid. That’s enough to cover most daily commutes without touching a drop of gas. I tested this during a week of city errands (grocery runs, school drop-offs, and a 12-mile round-trip to the gym). I plugged in each night, and by Thursday, I hadn’t used any gasoline. My fuel gauge was still at 98%. It felt liberating—like I was cheating the system.

But here’s the catch: real-world range varies. On colder days, I saw about 45 miles due to battery efficiency loss and heater use. In summer, with AC on, it dropped to around 48 miles. So while 53 miles is the official number, plan for 45–50 miles if you live in a place with extreme temps. Still, for most urban and suburban drivers, this range is a game-changer.

Hybrid Mode: When the Gas Engine Joins the Party

After the battery depletes, the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine kicks in as a generator, powering the electric motor. It’s seamless—you barely notice the switch. The engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly, which means no gear shifts or jerky transitions. Total range with the 8.9-gallon tank is about 420 miles, which is great for road trips.

I took the Volt on a 150-mile round-trip to a friend’s lake house. I started with a full charge (53 miles electric), then the gas engine took over. The transition was smooth, and the cabin stayed quiet. The engine noise is noticeable under hard acceleration, but at cruising speed, it’s barely there. The combined fuel economy in hybrid mode is 42 MPG—not Prius-level, but solid for a car with this much electric capability.

Acceleration and Handling: Responsive, Not Thrilling

The Volt’s electric motor delivers 149 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque, which means instant acceleration off the line. It’s not a sports car, but it feels peppy in city traffic. 0–60 mph takes about 8.4 seconds, which is fine for merging and passing. The steering is light and precise, perfect for parking lots and tight turns.

On winding backroads, the Volt holds its own. The low center of gravity (thanks to the battery pack under the floor) reduces body roll, and the suspension soaks up bumps well. It’s not a BMW, but it’s more fun to drive than a typical economy car. One tip: use the “Low” gear mode for regenerative braking. It slows the car down when you lift off the accelerator, which saves wear on the brakes and lets you drive with one pedal in stop-and-go traffic.

Charging and Practicality: How the Volt Fits Into Real Life

Charging Options: Home, Work, and Public Stations

The 2018 Chevy Volt comes with a standard 120V portable charging cord (Level 1). I used this for a month when I was visiting my parents, who didn’t have a 240V outlet. It took about 13 hours to fully charge from empty—fine for overnight, but not ideal if you need a quick top-up.

For faster charging, you’ll want a Level 2 (240V) charger. I installed a ClipperCreek unit in my garage, and it cut the charging time to 4.5 hours. That’s a big difference when you’re in a hurry. Public Level 2 stations are also widely available at shopping centers, parking garages, and workplaces. I charged at a grocery store once while picking up milk—took 20 minutes for an extra 15 miles of range.

One thing to note: the Volt doesn’t support DC fast charging (like Tesla Superchargers). It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re used to 30-minute charges, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. The upside? Level 2 charging is gentler on the battery long-term.

Everyday Usability: Space, Safety, and Features

The Volt’s hatchback design gives you 10.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up—enough for groceries, a stroller, or a weekend bag. Fold the rear seats, and you get 43.7 cubic feet. It’s not SUV-level, but it’s practical for a couple or small family.

Safety is a strong point. The Volt earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, and standard features include:

• Rearview camera
• Stability control
• Seven airbags
• Teen driver mode (great for parents)

The Premier trim adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. I found the blind-spot system particularly helpful on busy highways. One small annoyance: the rearview mirror has a built-in camera screen, but it’s a bit small and can be distracting at night.

Cost of Ownership: Fuel, Maintenance, and Incentives

The Volt’s biggest selling point is its low running costs. With electricity at $0.13/kWh and gas at $3.50/gallon, I saved about $800 in fuel over a year compared to my old Honda Accord. Maintenance is also simpler—no oil changes, exhaust systems, or transmission fluid. The battery and electric motor require almost no upkeep.

Plus, the 2018 Volt qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit (if you buy new and meet income limits). Many states offer additional incentives, like HOV lane access or rebates. I got a $2,000 state rebate in California, which made the effective price much more competitive.

Technology and Innovation: The Volt’s Smart Features

Energy Flow and Driving Modes: How the Volt Thinks

The Volt’s energy management system is one of its smartest features. It uses sensors and algorithms to optimize battery and engine use. For example:

• Hold Mode: Lets you save battery for later (great if you’re driving on the highway but know you’ll need electric power in the city).
• Mountain Mode: Pre-charges the battery for steep climbs, so you don’t drain it when going uphill.
• Regen on Demand: A paddle on the steering wheel gives you extra braking force, which is fun and efficient.

I used Hold Mode on a road trip to a national park. I drove 100 miles on the highway (gas engine), then switched to Hold when I reached the town. That way, I had 40 miles of electric range left to explore the area. It’s a clever way to maximize flexibility.

Connectivity and Remote Features: Stay in Control

The MyChevrolet app lets you monitor and control your Volt from your phone. I used it to:

• Check charge status
• Start/stop charging
• Pre-condition the cabin (heat or cool it while plugged in)
• Find nearby charging stations

Pre-conditioning was a lifesaver in winter. I’d start the heater at 7 a.m. while the car was still charging, so it was warm and defrosted by the time I left. The app also sends alerts if the car isn’t charging or if the charge is interrupted—super useful if you’re forgetful like me.

Sound and Vibration: Quieter Than You Think

One surprise: the Volt is incredibly quiet in electric mode. At low speeds, you can barely hear the motor. The cabin is well-insulated, so road noise is minimal. Even when the gas engine runs, it’s not loud—more of a gentle hum. I remember pulling up to a stop sign and realizing the engine had switched on without me noticing. That’s the kind of seamless experience Chevy nailed.

Comparison and Verdict: Is the 2018 Chevy Volt Right for You?

How It Stacks Up Against Competitors

The 2018 Chevy Volt competes with the Toyota Prius Prime, Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In, and Ford Fusion Energi. Here’s how it compares in key areas:

Model	Electric Range	Total Range	MPG (Hybrid Mode)	Starting Price (2018)
2018 Chevy Volt	53 miles	420 miles	42 MPG	$33,220
2018 Prius Prime	25 miles	640 miles	54 MPG	$27,100
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In	29 miles	630 miles	52 MPG	$24,950
2018 Ford Fusion Energi	21 miles	610 miles	42 MPG	$31,995

The Volt’s electric range is the standout—more than double the Prius Prime and Fusion Energi. It’s not the cheapest, but you’re paying for that extra electric capability. The Prius Prime is more efficient in hybrid mode, but if you drive mostly in the city, the Volt’s 53-mile electric range will save you more money.

Who Should Buy the 2018 Chevy Volt?

The Volt is perfect for:

• Commuters: If you drive less than 50 miles a day, you’ll rarely use gas.
• Road trippers: No range anxiety on long trips.
• Tech lovers: The infotainment and app features are top-notch.
• Eco-conscious drivers: Lower emissions without sacrificing flexibility.

It’s not ideal if:

• You need a lot of cargo space (consider a Volt’s bigger sibling, the Bolt EV).
• You want the lowest upfront cost (the Ioniq Plug-In is cheaper).
• You’re looking for a luxury experience (the cabin is good, but not premium).

Final Thoughts: A Smart Choice in 2018—and Still Relevant Today

After spending months with the 2018 Chevy Volt, I get why it was a best-seller. It’s not perfect, but it nails the balance between electric and gas. The 53-mile electric range is realistic for most people, the hybrid system is seamless, and the tech features make daily driving easier. It’s the kind of car that grows on you—not because it’s flashy, but because it just works.

Sure, newer EVs have longer range and faster charging. But if you’re not ready to go all-electric, the Volt is a brilliant compromise. It’s practical, efficient, and packed with features that make sense for real-world driving. Whether you’re a first-time hybrid buyer or a seasoned eco-driver, the 2018 Chevy Volt deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s not the future of cars—but it’s a smart, sensible step toward it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electric range of the 2018 Chevy Volt?

The 2018 Chevy Volt offers an EPA-estimated 53 miles of all-electric range on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes. After the battery depletes, the gas-powered generator extends the total range to 420 miles.

How does the 2018 Chevy Volt compare to other plug-in hybrids?

The 2018 Chevy Volt stands out with its longer electric range and smooth transition between electric and gas modes. Its refined interior and user-friendly tech also give it an edge over rivals like the Toyota Prius Prime.

Is the 2018 Chevy Volt eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2018 Chevy Volt qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on your tax liability. Some states also offer additional incentives for purchasing this electric car.

What are the key features of the 2018 Chevy Volt’s infotainment system?

The 2018 Chevy Volt comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The intuitive interface and responsive controls enhance the driving experience.

How long does it take to charge the 2018 Chevy Volt?

Using a standard 120V household outlet, the 2018 Chevy Volt takes about 13 hours to fully charge. With a 240V Level 2 charger, this time drops to approximately 4.5 hours.

Does the 2018 Chevy Volt have regenerative braking?

Yes, the 2018 Chevy Volt features regenerative braking that captures energy during deceleration to recharge the battery. Drivers can also use the “Regen on Demand” paddle for one-pedal driving in certain conditions.