We hear this question all the time, and it is a great question! The answer is that the 240V charger is more efficient, because it shortens the overall charge time.  However, this has less to do with the battery, because the Volt is able to manage the voltage and current flow to the battery at the same levels while charging regardless of what level charger the vehicle is plugged into, and more to do with other functions that support charging.

For example, there is a charge management and a thermal management system that run simultaneous to control charging. These systems manage current flow and battery temperature to safe levels and require energy to do so. Therefore, by shortening the overall charging time, you run those extra loads for less time, resulting in a higher percentage of the total energy used going to charge the battery. 

Click here to Learn more about the Volt's battery warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles.
The video below explains what makes up the Chevrolet Volt's battery and the warranty behind it.
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For more than 50 years, Ferndale Electric of Ferndale, Mich., has been providing specialized electrical services for commercial buildings, such as manufacturing facilities, power plants, and public buildings. Electric CEO Art Ashley and his wife Mary recently celebrated two years of owning their Volt.  During that time, they’ve driven more than 20,000 EV miles and saved over 800 gallons of gasoline. We first spoke with the couple in the fall of 2012 for a video interview and we recently caught up with Art to learn more about his role in electrifying the Detroit area.

As a member of both the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Art is a proud advocate of all things electric. He drove his first Volt at IBEW’s Electrical Industry Training Center (EITC) – a facility that provides apprenticeship and continuing education for NECA and IBEW members.

Soon after his first Volt experience, Art says he knew he had to have one. He bought his current Volt in May of 2011 and remarks on how much fun he has answering people’s questions about the technology; namely, how many miles he drives and how often he charges it. His Volt has even reached 48 to 50 electric miles in a single charge – a feat he hopes to beat in the future.

What’s more, Art and his team at Ferndale Electric have installed EV charging stations all over the Metro-Detroit area, including: various General Motors facilities, the City of Mount Clemens and at the campuses of St. John Providence Health System. They’ve also been a leader in renewable energy projects since 2001 by providing engineering, procurement and construction expertise for Southeastern Michigan’s alternative energy market.

Art has spoken with many of his friends, family, colleagues and industry peers about his Volt. Art says many of his friends are seriously considering a Volt for their next vehicle purchase and one of his employees’ parents even went out and bought one after talking with Art about the car. He adds that people are always surprised by the Volt’s quiet ride and instant torque.

*Disclosure: EPA-estimated 38-mile range based on 98 MPGe (electric); 342-mile range based on 35 MPG city/40 highway (gas). Actual range varies with conditions. Volt owners on average, by charging regularly, are driving 900 miles between fill-ups.

2012 Chevy Volt 0% APR for up to 72 months plus a $3,000 rebate or purchase the 2013 Chevy Volt with 0% APR for up to 60 months plus a $2,000 rebate.

Here are a few things you will need to detail the interior of your vehicle like a pro:

• Towels (x2)
• Terry cloth towel
• All-purpose cleaner
• Foam cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Vacuum
• Stiff brush
• Softer, but firm, brush
• Silicone spray (optional)

To begin, drop the windows so you can access the very top of the glass. You can clean the glass with traditional window cleaner.  You’ll also want to open up all of your doors so the entire inside of the car gets as much light as possible. This will help you find dirt and debris you may not otherwise see. Move the front seats as far back as you can to get extra access to space underneath the seats for vacuuming. Vacuum all of the nooks and crannies along your seats and floor.

You can use a mild soap or all-purpose cleaner on the plastic panels and on leather seats – if you have them. A microfiber cloth will keep you from damaging or scratching panels. If your door sill is dirty you may want to use a semi firm brush to clear debris away. You should only use a microfiber cloth on your touch screen.

It may not hurt to drop the steering wheel all the way down and pull it out so that it is fully extended. This will allow you to get into every crevice to remove any dust.

Are you frustrated by stains on your floor mats? Remove them from the vehicle and use foam cleaner or heavy-acting foam spray. Let this soak in for a few minutes and then take a stiff brush to clean any sand, dirt and pine needles that may be embedded in the threads. Spray foam cleaner on your pedals to clear away dirt and salt that may be embedded on the pedal.

Note: Never use silicone spray on your steering wheel or pedals, this could make surfaces too slick and cause your hands and feet to slip off while driving!

A soft brush can clear away dust along your air vents, while you’ll want to just brush your speakers. Never spray anything into your speakers. By spraying your weather stripping along windows with silicone spray you can protect the seal.

Note: Never spray anything on your instrument panel or cluster!
A few final tips…

It helps to put a coat of wax on your car before winter and spring because it will protect against salt, bird droppings and acid rain. It also doesn’t hurt to put extra wax on the front of the car and headlights, to protect against bugs.That’s all there is to it! By following these tips and tricks you’ll have your vehicle shining the same way it did the day you drove it off the lot!
Via: Grant Kenney, Chevrolet VoltAge Community Manager

Via: Grant Kenney, Chevrolet VoltAge Community Manager

We’re happy to announce two brand new colors available on the 2014 Chevrolet Volt palette. Introducing Brownstone Metallic and Ashen Gray Metallic.

These two colors will accompany Silver Ice Metallic, Black, Blue Topaz Metallic, Crystal Red, Silver Topaz Metallic, Summit White and White Diamond Tricoat as the 2014 Chevrolet Volt colors. You can begin placing orders with Chevrolet for the 2014 Volt in late May.

Though the Chevrolet Volt’s EPA-estimated gasoline-free mileage is 98 MPGe*, our owners consistently meet and even exceed it. In fact, typical Volt owners who regularly charge their vehicles go 900 miles between gasoline fill-ups, which saves about $1,300 a year at the pump!

Drivers like Brent Waldrep, of Auburn Hills, Mich., almost avoid gasoline altogether. Brent has driven more than 23,500 miles in his Volt in 21 months and says he has only been to a gas station twice.

“The last time, was in August (2012), and I still have about 65 percent of that tank left. I go about 9,000-10,000 miles between fill ups,” he said.

Other drivers have similar stories.

“It’s been more than 5,000 miles and I’ve only filled up once not including the dealer fill,” said Larry Read of Canyon Lake, Texas.

Volt owners have driven a combined 150 million electric-powered, gas and tailpipe-emissions free miles, which is the equivalent of the distance from Earth to Mars.

Source: Grant Kenney, Chevrolet Volt Community Manager

So you purchased a Chevrolet Volt in the last year and with tax season rapidly approaching you find yourself wondering “how do I apply for that $7,500 federal tax credit I’ve heard about?”

While Chevrolet and General Motors do not offer tax advice, we are happy to let you know that 2011-2013 Volts qualify for the $7,500 max credit according to the IRS website. Click here for the form you may need when applying for the federal tax credit.

If you’re curious about other attractive state and local tax incentives relating to the purchase of a Volt, head here for a helpful tool we’ve created.

For tax questions and advice, please consult your accountant/CPA.

Connect to your Volt like never before! The OnStar RemoteLink app offers an amazing level of control and connection with your vehicle. Access real-time data and perform a number of commands on your car.

**Must have an OnStar subscription for service to work. Find out how to get OnStar by contacting Courtesy Chevrolet.