66/100
2016Compact CarsRegular Gas or Electricity

2016 Chevrolet Volt

EPA ID: 36863
43
City MPG
42
Combined MPG
42MPG· Excellent
42
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt achieves an EPA-estimated 42 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 43 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios), this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2016 Volt produces approximately 51 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Volt performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $1,400, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $6,500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular Gas or Electricity
Engine1.5L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions51 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemEquipped
GHG Score10/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$1,400
5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $6,500

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
42.5
Impact vs EPA
$-1
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

⚡ EV Climate Range Simulator

Cold (-10°F)70°FHot (110°F)

Extreme temperatures severely impact lithium-ion battery chemistry and require heavy HVAC usage. See how your range degrades in freezing winters or scorching summers.

Battery Efficiency
100%
Est. Real Range*
93 mi
*Assumes 75kWh pack

EV / PHEV Intel

Powertrain TypeRegular Gas or Electricity
MPGe Combined42
D

Range Anxiety Index: High Anxiety

Urban micro-mobility only. Do not attempt long distance travel.

Estimated EPA Range: ~30 miles

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$438/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
53.2%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$4,000
15.2%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
30.0%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.5%
Total 5-Year Cost$26,300

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #17V621000·2017-11-08
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Chevrolet Volt configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$1,400
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Spend $6,500

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City43 MPG
Highway42 MPG
Combined42 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

10.2 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 13 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 0.8 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.