How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Chevrolet Volt Battery Pack?
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Autoblog Green recently stumbled upon some ridiculously cheap Chevrolet Volt replacement batteries for sale by unofficial online GM parts supplier, GM Parts Online. The batteries are selling for a low-low $2,994.64, but with an online discount, that number drops down to $2,305.88. That seemed a little too good to be true, so they called up a dealer who told them replacing the battery pack could cost up to $34,000. So what gives?
Battery packs in electric and hybrid vehicles are often priced by the per kilowatt hour (kWh), which was previously thought to be around $500 per kWh. It works out to $144.11 per kilowatt hour to replace the 16 kWh battery in the Volt at GM Parts Online’s price. But Kevin Kelly, manager of electrification technology communications for General Motors, reminded ABG that GM Parts Online is not the official GM parts supplier and their prices do not reflect what they would charge a customer.
“The costs indicated on the site are not what we would charge our dealers or owners for a replacement battery. There would be no cost to the Volt owner if their battery needs replacement or repair while the battery is under the eight year/100,000 mile limited warranty coverage provided by Chevrolet,” said Kelly.
Also, he noted that a single price tag cannot be accurate for every Volt owner.
“If the customer needs to have their battery repaired beyond the warranty, the cost to them would vary depending on what needs to be replaced or repaired. So, it’s hard for us to tell you exactly what the cost would be to the customer because it varies depending on what might need to be repaired or replaced. As a result, the core charge would vary.”
A sharp-eyed ABG reader pointed out that the lithium-ion modules, where many of the expensive bits are, are not included in the $2,305.88 Volt batteries listed for sale on GM Parts Online. Oops.
To help gain a clearer picture of how much a Volt replacement battery would really cost, ABG contacted Keyes Chevrolet in Los Angeles, who told them the price could vary from $3,400 to $34,000 to replace a drive motor replacement battery. They also said they were unsure what replacing the drive motor battery would entail, and that the Volt would have to be brought in to see what’s wrong with the pack to get a real estimate.
Kelly said looking at what a dealer charges can be misleading, as GM’s strategy in regards to servicing Volt batteries usually entails repairing rather than replacing altogether.
“As part of the replacement and repair process, we provide the option of using refurbished batteries that provide the customer with similar or better range performance as they would expect from their original battery system. I should also point out that the quotes you (Autoblog) received could include a possible dealer markup for out of warranty repairs. The high end of what you provided is not consistent with what we would expect the customer to pay,” said Kelly.
In conclusion, no one really knows what it costs to replace a Volt’s battery, but the $34,000 told to them by the dealer seems unrealistic. Instead the previously mentioned $500 per kWh estimate seems more plausible, which would bring the cost of replacing the Volts battery to $8,000.
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I wondered when this poorly written story would arrive here.
ABG really blew it here as they did not do all and were honest with the story.
The battery in the Volt is a package much like an engine in the car. The battery is made up with a large number of items and when it has a problem you only replace the affected part. This is just the same as an engine and if it fails do you have to replace the engine if just a head gasket blows or a rocker arm breaks?
To know how much it is to replace the power source in a Volt all depends on just what part of it is bad. Ask a specific question and you get a specific answer.
I see this as more of a bias author than anything else. This is just more proof GM needs to better show and explain what the Voltec system is all about. Better use of the web to educate would make this a lot easier for GM. This is what Tesla as done so well. It is not Tesla is a better car but it is a better understood car. Or in many cases fans think they understand it.
Note the latest Car and Driver race of a Tesla Model S vs. a 1915 Model . The T went mostly back roads where the S took the interstate. The T also broke down as a 100 year old car can do but the T only lost the race from Detroit to Long Island by one hour. With the Penalty of the break downs and the longer path on back roads it really points out the weakness of the Tesla. This does not include the difficulty they had to find legal places to charge the S model at. Once stop had to be wired in to a Tesla roadsters home to install a charger for $1200.
Why did I put this in. Well this is the kind of stuff Tesla will not educate the public on and they have no clue of the dark side of the S model. This is where GM could better market the Volt.
Note too GM stated long ago that replacements were to be expected to cost under $10K so it was not all that much of a mystery.
Keep in mind in this race to set the standard in the EV market it is a war. Everyone wants their system to be the default for the others. Those who do not win the war will have to spend billions to retool to the set standard adopted by the public as the norm. This is the Beta or VHS battle all over again.
That may be, in your opinion, a poorly written article, and you may have offered additional information, but perhaps you should check your posts for errors before you criticize.
When I saw that original story, I too thought some “journalist” with an agenda wanted to taint the truth.
Sadly, I had my own experience at the dealership where I bought my 2012 Volt. An odd “anomaly” occurred on two trips I made in my Volt that have not repeated itself. My range dropped drastically on a “circuit” I drive my Volt on, and having experience on this 44.1 mile circuit for 18 months, the drop was totally off the charts in what my car had been doing faithfully since day one of ownership. In taking another GM product (my wife and I have 5 vehicles, four of which are GM) I told a service adviser about the fact my Volt’s electric range had dropped, almost overnight, by nearly 10 miles and NOT due to cold weather. The adviser looked at me and stated in so many words “when they get old, the battery range drops” which floored me for him to suggest an 18 month old Volt would drop it’s range “overnight” as my Volt did.
Long story made short, dealerships (and unethical “journalists” or “journalists” too lazy to look for the truth) may often NOT be the best place in the world to get info about the Volt. And, my particular dealership seems to be almost embarrassed that they sell Volts. In the number of years I have used this dealership for purchasing vehicles, I have never-EVER seen a Volt in their showroom. And when they get a new Volt in off a delivery from the factory, the Volt is “hidden” onto the far corner of the lot, where only sparrows poop and few customers ever venture.
GM built a Masterpiece when they made the Volt, but their Message is a MESS.
The motivation behind my query has to do with the cynical, snarky questions I get from people about my Chevy Volt. They all have the idea that no matter how cheap it is to operate an EV, the whole cost calculation is blown apart by that terrible, foreseeable moment when (gasp!) “the battery has to be replaced”. My idea is that so far, nobody has had to make this replacement, so there’s no reliable information.
As for deterioration of the battery over time and distance, check out Erick Belmer, whose Volt has now crossed the 300,000 mile rubicon with no discernable drop in power or distance. Also, his original brake pads that came with the car have 90% of their original thickness. http://www.hybridcars.com/chevy-volt-travels-300000th-mile/
So, finally, what is the good answer to put those guys in their place? Maybe I could tell them about Erich Belmer’s Sparkie? Or just that nobody’s had a worn-out battery yet.
My sense is that Goat Rancher has some Luke Warm ideas!
This is certainly a problem after 100k miles. I someone told me it could cost between 3000 and 35000 for anything…my answer is ‘no sale’. Tesla says it will cost between 8000 and 12000 to replace the battery pack in their new Model 3 depending on the two size options. This is also after 8 years…I don’t like those numbers either, but at least they are real numbers. Chevy needs to paint a really clear picture of what happens after 100k miles. I usually run my vehicles up to 300k, sometimes more.
Does anyone really know how many Volt batteries have ever actually been replaced anywhere due to wearing out?
I am on my second (2016) Volt, having run 60K miles on my 2012, which I gave to my daughter. Absolutely no sign of degradation whatever. I would like factual data, not hearsay or invective.
I just replaced My battery on 2012 Volt. Dealer estimate was $13,000.00. I have a friend in the salvage business. Found a wrecked Volt with under 20k miles. Battery was $3,400 and $1350. to install. I got lucky to find the ONLY available salvaged battery in the country and a mechanic willing to do it. It did take them 3 weeks to figure it all out and the reprogramming but im back on the road….
It’s not miles that wear it out so much. I have seen Prius with low miles owned by old people needing a new Hybrid Battery. If they are driven regularly and charged properly they should last for over 10 years in the Volt. If you buy a Volt you want to drive the shit out of it. It will have no resale value anyways. Leasing one is the best deal if you have any concerns they practically give you the keys for nothing.
My car was used gently everyday. At about 90k miles I got a low propulsion code and my car was like stuck in first gear. After a couple trips to my Stockton dealer, they determined it was a transmission module. They replaced that and I was ok n the road again. But about 6 months later, in 2019, it happened again. This time, the dealer claimed it was the battery pack. It was in the 93000 mile range and they wouldn’t replace it under the warranty. So, my 2011 Volt sits. Up until then, my car was a pleasure to drive, my overall mileage was 84.5 miles to the gallon, since I rarely drove over 30 miles a day. I did 2 long trips across the country and to southern California. Even straight gas, I got about 40 miles to the gallon. It’s unfortunate that the Stockton dealer didn’t stand behind this great little car.
So, if and when my 2012 Volt’s batteries no longer hold a charge (still getting 45-50+ mi. in warmer weather after 106K miles!), can I run it on just the gas generator? Will it gen too much energy for the electric motor b/c the batteries can’t handle any excess, or will the car adjust the gen and still go, though in gas generator mode at all times? … That was my plan for once the batteries give out – just keep getting 40 mpg on gas until the rest of the car falls apart.
yes you can. i have 2012 and gave to daughter and it still runs great and about 43miles per gal. i now have 145000 mile and car is solid. i found threw GM a brand new batter for 5900.00 and will get that installed this spring or summer that will give it 58mile on full charge.
2013 Volt just kicked the bucket at 159000 miles. Replacement cost for Section 1 battery is 4800. Considering I bought it for 5000, I’m kicking myself for buying a high mileage volt with battery out of warranty. Stupid me.
My 2012 volt showed a message like ‘low propulsion’ a couple times. The dealer and GM couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it so they put a new battery in for free. Under 100000 and 10 years. GM engineers wanted the battery back to study it. Shortly after that GM offered free OnStar to track the batteries (for 1-2 years). I think offered it to all Volt owners. So something’s up. But I do hope my new free battery lasts the 300000 miles that one owner got with no lost propulsion or range. By the way, the 12volt battery in the trunk died shortly after and if you have the doors locked don’t forget the little popup key in your fob. But you won’t be able to pop the hatchback. You’ll have to pop the hood and jump it from the drivers side near the firewall. Once it starts drive it home before you turn it off. You can by a new 12volt battery for around $200.
Costly cause it’s glassman. But it will last 7-8 years or more. Once its changed, it takes the computers 20 minutes to reset so let it sit for at least that long. Love my Volt. Fun car to drive but front end alignment keeps going out. I got Firestone owner lifetime alignments on a special for about $150. I bring it in as often as I need. Without GM replacing my battery, I would think twice before having to spend $8000 or more to replace it.
Glassmat battery not glassman. Since it’s in the trunk it’s vented and if the acid leaks in the battery the glassmat absorbs it. You can change it yourself, it’s not difficult.
Just had the issue with my 2013 Volt with 105,000 miles where the vehicle went into reduced propulsion mode while driving it and running out of battery as the source of propulsion. I drove the vehicle home with no issues. When I went to use the vehicle again, the vehicle went into an initialize step at startup that was not normal. After what I would say was 10-20 seconds the vehicle seemed to be ready to drive. Well this was incorrect, the vehicle would not respond when I put it in drive or reverse. I then had the vehicle towed to the dealer where I have my repairs done. The response was that the main battery had to be replaced at a cost of $12,400.00 (including battery at about $9,000 + shipping for $1000 and labor). This was disheartening as the vehicle is in showroom condition with new tires, all the upgrades, but is only worth $5,000.00. Essentially a salvage vehicle now. I have enjoyed this vehicle and have to this point have always touted this vehicle as the best vehicle I have ever owned. I would love to find a more affordable fix for this vehicle as It would be a shame to salvage.
What it boils down to is that it there have been so few batteries replaced for any reason that there are not enough statistically significant data to make any kind of an authoritative statement.
My 2011 Volt experienced low propulsion in 2018 at 80,000 miles+-. Changed a transmission module to and it was great again until 2019. Same problem. Dealer said it was batteries and refused to repair or replace even though it was under 100,000. Loved this car, great looks, sporty, comfortable but when the dealers don’t stand behind the product, it’s not good. I also averaged around 100mpg.
I have a 2013 Volt at 193k miles. It charges up to about 28 miles (normally 38) and hardly uses any oil. Never have changed the brake pads. Only issues have been the ignition switch I changed myself for $60 and had the left front axle replaced. Everything works. Amazing car! Change oil at 24,000 miles and plugs at 100k miles.
I got the low propulsion message several times and reduced power, but strangely, has not done that for a long time.
A GM factory worker has a 2012 Volt with over 300k miles and still charges fully. GM should bring this car back with longer battery range and better MPG with the gas engine, like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Energi models. and sell for under 30k. There would be a great demand!
Yes, the Volt was a great car to drive. fun, sleek, sporty looking. The T battery design really excited me. but trying to find anyone one that would replace just the bad cell was impossible. My dealer wouldn’t even consider it. My MPG overall was about 85 mpg. Like most people, I’d go to work, stop at the grocery store or bank on the way home. I used maybe half a tank of gas per month. GM has been making bad decisions for years. Why drop your most popular models like Camero, Volt, etc. Bad management.