Under the Volt FAQ I found the following in the Battery Life section.
Since this is a different kind of battery, I need to know what I can do to best take care of it.
A. Here are a few tips to help you maximize the life of your battery:
- It is recommended that the vehicle be plugged-in when ambient temperatures are below 32F (0C) and
above 90F (32C).
- It is preferable to park out of direct sunlight to help stabilize any environmental affects. This is
particularly important in very hot climates.
- If long term, unplugged storage is required, store the vehicle with (50%) charge or less and always
store it in an environment with temperatures between 15F (-10C) and 85F (30C). Like any vehicle the
12V battery may need to be supported during extended periods without driving. See the owner manual
for how to keep the 12V battery from running down during extended storage.

I am curious about the statement in Red. Is this a mistake or are they referring to plugging in the car so the battery can be kept warm during freezing temps or cold during blazing hot temps verses plugging it in to recharge? What if I am somewhere and I can not plug in the car?

- It is recommended that the vehicle be plugged-in when ambient temperatures are below 32F (0C) and
above 90F (32C).

As I understand it, the battery has a TMS (Thermal Management System) which keeps it at the right temperature. By plugging in the car in both cold (<32F) and hot (>90F) weather you are providing power to thermally manage (heat and cool) the battery.

That is my understanding also (as stated by voltcrazy). I intend to follow that guide line also. Now, if you are out and about in cold or hot weather there is no likely way of being able to plug-in and I don't think it will matter unless you leave the Volt in the weather for a very long time. I assume GM does not mean daily parking the Volt at work in an open parking lot will damage the battery. The Volt should be able to take care of itself in those situations. I believe (and hope) they are speaking of the Volt being left alone for several days or more without use. If it is in my carport, it will be plugged in most of the time.

@ ewiggins - Here is a link to a previous thread that may help you out: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?6952

Keeping the car plugged in will allow the propulsion battery to keep itself warm / cool as necessary. If plugging in is not possible, don't worry, the Volt will condition the battery the next time you power the vehicle on. In this case, your AER could be slightly affected as the energy to condition the battery is no longer coming from the grid.


Volt Advisor Trevor
Chevrolet Volt Advisor Team

I tend to disagree about not worrying. From my understanding of how Li-on technology works, an off line battery can experience extreme cool temperature and then brought back to normal temperature with out problems as long as there is no current flow when cold (off line). However I think if an off line battery is brought to an extreme high temperature (95F +) and then brought down, the battery is slightly damaged even if there is no current flow. It's understandable that the hotter the temp and/or the longer duration it experiences this temp will effect how degraded the battery will become. So I think you don't have to worry about storing in extreme cold but I think it's VERY important to always plug the Volt in when parked or stored in extreme high temperatures as this will ensure the TMS will keep the battery temperature controlled.


-Eric #1819