It debuted at the 2015 North American International Auto Show to replace the original Volt, on sale since 2010.

[7] Retail deliveries as a 2016 model year began in October 2015 in the U.S. and Canada,[8][9] and it was released in Mexico in December 2015.

[12] Featuring a restyled exterior and interior, the Volt's revised battery system and drivetrain allow, under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, an all-electric range of 53 mi (85 km), up from the first generation's 38 mi (61 km).

[5][13] The Volt's revised batteries and Voltec powertrain feature a larger 1.5-liter range extender engine tuned for regular gasoline instead of premium required by the first generation.

The second generation battery pack uses fewer cells (192 vs 288), weighs 29 lb (13 kg) less and features a capacity increased to 18.4 kWh.

[18] As of March 2016[update], and excluding all-electric cars, only the BMW i3 REx has a better combined gasoline-electricity rating (88 MPG-e) than the Volt.

[19] Likewise, only second to the BMW i3 REx, the 53 mi (85 km) all-electric range is the second longest-range achieved by any plug-in hybrid car available for sale.

[29][30] Production of the 2015 model year Volt ended by mid-May 2015, while manufacturing of pre-production units of the second generation began in March 2015.

GM scheduled the second generation Volt to go on sale as a 2017 model year in the 39 remaining states by early 2016.

[11] The Premier model offers two optional Driver Confidence packages with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Collision avoidance systems, lane-keep assist, and intelligent high beams.

[38] The Buick Velite 5 was introduced at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, a rebadged second generation Chevrolet Volt tailored for the Chinese market.

Options were added to defer the automatic engine-assisted heating system for more all-electric operation, and configure Low and Regen-On-Demand profiles to increase regenerative braking capabilities.

[12] American magazine Car and Driver praised the shape, longer EV range, addition of a regenerative paddle, efficiency and big trunk.