u/ZookeepergameKey5467

Saw a (cheap) 2011 f/s that caught my eye but passed on it because battery health was sketch--I mean, it's a 2011 that's been used like it should. But it did get me wondering how long these early Volts realistically last.

Numbers:: not plugged in, at "empty" for weeks on the lot (around 20%) first read 29.3 Ah, around 65% capacity. It had a Weak Cell #80 showing up under load during a full throttle test, down to about 2.7-2.8, 26% SOC.

Delta at 20% SOC was 197 mV; but under heavy load, popped to 400+ (no PPR though). HV battery isolation was great, 3000, and module temps all reported stable 31-33 c. When the SOC was in the 30%+ all deltas were at 49mv, which is acceptable.

So even though I didn't buy it, I was just curious how long these 2011s survive. Anybody still rolling one with the OG HV battery?

Found a local 2011 f/s, early, early run (see photo with production #1966), 140K miles, solid service history by a single owner early-adopter (who probably loved this thing). Ran all battery diagnostics, which show degradation--of course--with some cells getting low voltages at 20% SOC and delta rising to 190mv. At higher SOCs (30%+) cells stabilize to a 49mv delta.

On test drive, flooring it was fine, no PPR. No hidden codes I saw, but not sure my scanner was perfect for this. ICE runs OK, and owner kept the interior like new. Even had the original charger, orange cord and all. Exterior? Tale of two cars as quite a few dings, broken mirror, taillight out, had an accident in 2012 and maybe questionable repair work. Would not call this a "museum-ready" early-run Volt, but mechanically, not bad for the age.

The car has been sitting with no charge--typical for a small dealership with no EV infrastructure, so it's possible the BECM could balance the cells a bit over a few charges/discharges. BUT, this car is destined for Mountain Mode for the rest of its HV battery's useful life, yielding likely a sub-20/sub-15 EV range. 29.3 Ah. More a hybrid now with "EV-assist" than a new Volt.

While I ultimately decided a "project" is less attractive than transportation, I found it cool these 2011s still survive and run--despite the degradation. Certainly the original owner got their money's worth. 98.3 lifetime MPG.

https://preview.redd.it/0ik4gnhrzx8h1.jpg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e97e7d8a59212316ff51c2042f8d75a5a1fbb6e2