What Is a Volt?

Jason Fogelson 08/01/2022 10:56am

A volt is a unit of measurement of electric potential as measured between two points on a conducting wire. In practical terms, a measure of electric force. Most consumer vehicles use a 12-volt direct current (DC) network to provide electric services such as lighting, infotainment, and driver controls. Household current is set at 120 or 240 volts of alternating current (AC). See also Amp, Amperage, Voltage, Watt, and Wattage.

Jason Fogelson

Jason Fogelson is the Managing Editor of Publication Operations for Cox Automotive Inc. He works with the editorial team to ensure everything you read on Kelley Blue Book is factual, grammatically correct, well-written, and relevant. Jason contributed to KBB for years before joining the staff in 2022 as part of a long career as a freelance automotive journalist and editor for magazines and websites. His first book, “100 Things for Every Gearhead to Do Before They Die,” was published by Reedy Press in 2016. Jason was President of the Motor Press Guild (MPG) for two terms and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA), the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), and the International Motor Press Association (IMPA). He lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his wife, dog, two cats, motorcycle, and van. He’s always on the hunt for an inexpensive roadster to fill an empty slot in his garage.
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