General Motors has begun rolling out its first all-electric car, the Chevrolet Volt, telling consumers they can start ordering the U.S.'s first electric with extended-range capability for the 2011 model year. The Volt will be initially available to Chevrolet customers in California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington, D.C., area. To be among the first to purchase a Volt, consumers can place their order at a participating Chevrolet Volt dealer.
A Volt dealer locator is available online. GM says the dealer will begin the order process, which will be followed up by contact from a dedicated Volt advisor who will be available to answer any questions and keep the customer apprised of the progress of their order.
The new electric car will carry a $41,000 price tag on its base model. But in a bid to make the car more affordable, GM will offer a lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months at Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) with $2,500 due at lease signing, including security deposit based on current conditions, which could vary at time of delivery.
The company says the benefit of the $7,500 tax credit is included in the reduced lease payment, with the tax credit going to the lessor. Customer deliveries of the Chevrolet Volt are scheduled to begin in launch markets late this year with initial production limited.
"The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class because it's in a class by itself," said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing for General Motors, who made the announcement at the Plug-In 2010 conference. "No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with premium content and innovation, standard."
GM says the Volt can operate under a range of weather climates and driving conditions with little concern of being stranded by a depleted battery. It has a total driving range of about 340 miles and is powered by electricity at all times.
All-electric first 40 miles
While the Volt is primarily electric, it does have a small gas tank. For up to the first 40 miles, the Volt drives gas-and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas powered range-extending engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 300 miles on a full tank.
Depending on their tax situation, Volt owners can qualify for up to $7,500 in U.S. federal income tax credit, as well as other potential state and local tax credits, depending on location. Owners in certain states may qualify for the added convenience of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access.
To recharge the Volt's battery, consumers plug it in at home. The car will come standard with a 120-volt charge cord that will provide owners with the ability to charge their Volt directly from a standard home electrical outlet.
