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The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors to be launched in November 2010. Its propulsion system is based on GM’s new Voltec electric automobile platform, which differs significantly from GM’s earlier BAS Hybrid and Two-Mode Hybrid systems.

For up to the first 40 miles (64 km), the Volt is powered by electrical energy stored in its on-board lithium-ion batteries, which are charged by connection to an electrical outlet. The car’s 16 kW·h battery pack can be fully charged by plugging the car into a 120-240VAC residential electrical outlet, no external charging station is required.

With fully charged batteries, enough electrical energy will be stored to power the Volt up to 40 miles, a distance longer than the daily commute for 75% of Americans. After 40 miles, a small 4-cylinder internal combustion engine using premium-grade gasoline extends the Volt’s range to more than 300 miles

The electrical power from the generator is sent primarily to the electric motor, with the excess going to the batteries, depending on the state of charge of the battery pack and the power demanded at the wheels. The distribution is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. Unlike most current commercially available hybrid electric vehicles, the actual propulsion of the Volt is accomplished exclusively by the electric motor.

The Volt’s retail price will start at US$41,000 (including destination charges) before any factory incentives, tax deductions, or other subsidies. The Volt is currently eligible for a US$7,500 U.S. federal tax credit and other benefits available in some locations. The Volt will also be available through a lease program with a monthly payment of US$350 for 36 months, with US$2,500 due at lease signing, and with an option to buy at the end of the lease.

The Volt will be initially sold in seven regions: California, Washington DC, Michigan, Austin, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Nationwide availability in the U.S. and Canada is scheduled to begin in one year to 18 months after the initial launch.