Only seven states and Washington DC had dealerships selling the Volt in 2011. But for the 2012 model year, Chevy dealers nationwide will take orders for the electric vehicle with extended range (via a gasoline engine) that is base-priced less than the 2011 model year four-passenger sedan. The new model year brings seven option packages (only 3 packages previously were offered), two more interior accent colors as well as two additional exterior color choices. Other new for 2012 features include standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 with 7-inch color touch screen center stack display as well as standard keyless access with automatic door lock/unlock when the key fob is in close proximity to the Volt.

Powering the Volt is GM’s Voltec propulsion system that includes a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (weighing 435 pounds) and 111 kW electric drive unit. A 1.4-liter gasoline engine extends the driving range for approximately 344 miles. (The electric-only range is between 25 and 50 miles, depending on terrain, temperature, and driving tactics—such as fast and heavy acceleration or slow, steady acceleration). The Volt’s top speed is 100 mph, and the switch from pure electric driving to gas-engine driving (regardless of speed) is seamless. Volt has a sleek and modern control zone with a common-sense presentation that translates to ease-of-use. Estimated combined city/highway for electric-mode is 94 mpg (equivalent) and 37 mpg combined city/highway for gasoline only. MSRP is $39,145.