Wagoner said that the auto industry is in the early days of a transition from mechanically-driven to electrically-driven vehicles, a trend that financially ailing GM intends to lead. An internal combustion engine-able to run on gasoline or E85, a blend of ethanol and gas-will extend the car's driving range to hundreds of miles. The car will be able to drive 40 miles on its lithium-ion batteries.

'The Volt symbolizes General Motors' commitment to the future, just the kind of technical innovation our industry needs to respond to tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges,' Wagoner said in a speech to a gathering of partners, customers, journalists, and employees. The five-door sedan, which GM calls an extended-range electric vehicle, is scheduled to be available for purchase in the U.S. The company also released photos and a number of technical details, including a projected top speed of 100 mph and two in-car touch-screen controls. GM Chairman Rick Wagoner introduced the plug-in hybrid car in Detroit, showing a production version with a different look than the concept car rolled out in January 2007.Ī front view of the production electric Chevy Volt shown publicly on Tuesday. The Chevy Volt was the centerpiece of General Motors' centennial celebration on Tuesday with executives heralding the electric car as the first step in the reinvention of the automobile.

Chevy volt range at 80 mph