Production Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid kicks off birthday party

Not quite the stunner we were hoping for
As part of its 100th anniversary, GM showed off the production version of the Volt that should be available in the US by late 2010. Where the concept was low-slung and looked like a futuristic four-door version of the Camaro the muscle car, the production Volt looks like a Corolla-sized sedan gussied up with a few styling ticks from the Volt concept.

AC Power
The real innovation of the Volt is in its powertrain. The Volt is primarily an electric vehicle, storing electricity in its Lithium-ion batteries. Those batteries can be recharged from an AC outlet or from the on-board four-cylinder petrol engine. The batteries take three hours to recharge from a 240-volt outlet, but GM hasn't specified the recharge rate from the gas engine.

The Volt can run 40 miles (about 65 kilometres) on electric power alone, about the distance that GM claims the average American drives daily. The company estimates that, at current US electricity prices, recharging the Volt will cost 80 cents per day and that a year of daily recharging will require less energy than running a home fridge.

It's electrifying
GM intends to make a technology statement with the car, leading the electrification of the automobile among auto makers. The exterior lighting adds to this statement with extensive use of LEDs in the headlights, indicators and tail-lights.

Maxing out mileage
Although not as unique-looking as the concept, GM says the production version is designed for aerodynamic efficiency, an important feature for any car seeking maximum mileage. GM will likely make use of other technologies it developed for the EV1 electric car and its range of US hybrids, such as regenerative braking and low rolling resistance tyres.

Almost production ready
While its exterior makes us think of mutton dressed as lamb, the interior exudes a nice balance between classiness and futurism. Its near production-ready status is demonstrated by its array of cupholders, seatbelts, vents, and power window switches. With about two years to go before it hits the showrooms certain elements, such as the user configurable LCD instrument cluster, could be junked in favour of a more conventional set-up; let's hope not though.

Back to the future
The LCD instrument cluster shows a digital speed read-out, along with information about battery level and range. This information is vital in a car with a 40-mile (65km) range under electric power. Especially considering that the car's electric-only range will change dramatically based on driving style.

Apple white
A closer look at the centre instrument panel reveals planned cabin-tech elements. GM says the car will have an optional hard drive-based navigation system, while a USB port and Bluetooth, for both hands-free and music streaming, will be standard. The panel uses touch-sensitive controls rather than traditional switch-gear, for the most part. Navigation, phone, and stereo controls are all clearly evident.

The concept
When GM unveiled the Chevy Volt concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, it immediately captured the imagination of the automotive press and public, causing GM to fast track a production version. The Volt builds on experience GM gained during the 1990s with the development of the EV1 electric car, as well as its range of North America-only hybrids.

Muscle car, electric style
Part of the excitement over the original Volt concept can be put down to the show car's stunning looks. Sitting low to the ground, with fat wheel arches and a long, flat bonnet it looked like a miniature, electric version of the classic rear-wheel drive American muscle car dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

Modernism, GM style
The interior of the show car was classic show car: clean simple lines, uncluttered design and plenty of metallic elements. It clearly wasn't going to survive the production process.