Hi-tech Volt is in the clear at last

Prepare to be shocked by Chevy’s electric future!

This is the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt, the first ever mass-production electric car. Having accidentally ‘leaked’ official shots of the model partially obscured by company chiefs last week (Issue 1,030), parent firm GM has now unveiled these executive-free images in time for its 100th birthday celebrations. The Volt is powered by an electric motor connected to a lithium-ion battery pack, generating 148bhp and 370Nm of torque.

The battery can be charged from a 240V mains supply in three hours, or by a small on-board petrol motor that switches on when power is running low. The petrol unit, which can also run on carbon-neutral ethanol, isn’t connected to the wheels, and used only for battery charge when required.

GM claims the Volt will do 40 miles between charges without resorting to the petrol motor, and can hit 100mph.

The Volt’s platform will also underpin the forthcoming Astra, opening up the possibility of an electric version of the Vauxhall. Bosses would currently prefer a Vauxhall-badged Volt, though. The electric Chevy hits the UK in 2011 – after going on sale in the US in 2010 – priced at £20,000.