First Chevrolet Volt arrives in China

The first drivable Volt has arrived today in China. GM celebrated the occasion in what is set to become one of the initial markets outside the United States to receive the electric vehicle. The Volt should be available for Chinese consumers in 2011.

“GM has made a long-term commitment to bringing our industry-leading technology to China,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “This is enabling us to provide the best mobility solutions for addressing the transportation challenges associated with the growth in demand for personal mobility. With GM taking the lead, the development of electric vehicles is opening up entirely new industries.”

Two Chevrolet Volts were handed to the Shanghai Expo Bureau during the ceremony. The two electric cars will be part of the VIP transportation fleet at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. Besides transporting special guests to and from Shanghai’s Expo Park they the Volts will be demonstrating the future of GM’s sustainable urban transportation.

According to Wale, “The Volt is a vehicle that makes no compromises. It reduces our dependency on petroleum and cuts emissions, offers a total driving range of about 500 kilometers, and is powered by electricity at all times. It provides users the latest technology, outstanding innovation and something no other electric vehicle can offer – peace of mind.”

The Volt is “range anxiety” free as it offers two different energy sources. It can drive only on electric power, offering a range of 60 kilometers with no gas- and tailpipe-emissions being made. As the 16-kWh lithium-ion battery gets depleted the Volt uses a gasoline-powered range-extending engine/generator, which raises the range up to 450 kilometers on a full tank.