First Chevrolet Volts heading to the dealers

Chevrolet started shipping the first Chevrolet Volts destined for initial retail launch markets. The Volts left the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant on Monday and are heading to the hands of customers in California, Texas, Washington D.C. and New York. The first units of the world’s first-and-only electric vehicle with extended-range capability will reach their new owners in the next few days.

During this week a total of 160 Volts are expected to leave the Assembly Plant of Detroit-Hamtramck.

“Today is a historic milestone for Chevrolet,” said Tony DiSalle, Volt marketing director. “We have redefined automotive transportation with the Volt, and soon the first customers will be able to experience gas-free commuting with the freedom to take an extended trip whenever or wherever they want.”

The core of the Chevrolet Volt lies on the Voltec electric propulsion system, a combination of battery-only electric driving with an efficient, gas-powered engine. This gives the Volt a 379-mile range, before needing to recharge the battery or fill up the small gas tank. At the moment the Volt is the only mass produced U.S.-built electric vehicle.

Chevrolet had already shipped 15 pre-production Volts earlier this year destined to technology enthusiasts and electric vehicle advocates. These were the first consumers to experience the Volt in real-life conditions during a 90-day vehicle and charging evaluation program.