The Chevrolet Volt to Sell for $41,000

General Motors will price the plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt at $41,000, including a shipment fee, and intends to convince consumers that the cost includes a peace of mind not found with other electric vehicles.

The cost of the Volt, which will hit showrooms in October or November, is significantly higher than the $32,780 Nissan is asking for its Leaf electric vehicle, which debuts in December. Buyers of both vehicles can qualify for a $7,500 tax credit.

GM claims that the Volt can drive as far as 40 miles on battery power alone before switching to a gas-powered engine. The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric car that can travel about 100 miles before needing a charge.

GM’s experience with its EV1 electric car during the nineties and its research reveal that consumers interested in electric cars also seek the peace of mind offered by the onboard engine in the Volt, according to remarks from U.S. marketing head Joel Ewanick during a conference call with the press today.

“Our strategy will be, ‘It’s more car than electric,’” said Ewanick. “They’re looking for a real car. They’re looking for a car that will meet their transportation needs, that gives them no anxiety.

“You can drive it across the country without having to recharge, and our competition can’t do that.”

Competitive Leasing Agreements

In spite of the Volt’s relatively high suggested retail price, General Motors will most frequently center Volt advertising on its leasing deal--$350 per month for 36 months after a $2,500 down payment, according to Ewanick. Nissan’s lease deal for the Leaf offers $349 per month for 36 months after $1,999 down.

GM can offer a competitive lease on the Volt because of the vehicle’s high resale values due to outsized demand and an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the car’s lithium ion battery system, Ewanick said. Ewanick joined GM in may after leaving Nissan North America.

Restrictions of the Lease

Consumers may only lease a Chevrolet Volt in the ZIP codes of launch markets, Ewanick said, although any buyer can pay for a Volt in cash from a participating dealership. Initially, GM will launch the Volt in Austin, Texas; New York City, NY; California; Michigan; and Washington, D.C.

Ewanick directed consumers to a Website, www.getmyvolt.com, where they can find dealerships authorized to sell the Volt. Potential buyers can also call the 24-hour toll-free hotline: 1-888-VOLT-4-YOU. Once a dealership has placed a buyer’s order, GM will contact the buyer. The automaker will also contact the buyer when his/her order is ready for production.