2010 Chevrolet Volt Production

The first of a new generation of cars, the Chevy Volt will be an electric car with a gasoline engine onboard to help recharge its batteries. GM claims it offers the environmental benefits of an electric car without the limited range -- but the media hasn’t been able to test most of the company’s claims. The Chevy Volt could be revolutionary -- if it works. Chevrolet calls the Volt an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or “an electric car that can create its own electricity.” It isn’t a hybrid, nor is it a purely electric car. Instead, the Chevy Volt is an electric car with a gasoline-powered generator that can kick in to recharge its batteries when they are low. Owners will be able to charge their Volt from a wall outlet at home, and Chevy claims that the Volt should be able to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone. That’s more than most Americans drive in a single day, meaning that many Volt owners would not use any gasoline in a typical day. But, since the Volt can recharge itself while driving, it shouldn’t have the limited range of an electric car.