The Chevy Volt is the first step in reinventing the automobile.  Coined as a plug-in series hybrid vehicle it is expected to be launched in 2011 under the General Motors Chevrolet Brand. The Volt's propulsion system will be based on GM's new E-Flex platform which was derived from the General Motors advanced technology vehicles; GM AUTOnomy, the GM Hy-Wire and the GM Sequel.

Unlike current commercially available hybrids, the actual propulsion of the Volt is accomplished by the electric motor, as the internal combustion engine (ICE) is not mechanically connected to the wheels. With fully charged batteries, this electric power may be sourced exclusively from its onboard lithium-ion batteries, for up to 40 miles (64 km), a distance capable of satisfying the daily commute of 75% of Americans, which averages around 33 miles (53 km).

After 40 miles (64 km), the range of the Volt will need to be extended through the use of a small 4-cylinder ICE which drives a 53 kW generator. The electrical power from the generator is then sent to either the electric motor or the batteries, depending on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery pack and the power demanded at the wheels. The distribution is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. This effectively extends the Volt's potential range to as much as 640 miles (1,030 km) on a single tank of fuel(which could be potentially extended for longer trips through conventional refueling).

The Volt's 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack can also be fully charged (technically ~85% SOC) by plugging the car into a 120-240VAC residential electrical outlet using the provided SAE J1772 compliant charging cord. No external charging station will be required.

An electric car is a type of alternative fuel car that utilizes electric motors and motor controllers instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE). Currently, in most cases, electrical power is derived from battery packs carried on board the vehicle. Other energy storage methods that may come into use in the future include the use of ultracapacitors, or storage of energy in a spinning flywheel.

Vehicles that make use of both electric motors and other types of engine are known as hybrid electric vehicles and are not considered pure electric vehicles (EVs) because they operate in a charge-sustaining mode. Hybrid vehicles with batteries that can be charged externally from an external source are called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and become pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) during their charge-depleting mode. Other types of electric vehicles besides cars include light trucks and neighborhood electric vehicles.