What are the mileage-cost estimates of the Volt, compared to conventional cars? At the rate of 10 cents per kWh, a Volt owner could expect to pay two cents per mile. To get a similar cost savings, the cost per gallon of gas would have to be 60 cents. [2]

Will Chevrolet be offering dealer rebates and incentives this early in production? It's hard to say. In the meantime, however, the first 500,000 Volt buyers will qualify for a government tax credit of $7,500. See details below.

This page last updated on 10.03.09.

"Toyota, by dint of its sales lead in the hybrid segment, had used up all of its credits by the end of 2007; Honda's disappeared on Jan. 1; Ford's start dropping at the end of March. GM and Nissan still have full credits available for qualifying models, according to the Department of Energy." The credits start at $2,500 and increase by $417 for every kilowatt hour of battery capacity in excess of four kwh. For most passenger vehicles, weighing 10,000 pounds or less, the credit tops out at $7,500.[1]

The Volt is rated at 16kWh, which equates to $7,500: $2,500 + $5,000 ($417 x 12 excess kwh = $5,004).

The most recent estimate places the MSRP of the Volt at $40,000, with the $7,500 federal tax rebate available after that price.[2]

However, if there is a large group of first purchasers, the price could come down.[3] Let GM know that you'd like to be in that group: Get on the Chevy Volt "Want" List.

1. Go to Chevy Volt Want List.
2. Enter your email address to be added to the list.