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Chevy Volt Official Price Announced: $41,000 Before Rebates

Chevy Volt Official Price Announced: $41,000 Before Rebates

Peter Loeser

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Peter Loeser is an automotive blogger and recent addition to the High Gear Media team at FutureCarReports.com. Since completing his BSME at... More

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1 543 views Jul 27, 2010

2011 Chevrolet Volt in Waco, Texas, en route during the 1,776-mile Freedom Drive PR stunt

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Although estimates have been given for the EV's price tag, the Volt has been given an official number today. Shoppers can expect to see a $41,000 MSRP on the window stickers of Volts when they arrive in showrooms before the end of the year. Subtract available rebates and the Volt price drops to $33,500. Buyers will also have the option to lease the Volt for $350 per month for 36 months.

In order to be competitive, new plug-ins and hybrids need be financially appealing to consumers. The stakes (and our expectations) are high as the Volt and Leaf prepare to make their debuts.

The price of the average Toyota Prius lies well below the $30,000 threshold, and falls in a range that many new car shoppers can handle. Probably the Volt's biggest competitor at the moment, the Nissan Leaf, can be had for about $8000 less (based on sticker price). That means you could pay retail price on a Leaf and still spend less than you would on a Volt after discounts. This puts the Volts at an obvious disadvantage from the start. Even though rebates tax credits are available to EV customers, the $40k+ number is probably going to be a shocker to many people looking to get the most bang for their bucks.

The Volt and Leaf are different cars, with different strengths. The Leaf is purely electric, while the Volt has an extended range gasoline engine, which is worth the extra cost, in my opinion. Still, the price difference will be the bottom line for many shoppers looking for the best deal, rather than worrying about features.

The growing EV charging infrastructure is still limited, so Volt sales will be concentrated around it initially. Look for them to start showing up in California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Some of these states offer extra rebates and incentives to drivers looking to purchase an electric vehicle.

[LA Times]

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Comment (1)

By tom Posted: 11/11/2010 7:58pm PST

Just a thought...what "rocket scientist" decided to make car needed by the general population that only those making hefty paycheck can afford....The guy that really needs an energy efficient car the most can't afford to buy one without signing their life away! Either the petroleum lobby owns my soul or the bank does....really brilliant guys!!!

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