Chevrolet Volt Heading to Washington D.C.

General Motors has just announced that Washington D.C. will be one of the lead retail markets for the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, which means the USA capital will join California and Michigan in the first group to get the new electric vehicle with extended-range capability.

Additionally, Chevrolet confirmed that Washington D.C. will be the host of a new development and demonstration program backed by Pepco and Dominion. Chevrolet will thus deliver more than 100 Volts to several utilities across the US, including the two aforementioned companies, and will create around 500 charging stations that are intended for residential, business and public use, as the company said in a release.

“The Chevrolet Volt demonstrates our commitment to the electrification of the automobile,” said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Product Operations. “So far, we have invested more than $700 million in the U.S. to reinforce our leadership in this new technology.”

“Concentrating Volt sales in these three key initial markets allows us to give our first customers a high-quality experience,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager. “In addition to geographical considerations, each market also has progressive local and state government leaders and utility partners who are crucial in bringing electric vehicles to market.”

Chevrolet Volt, which is slated to hit the market in the last months of 2010, will incorporate lithium-ion batteries produced at the Brownstown Township, Mich. plant. The Voltec electric propulsion system consists of 150 parts, with General Motors designing all but eight parts of the assembly. The Volt can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone with a single battery charge.

There's no word on the price yet but sources familiar with the matter are claiming that it could come with a price tag below $30,000.