Free Home Charging Stations for 4,400 Chevrolet Volts

General Motors recently revealed it has planned a quite attractive offer for the first buyers of the Chevrolet Volt, namely it will provide them with one of 4,400 free home charging stations from either ECOtality or Coulomb Technologies. This has been made possible thanks to agrant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as part of the Transportation Electrification Initiative.

The projects, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), have two objectives: installing charging stations in residential, workplace and public areas to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles; and studying electric vehicle usage to optimize future electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

"Many owners will plug their Volt into a normal 120-volt electrical outlet, charge overnight and drive to work in the morning using only battery power," Tony DiSalle, Product and Marketing Director for the Chevrolet Volt, said in a release. "For Volt owners who want to install a faster 240-volt charge station, we expect the Department of Energy project to save $1,000 and $2,000."

Data such as average charge time, energy usage and the starting and ending time of the charging process will then be collected and analyzed by the DOE.

The Chevrolet Volt will come with a portable 120-volt charge cord, and will have the option of installing a 240-volt charge station available from Chevrolet. However, buyers that live within the program cities may apply for a free 240-volt home charging station.

The Volt has been designed to drive up to 350 miles without stopping to recharge or refuel. It will run on electricity only for the first 40 miles, and after that a gasoline-powered engine/generator will begin powering the car.