US Orders 101 Chevrolet Volts

Last week, the General Services Administration (GSA) announced that it plans to purchase its first fleet of electric vehicle, jump starting a reform of the federal car pool that is hoped to forever change the face of official transportation. Now, the name of the model that would make up this first fleet has been revealed: the Chevrolet Volt.

The government has ordered, in a sign of American solidarity, 101 Volts, that are to be used by the federal authorities. The purchase is part of a broader plan announced by president Obama a while back and that calls for the entire government car fleet to turn green by the middle of the decade.

Obama's plan is that all federal government agencies make a habit of buying alternative powered vehicles by 2015. By that year, every purchase of an official vehicle should be governed by only one color: green.

Naturally, GM was extremely pleased when it heard the news. Even if not surprising, GSA's decision comes as a major victory for the Volt in its battle with the Japanese Nissan Leaf.

“The General Services Administration made the right call in choosing the Volt to help lead its electric vehicle fleet initiative,” said GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy, Mike Robinson.

“The Volt is a ‘no-excuses’ car designed to meet the rigors of daily use with gas-free driving under most circumstances. The Volt's technology is leading the way for a new segment of vehicles and we're pleased to see the GSA leading the way toward a more gas-free fleet.”