All About Japan Autos

Chevrolet has begun shipping the first of its Volt extended-range electric cars to dealers.

“The first shipment of Volts — around 350 vehicles this week — has been sent to California, Texas, New York and Washington, D.C. and should arrive shortly at dealerships,” writes Kicking Tires.

If you’ve been anxiously awaiting getting your hands on one, Left Lane News reports, “The first customer deliveries are expected to happen within the next few days. A total of 160 Volts are expected to be shipped this week.”

The Volt retails for $40,280, not including destination fees. However, buyers are eligible for a $7,500 tax credit, which should help offset the sting of the Volt’s price. Of course, some buyers will need the savings more than others. “The Detroit school district says a charity auction of the first Chevrolet Volt offered for sale is bringing in $225,000 for science, technology and other programs,” reports the Associated Press.

According to the Detroit News, the auction had plenty of electrifying drama: “Bidding opened on Nov. 30 at $50,000 and appeared to stop at $185,000 on Dec. 3 with no competing bid offered until 5:43 p.m. Tuesday, 17 minutes before the auction’s 6 p.m. deadline.” They add that “The price shot from $185,000 to $225,000 in a frantic down-to-the-wire exchange between two people with screen names ‘Volter’ and ‘ChargeOn,’ with the latter submitting the winning bid just 14 seconds before the deadline.” The Detroit News also clarifies that the Volt in the auction is the first Volt offered for sale, not the first Volt produced. The first Volt will be displayed at the GM Heritage Museum.

If you want a new Volt, you don’t have to pay nearly five and half times the asking price like the auction winner.

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