First 2011 Chevrolet Volt Rolls Off the Line, But Not For Sale

By John Voelcker

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First 2011 Chevrolet Volt built on production tooling at Detroit Hamtramck plant, March 31, 2010

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The 2011 Chevrolet Volt took another step last week in its long and highly publicized gestation, with the first complete vehicle rolling off the production line at GM's Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant.

On Wenesday, March 31, the first model of the mass-produced electric car built in North America in decades rolled off the lines to the flash of cameras. The last-day-of-the-month event came just eight months before 2011 Volts arrive at selected dealerships for sale.

First 2011 Chevrolet Volt built on production tooling at Detroit Hamtramck plant, March 31, 2010

Enlarge Photo

First 2011 Chevrolet Volt built on production tooling at Detroit Hamtramck plant, March 31, 2010

Enlarge Photo

The 2011 Chevy Volt, known as an extended-range electric vehicle, offers up to 40 miles of electric range from its 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. After that, a gasoline-fired generator provides power to the car's electric motor to carry it another 300 miles.

The first silver Volt, however, will never be seen by paying customers. These early production vehicles are used to shake down the manufacturing processes, and their fate will be largely to serve as test vehicles before being torn down for examination by engineers.

While this is a typical step in the long road to mass manufacturing of a modern car, it is most likely frustrating for eager Volt fans who see media coverage of cars they can't have--at least quite yet.

On the other hand, GM is slowly expanding its plans for Volt events around the country. The latest took place at last week's New York Auto Show, just one day before the Volt rolled off the line.

All things come to those who wait ....