Chevrolet Volt launches in U.S.

The innovative electric vehicle named Motor Trend's car of the year has been launched in the U.S., although it will be a few weeks before U.S. consumers can actually buy one.

The Chevy Volt won't be sold in Canada until August 2011.

As the first production Volt rolled off the assembly line at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, GM officials were on hand to congratulate themselves on what the carmaker describes as a fantastic achievement.

The first Volt will be sent to GM's Heritage Center for posterity. The second Volt, with Vehicle Identification Number 00002 is being auctioned online, with proceeds going to Detroit public schools.

"Every aspect of the Volt — from its aerodynamic shape to its battery chemistry — is a testament to the importance of math and sciences," said GM North American president Mark Reuss.

"By encouraging Detroit-area students to pursue these topics, we hope to cultivate the next generation of engineers who will build upon the Volt's innovative technologies," he said.

The Volt is advertised as an electric car, but it's also equipped with a 1.4-litre gasoline engine, which extends its range to 550 kilometres.

It sells in the U.S. for about $41,000 US, though government rebates can bring the price to about $33,000.

GM will begin shipping a limited number of Volts to dealers next month.

The vehicle has undergone cold weather testing in Kapuskasing, Ont., at temperatures GM describes as "very much" below zero.

It will be released in Canada in August 2011, though a GM Canada spokesman told CBC News, a Canadian price has not been set yet.