What make this car different from the 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid or the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is that this car can runs on electricity only for up to 40 miles. This will satisfy the daily commute for the majority of Americans. For longer hauls; the Volt has a regular gas engine that will kick in and power the car.

Of course regenerative breaking is a feature that will recharge the batteries to a predetermined level. Once the batteries are charged, the electric engine will turn back on. As you can guess the Volt will have get outstanding MPG on long trips and will emit hardly any emissions. As is stands the Volt produces no emissions what so ever with the electric motor running! My only question is too little too late? I mean the big U.S. automakers have been in jeopardy as of late. Why not get a hybrid out to the public when we wanted it 5 years ago?