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Chevy Volt priced $33,500 after federal tax credit; $41,000 MSRP

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Danny, Jul 27, 2010.

  1. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    And there it is. After 3 years of speculation, we finally have a price for the 2011 Chevy Volt: $33,500 after the $7,500 federal tax credit, or $41,000 MSRP. This price includes destination and a massive list of standard features. GM is getting very aggressive with the Volt's lease price. The 3 year 36 month lease will be $350 per month with a $2,500 down payment due at signing. What are your thoughts on the pricing? Too expensive? Just right? Cheap? Sound off on the forums! Official Press Release:
    Chevrolet Begins Taking Volt Orders; Pricing Announced - Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starts at $41,000 ($33,500 net of full federal income tax credit, which ranges from $0 to $7,500); lease payment on a 36-month lease at MSRP as low as $350 per month with $2,500 due at lease signing including security deposit - OnStar provides unprecedented connectivity through Volt mobile app; five years of OnStar (Directions and Connections)service standard - Volt’s eight-year/100,000-mile battery pack warranty provides added peace of mind - Volt can be your primary car; approximately 340 miles of total range provides freedom to drive wherever, whenever SAN JOSE, CA – Starting today, participating Chevrolet dealers in launch markets will begin taking customer orders for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the industry’s first electric vehicle with extended-range capability. Chevrolet is so confident in the overall value of the Volt that the brand will offer a lease program on the Volt with a monthly payment as low as $350 for 36 months at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price with $2,500 due at lease signing, including security deposit based on current conditions, which could vary at time of delivery. The benefit of the $7,500 tax credit is included in the reduced lease payment, with the tax credit going to the lessor. The Volt’s MSRP will start at $41,000 ($33,500 net of the full federal tax credit, which ranges from $0-$7,500) including a destination freight charge of $720. Customer deliveries of the Chevrolet Volt are scheduled to begin in launch markets late this year with initial production limited. “The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class…because it’s in a class by itself,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing for General Motors, who made the announcement at the Plug-In 2010 conference. “No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with premium content and innovation, standard.” The Volt will be initially available to Chevrolet customers in California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington D.C. area. To be among the first to purchase a Volt, customers can visit their nearest participating Chevrolet Volt dealer. A Volt dealer locator can be found at http://www.getmyvolt.com. The dealer will begin the order process, which will be followed up by contact from a dedicated Volt advisor who will be available to answer any questions and keep the customer apprised of the progress of their order. For customers needing general Volt information, Chevrolet will have a team of Volt advisors available to answer questions starting today at 1-888-VOLT-4-YOU (1-888-865-8469). The Chevrolet Volt is the only electric vehicle that can operate under a range of weather climates and driving conditions with little concern of being stranded by a depleted battery. Volt has a total driving range of about 340 miles and is powered by electricity at all times. For up to the first 40 miles, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered range-extending engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 300 miles on a full tank. Depending on their tax situation, Volt owners can qualify for up to $7,500 in U.S. Federal income tax credit, as well as other potential state and local tax credits, depending on location. Owners in certain states may qualify for the added convenience of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access. While the Chevrolet Volt will come standard with a 120-volt charge cord that will provide owners with the ability to charge their Volt directly from a standard home electrical outlet, a total of 4,400 Volt buyers in launch markets could be eligible for a free 240-volt charging station, including home installation. The installations are part of a program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to install approximately 15,000 240-volt home charging stations across the U.S. Technologies Keep Volt Customers Connected When it comes to advanced technology, Volt customers are on the leading edge. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt has standard technology features that link and entertain in innovative ways, starting with standard seven-inch touch screen navigation and an energy-efficient Bose premium audio system. . The Volt is the first GM vehicle to offer five years of OnStar Directions and Connections service, which includes Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation, all standard. Volt will expand on OnStar’s foundation of leading-edge safety and security technology through the introduction of an OnStar-enabled mobile app that connects the vehicle to the owner’s smartphone. “We wanted to make the Volt ownership experience unlike anything we’ve done at Chevrolet, because the Volt is unlike any vehicle we’ve offered,” said Tony DiSalle, director of Chevrolet Volt product marketing. “We want customers to fully enjoy the Volt lifestyle by providing unprecedented connectivity to their vehicle through the Volt mobile app.” Unprecedented Warranties Bring Value and Peace of Mind Volt owners will be provided outstanding battery and vehicle limited warranties. The Volt’s 16-kWh lithium-ion battery is covered by an industry-leading transferable warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles. In addition, Chevrolet will provide: • 3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage • 5-year / 100,000-mile roadside assistance and courtesy transportation • 5-year/100,000-mile limited gas engine coverage • 6-year/100,000-mile corrosion protection coverage The Volt also has an array of standard safety features, including eight air bags — dual-stage frontal, side-impact, knee, and roof-rail side-impact—and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Traction Control. The Volt is constructed of 80 percent high-strength steel for additional safety and protection. Chevrolet will also provide customer assistance via a Volt advisor available 24/7 by phone or Internet. Dealers will also provide on-site dedicated Volt service and sales experts who will be able to address inquiries. NOTE: Later today, Volt marketing director Tony DiSalle and Volt vehicle line director Tony Posawatz will host a live video webchat at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT from Plug-In 2010 to answer consumer questions about Volt pricing. Media and consumers can join the conversation on Chevrolet Voltage and the Chevrolet Volt Facebook page.​

     
  2. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    ya saw that on FB... i think GM is making a mistake. that is $8,000 more than the Leaf. if Toyota brings their plug in out under $35,000, there will be no market leftover for them
     
  3. john1701a

    john1701a Prius Guru

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    That has been the purpose stated on my website since way back when I owned a Classic model. It's what I pushed when the Iconic model became available, a solution for mainstream consumers. And of course, the 2010 model is sweet... opening the door for a plug option... something realistically priced.

    As for Volt, we knew it wouldn't be "nicely under $30,000" as originally hoped. That simply wasn't realistic with such a large battery-pack. But with all the bells & whistled added and so much emphasis on performance, the writing was on the wall. Price wasn't a priority.

    Now what? The daily blog for Volt is already flooded with disappointment posts. This wasn't exactly what they had hoped for.
    .
     
  4. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Did you notice - "Premium fuel"!!! That goes with my expected 25-30 MPG Highway MPG. This is not a practical long range vehicle - the Prius is.

    JeffD
     
  5. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Irony of ironies ~ had GM followed through with AT-PVEV certification, the Volt actually WOULD have cost under $30,000 in the Volt's largest market (California) because CA coughs up $5,000 in incentives.
    (shaking head)

    .
     
  6. rfruth

    rfruth Member

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    Lease terms close to the Leaf (Volt lease is the way to go IMO)
     
  7. drees

    drees Senior Member

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    Yeah, since many people are considering leasing (I think over half are planning on leasing the Leaf, with the Volt's leasing terms very similar to the Leaf (and better than the higher end Leaf) I suspect you will see a lot of cross shopping for people who normally drive less than 40 miles/day.
     
  8. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    The 150k mile battery warranty required AT-PZEV is a real stumbling block, one I expect Toyota to have trouble with too. Li-x PH(ev) is not ready for the mass market IMHO. Anybody who buys a Li-x car now should be well aware of the risk that the battery will need replacing way before the car is dead. This is not old and reliable NiMH.
     
  9. ThePriusMan.com

    ThePriusMan.com Waiting for my Prius

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    Why Do people still do this?

    A "Federal Tax Credit of $7,500" Does not mean you get $7,500.00 cash from the government.

    I means your income is $7,500.00 less on your Tax statement.
    Net Result, this is equal to about $2,000 less in taxes you have to pay..

    Unless this is a Federal Tax REBATE!
    The price of a Volt would be equivalant to $39K not $33.5K

    About a $5K difference.... (Depending on your tax rate.)

    Russ
     
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  10. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

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    Russ, I don't think that is correct. The tax credit is just that, a credit off your amount owed (real dollars) not an adjustment to your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Otherwise it would be called a $7500 deduction.
     
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  11. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    It wasn't the Volt they promised. It looks different, cost more and late in arrival. The AT-PZEV model to come in 2012 is the real one. This model is being "beta tested" so they can keep their delivery date. They put it as "AT-PZEV model require additional engineering and would have delayed the project".

    This Volt also has a planetary gearset with clutches and runs on premium gas! Totally unexpected.
     
  12. Bill60546

    Bill60546 Member

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    And we wonder why GM failed to be a successful company? Personally, I think every US taxpayer should get a Volt for free or until the bailout funds have been repaid.
     
  13. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    Haha, they just said premium gas will equate to higher fuel efficiency in "extended range mode".
     
  14. UsedToLoveCars

    UsedToLoveCars Active Member

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    This is incorrect. You get $7500 chopped off your tax bill. This is not a deduction.
     
  15. austingreen

    austingreen Senior Member

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    It sounds like they really don't trust those batteries. The car is priced to lease much cheaper than it is to buy. It's set to lease at the same price as the leaf. IMHO they will have waiting lists for the first years production. I don't want to feed into the conspiracy theory that they are leasing these just to crush them 3 years from now, but ....

    The news really isn't much news. Its about the same car at the same price they were talking about in January, but with premium gas and a lower than expected lease rate.

    For another point article -

    Chevy Volt price: Chevy Volt to cost $41,000 before rebate - latimes.com
     
  16. drees

    drees Senior Member

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    No - this tax credit is valid whether or not you are hit with the AMT.

    Tax credits have nothing to do with AMT - except that you are not allowed to deduct certain tax credits if you do have to pay AMT.
     
  17. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

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    The plug-in electric vehicle credit is allowed against AMT. There is no carryover if used personally, so an individual needs enough tax to use the credit against in the year the car is purchased. It is not a refundable credit.

    If used for business, it is part of the general business credit (GBC) and does carry back one year and forward 20 years until used. The GBC can offset AMT is some cases, but at a glance it appears the plug-in credit for business use is not one of those cases.

    One must reduce cost basis by the credit, unless electing out of the credit, so if used for business, you give back a percentage (your marginal tax rate) of the credit over the life of the car.

    If you will not be able to use the credit, you should lease your PHEV or EV.
     
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  18. PriusSport

    PriusSport senior member

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    $41K?

    I suspected they weren't serious about hybrids right now, and I was right. And that's with Obama's people breathing down their backs. That tells you something about Obama's priorities right now as well. .

    The car companies will be pushing ICE cars for the next few years to clear their inventories. Don't buy a new one. It won't be worth much in trade when the new EPA rules become effective in 2015.
     
  19. FL_Prius_Driver

    FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member

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    I'm going to give GM some credit. This is what is replacing the Hummer in essense. What they have done is replace one really death-causing screwup with ten major solvable screwups.

    The big screwup has been ignoring the future car market till they went bankrupt. The major screwups are detailed in other posts. Let's hope they start fixing these fast. This really is a step in the correct direction and I'll provide one positive post.
     
  20. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    No, this time they will let you buy at the end of the lease.