GM to produce 10,000 Chevrolet Volts by end of 2011, 30,000 units in 2012

July 1, 2010July 1, 2010 Omar Rana 2011, Chevrolet Volt, Compact Cars, electric-cars, electric-vehicles, plug-in hybrids

We told you earlier this morning that General Motors is adding the New York region and Austin, Texas as the latest markets to join the Chevrolet Volt launch in November. The official press release states that New Jersey and Connecticut will also be a part of the launch.

“Today”s announcement brings the initial Volt retail markets to seven, including California, Michigan, and Washington, D.C.,” GM said in a statement. “The retail launch in Texas and New York will begin with Austin and New York City in late 2010. The balance of Texas and New York, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut, are scheduled to begin receiving Volts in early 2011.”

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

“We can add markets as diverse as Texas and New York because the Chevrolet Volt can handle both urban commuting and longer trips, in Austin summers and Manhattan winters,” Whitacre said. “The Volt can be your primary vehicle, giving you the freedom to drive gas-free without the stress of planning every trip around the battery”s charge level.”

Chevrolet Volt Marketing Director Tony DiSalle said that GM plans to produce 10,000 Volts by the end of the 2011 calendar year, and an additional 30,000 Volts during the 2012 calendar year. He said that additional markets will be added as production volume increases during the second model year, with Volt available in all 50 states 12 to 18 months after the initial launch.

Click here to read our first drive impressions of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, “T”-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. According to GM”s preliminary specs, the system puts out 150-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes less than 3 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 8 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries a 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 300 miles.