DC Drivers To Get a Charge from Chevy's Volt

GM chooses D.C. region to be among first three for the new electric Volt

The Washington region will be among the first in line as GM rolls out its new Chevy Volt electric car. Pepco has even put in an order for 10, according to Washington Business Journal.

The Washington area has “progressive local and state government leaders and utility partners who are crucial in bringing electric vehicles to market,” Chevrolet General Manager Jim Campbell told the Journal.  D.C. will join Michigan and California as early Volt markets.

The Volt is expected to go on sale in November, according to the Detroit News, and GM expects to sell about 10,000 Volts in its first year. The Detroit News said Chevy expects to sell 50,000 to 60,000 annually afterward.

Pepco and Virginia Dominion are among a handful of utilities around the country that will purchase more than 100 Volts as part of a test program for electric vehicles, the Journal reported.  

Pepco has opened two electric vehicle charging stations in Washington, the first of 10 the utility said it plans across its coverage area.  Pepco said other stations are planned in Maryland, Delaware and southern New Jersey.

Pepco Chairman and CEO Joseph M. Rigby unveiled the first two stations Monday at the utility's Edison Place garage on Eighth
Street NW, where a Volt was recharged.

Demonstration programs are being funded with $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants, according to the Journal.

Pepco plans to receive their Volts later this year. If you want an early peek, check out the Chevy Volt at the Washington Auto Show at the Washington Convention Center. Doors open Wednesday, and journalists and politicians have been offered test drives of the new Volt.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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