Meet the 2011 Chevy Volt, General Motors answer to hybrid cars like Toyota's Prius.
ABC News's Bret Hovell test drives the electric Chevy Volt.
You won't get the chance to buy it until the end of the year, but ABCNews.com was invited to preview the Volt on a closed course outside RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
If you haven't driven an electric or hybrid car before, the first thing you notice after stepping on the gas-peddle is how quiet it is. An electric engine powered by a 400 pound lithium-ion battery allows the car to whisper along while barely making a sound.
You also notice how quick the Volt is. Because of the way electric motors are designed, power and torque are available from the starting line.
The car plugs into your standard household outlet, and will take about eight hours to fully charge, according to General Motors spokesperson Dave Darovitz. If your commute takes you further than the battery's 40 mile range, an onboard gas engine/generator kicks in, allowing you to travel between 300-400 miles before refueling.
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