Chevrolet announced that the Volt electric vehicle with extended-range capability will be available late next year in California. The announcement was made at the L.A. International Auto Show.

California is the nation’s largest new-car market and Chevrolet is out to get a larger share there. In addition, Chevrolet has partnered with three California utilities and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to take part in extended, real-world demonstration and research program to introduce customers to electric vehicles, advance vehicle electrification and establish vehicle charging programs to pave the way for consumers. Continued after the jump!

Leading the program is General Motors, which got a grant of more than $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Brent Dewar, GM vice president, Global Chevrolet Brand, said that it is “natural” that California is the lead market for Volt. Aside from the state being the largest automotive market, California residents are recognized to lead the movement in adopting groundbreaking new technologies.

What has been confirmed so far is that Volt production begins in late 2010. However, pricing has yet to be revealed. The initial Volt launch markets, including California, are said to play a vital role in validating the retail market readiness for electric vehicles. GM is currently working with key utilities across North America to get all regional markets ready in advance of the retail market deployment.

Tags: 2011 chevrolet volt, 2011 volt, car news, chevy, chevy volt

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