The Chevy Volt EV is due for rollout in late 2010 to be welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of hybrid car shoppers, due to its touted 230 mpg fuel efficiency. Unlike any other alternative fuel vehicle, the configuration of the Volt's power plant only uses its gas engine to recharge its lithium-ion battery, never to directly propel the vehicle.

Using the current EPA fuel efficiency methods, the Volt did not have to run its gas engine for 85 percent of tests. According to reports on CNN and Motor Trend, the EPA then capriciously and unscientifically ruled that the Volt had to repeat the test while running its internal-combustion engine full-time; which the Volt is not designed to do under standard driving conditions.

The EPA needs to design new fuel efficiency tests to fairly test all types of hybrid gas-electric vehicles soon to hit the market. GM is banking on the Volt's fuel efficiency rating to put it ahead of the pack. The price of a Chevy Volt will start at about $40,000, and with a $7,500 tax credit the price will start around $32,000. The Volt can receive a full charge in about 90 minutes. With that, GM predicts the cost of operating your Chevy Volt will be around 2 cents per mile.