"Instant acceleration", CNBC swoons over Chevy Volt test run

With billions of dollars in loans from the federal government under its belt, GM is playing a high stakes game and its survival is the ante. The company is struggling to change a widespread perception that its products are outdated and less reliable than foreign vehicles from the likes of Toyota. The Chevy Volt is the pinpoint of that effort, and GM just invited a reporter from CNBC to test drive the latest mule. There’s nothing like some superstar publicity to build customer intrigue, but will it survive cheap oil?

Phil LeBeau from CNBC test drove the Chevy Volt mule and his reaction was very positive with descriptions like “Impressive. Very impressive,” and “acceleration was instant.” He didn’t have overt criticism for the experience, which is a good thing considering how much GM is counting the Chevy Volt to pull its sales figures upward. But with a price tag of $40,000 and gas prices waggling all over, consumer interest is anything but guaranteed. LeBeau sums the Chevy Volt up nicely when he says:

The other thing that stands out about the Volt is how smooth and quiet it is. There is not the whirring sound that I have heard in other electric cars I have driven. It also feels effortless when you are driving it. All around, I can see why executives at GM have growing confidence the Volt will deliver everything that's been promised.

Another challenge GM will encounter is catering to customers who park their cars in locations without electrical outlets. Though, if enough automakers jump onto the electric car bandwagon the grid system is bound to adapt.

GM has chosen an open approach with the Chevy Volt, sharing the details of its development challenges and successes on a regular basis with the online community. That’s built interest and has started rumors that the company may finally be putting some thought into sustainability.

With so many of our tax dollars invested, I certainly hope so.