U.S.-based auto giant General Motors Corporation recently unveiled the first drivable example of its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

The vehicle, which is GM's play for the rapidly maturing enviromentaly-friendly vehicle market, is being used as part of its VIP transportation fleet at the Expo.

China is one of the initial markets outside the United States slated to receive the Volt and the extended-range vehicle will go on sale locally next year.

The Volt can be driven for 60 kilometers tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery.

When the charge in the Volt's battery runs low, a gasoline-powered range-extending generator is seamlessly operated to extend the cars driving range by another 450 kilometers on a full tank.

The Volt will be available in China with GM's OnStar in-vehicle safety, security, and communication service.