In the lead up to its 2012 launch down under, the Chevrolet Volt (soon to be the Holden Volt) has been awarded the title of Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year.

The noteworthy accolade has been warmly welcomed by the automaker, with Energy and Environment Director, Richard Marshall publicly asserting that the award reiterates the preconceived impact the Volt is expected to have in the Aussie market.

“We committed in 2008 to bring Volt to Australia, recognising then, that this vehicle represented game-changing technology for the auto industry,” Marshall said.

“When it arrives locally, Volt will make driving more economical, better for the environment and will change the way we think about alternative transport solutions.”

The editors from the US automotive publication have also spoken of their decision, claiming that the Volt is “the most sophisticated, most important vehicle on the road today”. Moreover, another journalistic source, Motor Trend spoke of the Volt as being a “fully functional, no-compromise compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits in terms of lower running costs.”

The Volt has been received exceptionally well by many in the auto industry, particularly on account of its unprecedentedly innovative propulsion scheme. The system allows an extended range not offered by other EVs – around 550 kilometres (give or take depending on driving behaviour, peripherals, conditions, etc).

Though some have criticized it as not being the “true EV” it was originally promoted as, the Volt is still undeniably very ‘green’. The eco-savvy unit drives solely on electric power via a 16kW lithium-ion battery for the first 40 to 80 kilometres before a petrol engine kicks in to extend to range. According to market researchers, compared to equally sized petrol models on the market, the Volt could potentially save its user up to 1892 litres of fuel per year (approximately over $2000 – $3000), not to mention its environmental benefits. Eco and wallet conscious – pretty impressive.

Despite what you might assume, charging isn’t a hassle either. You can charge the EV via a standard power outlet and it won’t suck the life out of you and your electric bill either – it uses less power annually than your fridge. Thus, the Volt could easily be charged overnight in the garage.

According to Holden, the Volt constitutes a fundamental fraction of its Ecoline range.

“Holden is committed to developing sustainable and cost-saving transport solutions,” Marshall says.

“These two internationally significant awards further highlight the benefits of Volt and we’re excited to be working on the up-coming Australian launch of this important vehicle.”