I would like to revisit the idea of the Chevrolet Volt as we have just seen the production version at the New York International Auto Show. From my understanding, the Volt will allow motorists to travel 40 miles without filling up for a tank of gas. So, in reality, if you work 20 miles or less from your job, you will never need to fill up with gas. If you go over the 40 mile limit, a small 4-cylinder engine powers a generator to supply the electric motor with battery power to continue on your merry way. That's all well and good and earth-loving to boot.

Where I seem to get lost is after work. You come home, satisfied that it cost you zero dollars to make it to and from work. Now it comes time to charge the Volt. In theory, the Volt's battery charging system will work off both a 110 and 220-volt system. Many homes in todays society have 220-volts going to them to power swimming pool heaters, hot tubs, clothes driers, etc... So, one must ask the question, will my Volt charger in a fraction of the time if I plug it into a 220-outlet? Or even a more stimulating question I must ask; what is this going to do to my electric bill? Don't get me wrong, I support the Volt. I supported it even more when it was shaped like a hot rod, but it is still a great design with a multitude of possible advantages. I must admit, I do have some questions before I get to buying one.