Chevrolet Volt available to order from dealers nationwide today

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt can be ordered through Chevrolet dealers in all 50 states beginning today.

The Volt's MSRP will start at $39,995, and can be as cheap as $32,496 if the customer is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

That puts the 2012 Volt over $1,000 cheaper than the 2011 Volt, thanks to a new total of seven option and trim levels designed to broaden its appeal as it goes on sale nationwide. The Volt was previously only available in seven states and in Washington, D.C.

A Chevrolet Volt with navigation, reverse camera, leather interior, and premium wheels will cost $46,265, or $38,765 with the tax credit.

The Chevrolet Volt has been making headlines since it was in the conceptual stages, as it is a plug-in hybrid advertised to be able to go up to 35 miles purely on electric power alone, at which point an on-board gasoline engine generator would start up and recharge the batteries, offering a total range of 379 miles.

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt adds standard smart-key features, including automatic door locking and unlocking based on the key's proximity to the vehicle, three years of OnStar service, Bluetooth compatibility with streaming audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, and two new colors.

Chevrolet Volt marketing director Cristi Landy said "We are giving consumers greater choice of content as the Volt becomes available nationwide by the end of the year."

The Volt will continue to offer an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the lithium-ion battery pack, as well as a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the gasoline engine and roadside assistance.

Distribution nationwide of the Chevrolet Volt will be in phases, so availability will be initially be limited. Chevrolet is projecting 45,000 Volts to be built during the 2012 calendar year.