That $41,000 price tag for the Chevy Volt? Could be $61,000

 

$41,000 MSRP for a 4 seater (other cars in that class are priced at $15,000) with a range of 40 miles in electric mode. But don't worry all you wealthy people out there, that price will be reduced with a $7,500 tax credit, which is being called an electric-car subsidy as a handouts for the rich. (via Insty) Then again, since only 10,000 Volts will be produced in 2011, the law of supply and demand (there are more than 10,000 rich people in the US who will want the status symbol), that $41,000 price tag is going up fast. From The Detroit Free Press: Would-be Chevy Volt buyers may pay premium

A few Chevrolet dealers have told prospective Volt buyers they may have to pay significantly more than $41,000 because of limited early supplies, a practice Chevrolet is discouraging but can't prevent.

Edmunds.com's AutoObserver reported that an unnamed California Chevrolet dealer has told customers that "initially our asking price for the Volt is going to be MSRP (the $41,000 manufacturer's suggested retail price) plus $20,000. We are expecting only (to) receive 9 Volts all of next year."

As for the subsidy, even Slate is asking questions (via TMV):

"Where does the federal government get off spending the average person's tax dollars to help better-off-than-average Americans buy expensive new cars?"