Chevrolet Volt Pricing Announced - $41,000, $350 Per Month

We know, we know - we've been hearing about the Chevrolet Volt for a long time. General Motors has maxed out every public relations benefit it can get by spreading out every announcement.

It's introduction is nearly upon us though, along with that of the Nissan LEAF, of which Nissan has done an admirable job with as well.

However, while pegged against each other, the two are very different in approach. The difference is represented in pricing.

There has been a lot of speculation about exactly what the final price of the Volt would be - how low would GM go with it? A price tag in the $20K range really was never feasible for the debut of an advanced powertrain system.

$41,000 isn't exactly cheap, but you don't have to be rich to own a Volt. The Tesla Roadster on the other hand? Yes.

And, with the Volt you're getting a loaded vehicle with features like a navigation system with seven-inch screen, Bose audio system and five years of OnStar.

In addition, a $7,500 credit will be given on the customer's taxes. That is if you want to buy though - but the real deal is in the leasing program. It is just $350 a month, with $2,500 due at signing.

That is an extremely attractive deal, and one a lot of people will likely be opting for. Many people will be comparing the Volt and LEAF, like it or not.

$350 versus $349 for the LEAF, for a vehicle that has no range limitations? It will be interesting to see how this plays out. The Volt goes on sale in 6 markets in December of this year.