The sister model to the Vauxhall Ampera, the Volt goes on sale from spring 2012 and will cost from £28,545 OTR after the Government-backed £5,000 electric vehicle grant – £450 less than the mechanically identical Vauxhall Ampera.

The model uses an electric motor to drive the wheels, giving an electric-only range of between 30 and 50 miles depending on terrain and traffic conditions. Once the charge has depleted, a 1.4-litre, 82bhp petrol engine kicks in to run a generator, which in turn powers the electric motor. This means that drivers need not suffer from "range anxiety" unlike with other EVs.

Chevrolet UK managing director, Mark Terry, said: 'The Volt is a truly incredible car – the first ever compromise-free electric car with zero-emissions capability. You can use it for going to work and back during the week without ever putting fuel in, but it’s also an electric car that you can use for a family holiday. There are never any concerns that a flat battery will leave you stranded.'

The car is already on sale in the US and was crowned North American Car of the Year.

Chevrolet has also announced that its American muscle car, the Camaro, is to go on sale in the UK in early 2012.

Available in left-hand-drive only, the Camaro will be available from £34,995 OTR for the coupe and £39,995 for the convertible.  Both come with a 6.2-litre V8 engine with 426bhp and suspension fine-tuned for European roads.

Spec includes 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo performance brakes, full leather upholstery with a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a Boston Acoustics nine-speaker audio system, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors.