DETROIT – Chevrolet dealers in all 50 states have begun taking orders for the model-year 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car.

The suggested retail price for the Volt will start at $39,995 (or $32,495 assuming a full federal tax credit of $7,500, which is subject to the customer’s eligibility). The price includes an $850 destination freight charge but excludes tax, title and license fees. The starting price of the 2012 model is more than $1,000 below the 2011 base model, General Motors said.

The lower base price is possible in part because of a wider range of options and configurations that come with the expansion of Volt production for sale nationally. The 2011 model was available in just seven states and the District of Columbia.

For 2012, consumers will be able to choose from a total of seven option packages compared with only three for the 2011 model. A loaded Volt, with leather appointments, backup camera, navigation system and premium paint and wheels is priced at $46,265 including delivery ($38,765 net of full tax credit).

“We are giving consumers greater choice of content as the Volt becomes available nationwide by the end of this year,” said Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director. “This gives us the opportunity to be more flexible in our pricing and still provide additional high-tech content to customers who want to purchase it.”

The Volt will be available in two additional interior accents (white and spiced red) and two new exterior colors (Summit White and Blue Topaz Metallic).

New features for 2012 include:

•  Standard keyless access with passive locking; the car automatically locks and unlocks with the key fob in close proximity of vehicle

•  OnStar Turn by Turn navigation standard for three years, and available in-dash navigation system

• Chevrolet MyLink including Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones (late availability)

• Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback and 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen display  

• Available 17-inch sport alloy wheels with black inserts (late availability).

The Volt offers a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates.  For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity.  When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full change. Chevrolet expects to build up to 45,000 Volts for retail and fleet customers in the United States during calendar year 2012.