So how do I see Volt and Voltec evolving in the next several years? Voltec technology will proliferate to a variety of GM vehicles, including larger cars and crossovers, but those new vehicles are several years down the road.

As for the Volt itself, it will likely get a face-lift with aerodynamic improvements and a technology upgrade in three years (for 2014) and a complete makeover by 2017 or so. It also will benefit from incremental improvements year to year, focused mostly on reducing the cost and weight to improve efficiency. That will cause small annual improvements in EV range and gasoline fuel economy and meaningful reductions in the sticker price. I’m not as bullish as Bereisa on the speed of improvements in battery cost and energy density, but I can foresee a significant battery cost reduction by that 2014 face-lift and another price dip by that 2017 redo.

Now that the Volt is a proven concept, GM will fine-tune it into a great car. Expect a slightly smaller but much lighter, more fuel-efficient and more affordable Volt that runs 35 to 60 miles on battery power, achieves mid-40s mpg on gas and sells in the low- to mid-$30,000 range.