It almost never gets credit for this, but the Chevrolet Volt set the paradigm for every modern plug-in hybrid vehicle. Introduced for the 2011 model year, the Volt offered 40 miles of all-electric driving, enough to cover the daily transportation needs of the vast majority of Americans. On longer drives, a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine would kick in, powering a generator to replenish the battery. You could refuel at any gas station, never worry about battery range, and recharge when you arrive back home—all while charging with a standard wall outlet.
