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When the Chevrolet Volt was unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2007, one of the things General Motors claimed it had a 600 mile range by the use of a battery pack, and a 12-gallon fuel tank. The batteries alone would take the Volt 40 miles until a gasoline engine and generator would kick in.

Recently however, it's been revealed that GM decided to reduce the fuel tank size, resulting in a range of a less spectacular 360 miles without the aid of an external power source. While the distance has dropped more than 200 miles, the smaller fuel tank would in turn reduce weight, helping the car's efficiency and mileage, and even reducing cost.

GM claims that because most drivers don't travel more than 40 miles a day, a large fuel tank and a 600 mile range just isn't necessary.

"Most cars today have a range of more than 300 miles and less than 400 miles before refueling," stated Jim Hossack, vice president of the automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific. "GM didn't need a longer range because most bladders can't go 600 miles."

The question now is: will it still be competitive? The Volt's ticket into the market was its range and cost, but with this serious drop in its traveling distance, will it still stand tall when it hits dealers?

+ Kicking Tires: GM Shrinks Volt's Gas Tank