Lloyd and Louise Simmons of Bath became fascinated with alternative energy sources long before it was popular. As a result, Lloyd Simmons began marketing solar energy to businesses many years ago. This interest led to their recent purchase of the first 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car sold by Lee Chevrolet Buick in Washington.

Just now available in eastern North Carolina, the rechargeable-lithium-ion-battery-powered Voltec electric-drive Volt features an eight-year/100,000-mile limited warranty on the battery and Voltec component. When the battery is depleted, a small, quiet onboard gas generator creates electricity that powers the Volt for hundreds of additional miles. Free of the typical noise of the internal-combustion engine, Volt offers a quiet, relaxing ride at any speed.

Volt is the 2011 Car of the Year.