It replaces a model which, since production began in 2010, has proved a popular part of the Chevrolet model range in its home market, as well as forming the basis of the near-identical but slower-selling Opel/Vauxhall Ampera sold in Europe and Cadillac ELR in North America.

Although a replacement for the Ampera, set to feature cheaper pricing, was confirmed by Opel chief executive Karl-Thomas Neumann in July, it is unclear whether this will continue to be based on the Volt. The car is unlikely to come to Europe wearing Chevrolet badges, as the brand will be discontinued next year.

Preparations for production are already underway, with $449m (£267m) invested in GM’s electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in Michigan in April, of which $384m (£228m) was spent to upgrade tooling, equipment at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant, where the Volt, Ampera and ELR are built, with the remainder used to fund upgrades at the Brownstown battery factory.

Announcing the unveil date, global Chevrolet chief marketing officer Tim Mahoney said: ‘Volt is the perfect example of the ingenuity that drives everything we do at Chevrolet. Volt fully delivers on the promises of Find New Roads and will continue to provide consumers with the transportation solutions they need and deserve in the future.’