Can a car be a gadget? I say yes — if that car has to be plugged in, like most other gadgets. That’s the case with the new Chevy Volt, which the car maker says can manage an astounding 230 miles per gallon — mileage figures never seen before, never even dreamed about by most of us.

Chevy says the Volt can run about 40 miles on a single charge of its massive batteries. Once the batteries get really low, a gas engine takes over.

To tell the truth, it’s hard to not be skeptical of such incredible claims. And, as it turns out, lots of folks are skeptical, and saying Chevy’s claims wilt under analysis. Still, there’s no doubt that the Volt will get amazing mileage, even if not 230 MPG. And General Motors’ first ever hybrid looks like it will be making a splash in the market.

The Volt is expected to go on sale in 2011, with orders being taken the latter half of next year. If you want one, you’ll have to wait; but not for long.