General Motors set a $41,000 price tag for its long-awaited electric Chevrolet Volt, putting the car at the high-end of the auto market. Here's more.

Americans can now put in their order for the long-awaited Chevy Volt.

General Motors says orders for its electric car are now being taken by select Chevrolet dealers in only 6 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia.

GM's suggested price tag: $41,000, but that drops down to $33,500 with a government tax credit.

That's $8,000 more than its nearest competitor -the Nissan Leaf and puts the Chevy Volt at the high-end of the car market.

GM, however, says the price is right given what the Volt can do.

Tony DiSalle is the marketing director for the Chevy Volt.

[Tony Disalle, Marketing Director, Chevy Volt]:
"Because of the unique engineering of this vehicle - battery power up to 40 miles and then gas powered generator post that given you an additional 400 miles of range - it gives a lot of people the ability to participate and drive gas and emissions free to the extent that it fits their lifestyle but not have to worry about being tethered to a fix(ed) range."

Analysts didn't seem to balk at the price at first glance.

The first deliveries are planned for the end of the year - and the second phase of the rollout is planned for the middle of next year.