Note: For more from Alexandra, visit the "Ask Alexandra" tab on the Chevrolet Volt Facebook page.

I am used to folks gawking at the cars I drive, having driven electric cars for two decades, most of them emblazoned with EV signage. I have never been one for subtlety when it comes to plug-in vehicles! The only car for which I didn’t have signage was my EV1 (because it was a lease), but it was so unusual-looking that people knew it was something special, and a driver once rear-ended me while marveling at the car. I still have neck problems from that incident, but I chalk it up as one of the risks of being what my friend Linda calls an EVangelist.

Since the Volt comes naked of any plug-in promotion, it was only natural I would order a couple big stickers for my car. I worked with Sean Carlson at Original Wraps to develop the “Extended Range Electric Vehicle” signage for each side of the vehicle. Yep, I believe in spreading the EV word as loudly as possible.

Last week, my signage did its work as I drove to the pharmacy, sending out the reality of plug-in cars on the road to hundreds of folks trolling Santa Monica, California. Within a five-minute span, I got a thumbs up and a big smile from a distinguished septuagenarian crossing the street in front of me, a nod of approval from the driver next to me and an admiring taxi driver who walked around the Volt saying “Nice car” when I parked.

This interest and support gives me hope that 2011 plug-in sales will be boisterous, and that battery-powered cars will soon be the norm.

One day, I shall be able to take the stickers off my Volt because EVs will be old news. Hallelujah! The only person on the losing end of that is my chiropractor.

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Alexandra Paul is a longtime electric vehicle advocate, actress and former EV1 driver.  She is working with Chevrolet to educate consumers about EVs and the Volt. Full disclosure, Chevrolet is paying her for her time, but her opinions will always be hers.

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