So what exactly will they be testing?
According to Pam Fletcher, Global Voltec and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Powertrain Chief Engineer wrote the following on the GM Fastlane Blog:
"We spend hours opening and closing all hinges, including doors, trunk, glove box and interior consoles. The vehicles are run through car washes. We drive in the city and make frequent stops. Highway routes allow us to test the vehicle at higher speeds for longer periods of time."
Despite the fact that California is one of the first markets for the Volt, it looks like they'll be engineered to withstand a good ol' Canadian winter.