2017 Chevrolet Bolt the Jolt Electric Cars Need
A full-electric car with over 200 miles of range from a mainstream manufacturer at a price normal people can afford? The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is all of those things, and even without having driven it we can already say for certain it’s going to be a game changer. Here’s what we know about Chevrolet’s new EV announced at the 2016 CES in Las Vegas.
200+ Miles of Range
Unlike EVs from other manufacturers, like Ford’s Focus Electric, the Bolt EV will have usable range. Whereas a vehicle like the Focus goes 100 miles on a charge, the Bolt will go over 200. Using advanced battery technology, and years of experience from making the Volt, the Bolt’s technology is proven, as is the range.
It’ll Be Connected Like Never Before
EVs often have loads of different technologies on board to appeal to the geek who buys them. While the Bolt is surely designed to be mainstream, the technology connoisseur will be right at home with the Bolt.
The MyLink color touch screen is a large 10.2″ in the Bolt. The car will have a rear camera mirror to show the driver everything that’s behind the vehicle, and an around-view system provides a birds-eye view from above when doing maneuvers.
The car also includes Bluetooth LE that’ll connect to your phone as you approach, and Bluetooth LE is extremely low power and energy efficient.
Finally, there’s a new MyLink Mobile app that allows you to locate your car, pre-condition the cabin (when it’s plugged in), plus remote start and remote lock and unlock.
Yes, It Gamifies Driving
Like other electric and hybrid vehicles, the 2017 Bolt turns driving into a game to save the most energy and maximize range. It’s hard to not get caught up in it, even when you’re a gearhead at heart and like to drive fast. You’ll even be able to compete against other Bolt drivers.
It’ll Cost Around $30,000
After tax incentives from the federal government, the EV Chevrolet Bolt will cost around $30,000. That’s not that much higher than the average transaction price of new cars these days, and positions the car well within the attainable category for a large number of people.
The Bolt accomplishes a few different goals for the industry. By beating the Tesla Model 3 to market, GM gets a foothold in what will be an extremely competitive sector of the industry.
It also proves that a car company that actually makes money can produce an electric vehicle. While it’s unclear if Chevrolet is making money on the Bolt when it goes on sale, the company as a whole is in a much better state than Tesla is when it comes to finances.
I haven’t driven the Bolt yet, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity. An affordable electric vehicle with actual usable range would be something I’d consider buying myself. I’m sure many of you are in the same boat.
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via [Chevrolet]
