2017 Chevrolet Bolt: Cracking The Vehicle Electrification Code

The thought of owning an electric vehicle has been uncharted territory for many consumers because of concerns around functionality, range limitations and pricing. Several automakers have attempted to deliver a mainstream electric vehicle (EV) in recent years but all have fallen flat, leaving EVs to struggle in an otherwise robust car market. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this month  General Motors (GM) unveiled the all-new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, an electric vehicle that looks to deliver on the development team’s mission: engineer the first EV to crack the mainstream consumer code.

By focusing on the areas that hindered every previous EV, including a functional range, competitive pricing, engaging performance and seamless connectivity, the Bolt eliminates the trepidation associated with battery-powered transportation. Manufactured in Orion Township, Michigan, GM estimates the Bolt's range at more than 200 miles, powered by a 60 kWh rechargeable energy storage system offering multiple charging options. In addition to the standard 120-volt system the Bolt's options include a 240 V unit, which provides an average of 25 miles of range per hour, and the SAE Combo DC Fast Charge that generates 90 miles of range in 30 minutes.

With national gas prices hovering around $2-a-gallon a range over 200 miles helps the cause, but competitive pricing remains a big factor. Priced as low as $30,000 (assuming receipt of the full $7,500 federal tax credit) brings the Bolt in well under the average new car transaction price, which Kelley Blue Book tracked at $34,535 last month. “Being the leader in range and affordability means nothing if the car isn’t going to excite you each time you get behind the wheel,” said Josh Tavel, Chevrolet Bolt EV chief engineer. I had the opportunity to drive the Bolt on a closed course at CES, and was impressed by the responsiveness, capability and functionality built into the small crossover.

A single, high capacity electric motor is capable of producing up to 266 lb.-ft. of torque and 200 HP, yielding a 0-60 mph time of less than seven seconds and a top speed of 91 mph. GM’s five-passenger crossover has a spacious interior and touts 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (much more when the rear seats are folded down, though GM has yet to confirm an exact number).

The Bolt can receive software updates and features a high-quality, reconfigurable 10.2 inch center display touch screen. An 8-inch driver information display supplies additional data, such as battery levels, range estimation and guidance to the nearest charging station. The Bolt also has 4G LTE Wi-Fi and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for improved mobile phone integration. An exact on-sale date has not been confirmed, but the all-new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt will go on sale later this year.