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As predicted, Chevy announced a Tesla Model 3 competitor called the Bolt EV concept today.
I can’t say I agree with the color choice but I like the specs. Specifically “over 200 miles on a charge for a $30,000 price tag” makes it a game changer and puts it in line with the Tesla Model 3. It also doesn’t look like it will be crippled in the interior space category like the Volt.
As for aesthetics, it looks like a Spark EV super-sized.
The announcement video courtesy of GCR:
Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept Signals Brand’s EV Strategy
Affordable, long-range concept builds on brand’s electrification leadership
DETROIT – Chevrolet today made a significant statement on its commitment to electrification with the introduction of the Bolt EV concept – a vision for an affordable, long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting around $30,000.
“The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. “Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.”
Leveraging the electrification prowess established by Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept is designed to offer long-range performance in all 50 states and many global markets.
Drivers will be able to select operating modes designed around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and spirited weekend cruising, for uncompromising electric driving. The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept is also designed to support DC fast charging.
“We have made tremendous strides in technologies that make it easier and more affordable for Chevrolet customers to integrate an all-electric vehicle in their daily lives,” said Barra. “The Bolt EV concept demonstrates General Motors’ commitment to electrification and the capabilities of our advanced EV technology.”
The Bolt EV concept also pushes the envelope for crossover aesthetics. Its unique proportion, with practically no front or rear overhang, makes the most of interior space and was designed to create a roomy environment for four that feels expansive. Lightweight materials, including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and even woven mesh, complement the design, while driving down the curb weight to help maximize range. Aero-optimizing features such as vented rear fenders also help contribute to range.
“Form and function have never meshed so well together,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design. “No compromises were made when it came to aesthetics and the elements that contribute to the Bolt EV concept’s range, resulting in a unique proportion that’s sleek, efficient and obviously a Chevrolet.”
The Bolt EV concept’s airy interior ambience is enhanced with bold use of glass all around – as well as a full-length, frosted glass roof with unique, faceted design elements. A high beltline sweeps upward with the D-pillar, culminating in an integrated roof spoiler, for a lean, athletic stance. An advanced nano-composite rear hatch and wraparound rear window give the Bolt EV concept a distinctive appearance and flood the interior with more natural light.
High-intensity, efficient light-emitting diode (LED) headlamp and taillamp elements are housed behind jewel-like faceted lenses in which translucent elements illuminate evenly to create the signature lighting effect.
Airy, intuitive interior
Inside, the Bolt EV concept has a large feel reinforced by generous headroom and legroom dimensions. A flat, flow-through floor adds to the roominess, while a contemporary, light color scheme adds to the feeling of an open, airy cabin and conveys warmth.
The cabin’s airy, high-tech environment is reinforced with lightweight, slim-architecture seats mounted on exposed aluminum pedestals that create a floating effect. The minimalist center console “floats,” too, suspended from the front seats.
“The Bolt EV concept’s interior is intended as a sanctuary, with materials and technologies that reinforce the airy ambience and help contribute to the vehicle’s overall efficiency,” said Welburn. “It also incorporates technology in a subtler and simpler manner, for a more soothing driving experience – particularly in busy, urban environments.”
Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior layout incorporates easy-to-use technology designed to make the driving experience easier and more enjoyable. It wraps into the door panels and features a frosted and translucent appearance – and a subtle glow at night.
The concept’s technological intuitiveness can be accessed via a smartphone with the concept Bolt EV Connect app, which is designed to:
- Allow a smartphone to perform as the key fob
- Allow ride-sharing management, including reservations, vehicle location, digital key and even payment processing via the smartphone
- Incorporate the concept automatic park-and-retrieval technology, which enables the driver to exit the vehicle and tell the Bolt EV concept to park itself – and when errands are completed, the Bolt EV concept can be summoned to return to the owner’s location.
A large, color 10-inch-diagonal capacitive-touch screen, with interface features, complements the concept Bolt EV Connect app. It even allows the projection of all the application and other smartphone data onto the screen.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
Chevy also added some new Volt Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fACLj3EXDsY
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Reblogged this on Driver Benji and commented:
Keep in mind, this is a concept car, it’s not a prototype of a production model, it is only a concept car…so, they can say anything since all their words are attached to the concept car. There is no promise of timing. And, while Tesla is building a battery factory and Nissan already sells many more pure EVs than GM has (Spark EV is only pure EV GM has, and it’s a limited production compliance car.), Nissan has been selling the Leaf for 4 years and will be ready to 2X their battery in a new Leaf…Tesla and Nissan will surely beat them, for GM to use “leadership” in their marketing is just b.s.
The $30K price is surely AFTER tax incentives and will surely be more like $40K or more price tag in reality, IF they can pull this off. It’s also possible, knowing how marketing speak works, that, the car may start at a certain price, but, be a lower range model (smaller battery pack), while the 200 mile range model might actually cost more. They are speaking of the car LINE, not the individual models. For instance: a Toyota Camry might have a base price of $22K, but, to get it loaded with everything you see at the car show, it will be more like $35K.
So, GM is using smoke and mirrors to get attention…putting up a concept car before Tesla is very showy, but, Tesla is actually selling pure EVs as fast as they can make them, and the Model 3 (and a new Nissan Leaf) will surely be out before GM can get this “Bolt” in production.
This is just a show car, they can change everything (hopefully including the name). But, if they actually do this, let’s hope they do it right this time.