Chevrolet unveils Bolt EV Concept; 200+ electric miles for ~$30,000
12 January 2015
At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Chevrolet introduced the Bolt EV concept crossover—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 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. The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept is also designed to support DC fast charging.
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The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity. Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.
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. The Bolt EV concept demonstrates General Motors’ commitment to electrification and the capabilities of our advanced EV technology.
—General Motors CEO Mary Barra
The Bolt EV concept has practically no front or rear overhang; it thus 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.
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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. 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.
Fantastic accomplishment, GM. I will buy this car.
200 mile range, check.
Fast charging, check.
$30k, check.
The roomy interior, new driving modes, smartphone fob, auto-park, and especially ride sharing? Two thumbs enthusiastically up.
It looks great too!
Posted by: electric-car-insider.com | 12 January 2015 at 08:21 AM
This is interesting. Still out of my price range but FINALLY.
Now the hard questions. Will it get 200 miles in sub zero winter? Will it get 200 miles going 75 mph?
Other than that bravo!
Maybe I can buy it in 5 years when people resell it.
Posted by: D | 12 January 2015 at 09:22 AM
"designed for attainability, not exclusivity"
There we have it, an EV for everyone not just the few.
This is a really good looking concept, I hope it makes it to production and they sell a lot of them.
Posted by: SJC | 12 January 2015 at 10:57 AM
Fifteen years ago GM was refusing EV1 sales and payments, using most of the EV1 budget to destroy EV laws, and crushing advanced electric vehicle and battery technology.
Now, the new V/Bolt spec out as winners - and with fewer parts for recall.
How will they screw this up?
Posted by: kelly | 12 January 2015 at 11:29 AM
OK, It is bigger than a volt (good) but not available till 2017 (bad).
$30-$35K after federal rebates.
Very short overhangs, so lots of space, but don't crash it.
200 mile range (@D, am sure this would be at 60mph, not 75).
Still, sounds great, well done GM.
Posted by: mahonj | 12 January 2015 at 12:03 PM
Looks a lot like an e-Fit.
May be one of the first mid-extended range small affordable EV?
Many others will follow.
Posted by: HarveyD | 12 January 2015 at 12:03 PM
I am hoping the transparent roof makes it into production.
Traditionally that has been the preserve of the top of the range, but since weight is important on a BEV it seems possible that GM reckon that they can use one of the plastic alternatives to glass economically, and take our the excess weight.
If so it will do a great deal to make future cars not just BEVS light and airy inside.
Posted by: Davemart | 12 January 2015 at 12:11 PM
This could work as our regional daily driver--looks very promising. I eagerly anticipate seeing the specs; how many solar panels do I need to add...
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 12 January 2015 at 02:56 PM
@mahonj - crumple space is not necessarily composed outside of the wheels. Most likely, since it is pure BEV, the entire front end is one large crumple zone (like the Model S frunk). Also, this is apparently using a skateboard chassis, which would include crumple zones underneath the passenger compartment.
Posted by: David Freeman | 12 January 2015 at 10:08 PM
@D - most likely their estimates of EPA range. Look at Volt today and adjust accordingly, since it is likely that GM will use a similar packaging strategy to avoid the battery issues of the Leaf. So probably figure ~120m in the winter with the heater going in comfort mode. If you're traveling more than that in the winter, I'm sure it will have quick-charging (since the Spark did). If that still doesn't work for you, get a Volt.
Posted by: David Freeman | 12 January 2015 at 10:11 PM
I have seen printed elsewhere that the price will be $37,500, the 30K price includes federal tax incentives. If this is true then it is about what Tesla projects their cost for the 3 will be. If Tesla can get quantities up and GM limits production, I think the advantage goes to Tesla. GM also has the burden of dealerships which are historically right wing and thus anti-EV and add cost and no value.
Posted by: Brotherkenny4 | 13 January 2015 at 08:37 AM
Bk,
Tesla is beginning to realize the importance of dealerships. As they produce more, they understand that they can not fix 100,000 units in people's garages.
Posted by: SJC | 13 January 2015 at 09:35 AM
@David Freeman "So probably figure ~120m in the winter"
This is actually the first car I am excited about. Its a practical daily commuter even for Chicago. I am too poor to afford it but its the first BEV that makes sense.
All we need here to be practical is 100mile range. We don't have charging stations or any kind of charging infrastructure. The volt's electric range is limited, the mpg is OK but you would have to do the math to see if its worth it.
Does anyone think its because Tesla is moving forward that GM is upping the BEV game?
Posted by: D | 14 January 2015 at 07:33 AM
It was stated in the press that GM wants to be in EVs. It is not so much Tesla nor Nissan, it is a corporate goal. One person from GM was quoted as saying they had the EV1 but did not continue, now they get another chance.
Posted by: SJC | 14 January 2015 at 09:34 AM