Could The Chevy Bolt Be Your First Electric Car?
Mar 2, 2015
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Could The Chevy Bolt Be Your First Electric Car?
We've been hearing rumors ever since it was first shown at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show that Chevrolet was serious about putting its new electric Bolt hatchback into production, and now it's official.
Chevrolet has confirmed that production of its next-generation pure electric vehicle, based on the Bolt EV concept, will be built at General Motors' Orion Assembly facility near Detroit.
Why should you care? Click on the image above for all the details on why Chevy's new EV could be the game-changer you've been waiting for. -
- Image Credit: Chevrolet
Chevy Bolt EV Live Reveal
GM North America President Alan Batey confirmed that the Bolt EV would go into production on the first press preview day of the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.
"The message from consumers about the Bolt EV concept was clear and unequivocal: Build it," said Batey. "We are moving quickly because of its potential to completely shake up the status quo for electric vehicles." -
- Image Credit: Chevrolet
The Technology Behind The Chevy Bolt EV
Here's what Chevy has to say about the technology that makes its new Bolt EV possible:
"Leveraging the industry-leading battery technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept was developed as a game-changing, long-range pure electric for all 50 states, designed to offer more than a GM-estimated 200 miles of range at a target price of around $30,000.
The progressively styled concept vehicle features selectable driving modes for preferred driving styles, such as daily commuting, and it was designed to support DC fast charging." -
- Image Credit: Chevrolet
Can Chevy Really Build A Practical And Affordable EV?
"This is us bragging that we can do this kind of car."
That's how Michael Simcoe, GM's executive director for NA exteriors, described the Chevy Bolt EV concept when it was initially revealed.
Questions have remained since its surprise debut, however, about how feasible the car could be in production form. "We would like to deliver a vehicle that's noticably not different than this, and we can," Simcoe said."
"This is a concept, but it's a statement that we know how to deliver a vehicle like this and will deliver 200 miles and it will be 30-ish thousand dollars after incentives." -
- Image Credit: Chevrolet
Importance For The State Of Michigan
"We're proud that Chevrolet has decided to produce the Bolt EV here in Michigan at the Orion Assembly facility," Gov. Rick Snyder said.
"Michigan unquestionably remains the global automotive leader. Chevrolet is tapping a skilled workforce that includes some of the most talented and hard-working people in the world for this cutting-edge vehicle. Chevrolet is an important part of our state's automotive history, and Michigan-made products like the Bolt EV point to a bright future as well."
Chevrolet further pointed out the eco-friendly features of GM's chosen plant.
"Located approximately 30 miles north of Detroit, Orion Assembly is powered by gas from two nearby landfills, which saves more than 6,300 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere annually. It is also home to a 350-kilowatt solar array that produces the energy equivalent to power 165 homes and sends enough energy back to the grid to power about 45 homes."
