GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra unveiled the production 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, which will go into production by the end of 2016, will offer more than 200 miles of range on a full charge at a price below $30,000 after Federal tax credits.
As Chevrolet’s first ground-up, long-range electric vehicle, the 2017 Bolt EV offered designers unprecedented freedom, resulting in a vehicle that crosses boundaries and challenges expectations in the electric vehicle segment.
The Bolt EV’s styling centers on its unique proportion, which is driven by a flat battery pack mounted beneath the interior floor. A 102.4-inch wheelbase and wide track give it a solid stance and the look of a small crossover. A short front overhang indicates that driving power comes from next-generation technology.
The large windows, plunging beltline and steeply raked windshield contribute to the progressive profile and emphasize the interior’s spaciousness and bright airy feel.
The large greenhouse offers a panoramic view from upright, SUV-like seating positions. The rear-window glass extends all the way to the license plate and integrates with LED taillamps on the liftgate. By integrating the taillamps into the full-width liftgate, the Bolt EV’s architecture enables a wide opening that makes it easier to slide boxes and other items in and out of the vehicle.
Functional, spacious interior
Due to the packaging of the battery pack, the Bolt EV interior offers seating for five passengers and 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.
A “floating” instrument panel, for example, features a 10.2-inch-diagonal capacitive-touch control screen which creates a horizontal feel to the interior. Maximizing knee room and cross-vehicle spaciousness.
Additionally, a multipurpose, connected center console features side-by-side cupholders, a wireless charging location and a sliding armrest covering a storage compartment large enough to store a tablet device.
In the rear, the Bolt EV’s 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space is more than offered in the Honda Fit (16.6 cubic feet) and the BMW i3 (15.1 cubic feet).
Connectivity Simplifies Ownership Experience
The Bolt EV benefits directly from the suggestions and ideas of Volt owners and features technologies that make owning a long-range electric vehicle easy.
The Bolt EV’s connectivity innovations will provide smart, personalized solutions for managing the driving experience. For example, in the future an accurate driving range projection will be based on the time of day, typography, weather and the owner’s driving habits.
Bluetooth low-energy – designed specifically for the Bolt EV to minimize energy draw – seamlessly connects a smart phone to the car while the owner approaches the vehicle.
Many of the Bolt EV’s driver-focused technologies are supported by OnStar 4G LTE, which turns the Bolt EV into a Wi-Fi hotspot, giving owners easier access to apps and services via a high-speed wireless connection.
Other connectivity and infotainment features include:
– 10.2’’ MyLink color touch-screen display: Customizable, widget-based “flip-board style” operation
– Rear Camera Mirror: Rear-facing camera provides a wide-angle view of the environment behind the vehicle.
– Surround Vision: Provides a bird’s-eye view of what’s around the Bolt EV for improved safety during low-speed driving and when parking.
– All-New MyChevrolet Mobile App: Combines important owner and vehicle information and functions, such as: vehicle charge status, OnStar Map service, remote start, cabin pre-conditioning, owner’s manual information, dealer service scheduling
– EV Navigation Mapping: EV-specific navigation capability that designs routes to maximize range and provide locations of nearby charging station locations if needed.
– Gamification: In the future, Bolt EV owners will be able to “compete” by comparing driving styles to determine who is driving most efficiently.
The Bolt EV will be built at GM’s Orion (Mich.) Assembly facility, near Detroit.
