The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt was first shown in concept form a year ago. The production version Chevrolet chose to reveal at CES in Las Vegas, given it its healthy helpings of modern technology inside and out, connectivity features, and of the fact that it’s electric.
The Bolt is sized approximately the same as the Kia Soul EV, as well as the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen Golf-e. It’s taller than some due to its unique design and construction which comes by way of an all-new electric car platform architecture.
It’s design is close to the concept, though clearly productionized with the Chevrolet corporate face we’ve seen on the new Volt, Cruze and Malibu. At the rear it has a full width lift gate with integrated tail lights, that make for a wider cargo opening.
It has a large “flat pack” battery under the floor, which is perfectly flat. This allowed Chevrolet to design a spacious interior that’s easy to get in and out of and has a lot of storage space. This is especially true of the cargo area which boasts 16.9 cubic feet.
The Chevrolet Bolt will be loaded with the latest connectivity and infotainment gear, a catalog of which is way to long to list here. A few notable features include a large 10.2-inch infotainment display and that cool new rear camera mirror from Cadillac.
And the cabin will have modern feel with larger than average windows, lighter color themes and contemporary materials throughout. Because of its tall profile it will offer a crossover SUV feel in its seating position as well.
Shown roving around a small test course in prototype form here at CES in Las Vegas, the Chevrolet Bolt will have two major things setting it apart from its competitors when it hits the market late this year.
First, it will have over 200 miles of range. Right now the low cost compact electric car segment averages 80-90 miles of range. With over 200 miles, the Chevrolet Bolt will have a much wider appeal in the mainstream.
Second, its pricing will be under $30,000 after the $7,500 federal tax credit, which means MSRP will be in the neighborhood of $37,500. That puts its pricing up above the Kia Soul EV, Nissan Leaf, and Volkswagen Golf-e. But well below that of the BMW i3.
This means that if performance and handling come in at least competitively with the rest, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt will be huge winner.
