General Motors doesn’t seem worried in the slightest about the hype surrounding the Tesla Model 3, evident from its most recent comments during a battery backgrounder. But, the greater news seems more conveniently timed.
WardsAuto reports the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is far surpassing initial range estimates of 200 miles. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this. In fact, months ago, when the Model 3 was simply an unofficial click-bait headline, it was reported the 2017 Bolt EV was amazing engineers by running well past 200 miles on a charge.
However, this seems well timed, especially with Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, touting a 215-mile range from the Model 3.
Tim Grewe, general director-electrification, said he’s confident buyers will far exceed the 200-mile range, but we await official numbers from the Bolt EV.
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will launch at the end of this year and be built at the Orion assembly plant.
Comments
I want one!
the General is playing it a bit conservative. They are not overpromising anything…I think when it’s all said and done that the Bolt is going to impress just like the Volt has.
Tesla has a record of over promising and under delivering in many areas. But the media forgives them. GM does not get granted this dispensation.
Word has leaked they have been getting over 240 miles per charge regularly in various weather conditions.
In the end I expect this car will have the same range or better than the 3. It will be cheaper loaded up with options than the 3 by as much as $20,000.
I really think this car is targeted more at the general public and will do well. It may develop a strong following along the way. The truth is it will be more affordable and much better optioned at a lower price than the 3. The Three is like the German cars where they offer a bare bones base car that can be optioned up very fast and easy if you want the things you expect or desire in a car.
I expect that there will be a larger model using a similar drivetrain in the near future as this is easy to apply to other sizes.
GM will be very competitive on price as unlike Tesla they can sell these and not have to worry about making profits or large profits to remain alive. The whole reason Tesla is pre selling is they need the down payment money to help fund to keep the company going. Word is they were down to the last Billion after the X development and 3 development. That is not much to get this car into production.