Earlier, we reported on word that a production version of the Chevrolet Bolt will commence in late 2016. Those same unknown supplier sources are churning the rumormill once again, this time saying the Chevrolet Bolt will be built alongside an Opel variant at the same “underused small-car plant,” which could be none other than Orion Twp plant, currently building the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano.
The initial report from Reuters suggested an October 2016 production date, with 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles being produced at full capacity. Apparently, the production Bolt, or whatever GM decides the production name may be, will be assembled alongside a companion model for Opel. This would fill the product gap left from the Opel Ampera, which will not be making the voyage across the Atlantic for a second generation, a lá the 2016 Chevrolet Volt.
It’s quite possible this Opel/Vauxhall variant will be based upon the recently revealed Karl aka Viva, which the German subsidiary of GM says is forthcoming. Initially, reports of the Opel Karl EV noted a 2018 on sale date, with a range of around 93 miles. The production Bolt’s technology could be used in an Opel Karl EV to create a small affordable EV city-car. A production Bolt promises an all-electric driving range of 200 miles. So it could be that either the range of the Karl EV has been misreported, or that the Karl EV is a more affordable model that will slot below the production Bolt. Or that the Karl EV and Bolt are different programs entirely. Time will tell.
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