Chevrolet isn’t being coy about the 2017 Bolt EV. They want everyone to know loud and clear that the pure electric vehicle will be world class, and refined.
Now that the market is warming up to the idea of electric vehicles, and engineering costs slump from their original heights, the 2017 Bolt EV shouldn’t have an issue finding fans. That’s why Chevrolet has green-car fanatics boarding the hype train with a new video highlighting the car’s testing process.
We recently had our first look at a production Chevrolet Bolt EV in a set of spy shots, as the car made a few paces around the Milford proving grounds. This video takes place at the same location, and we get an even greater look of the exterior here. The interior is carefully absent from camera time, however.
The quirky hatchback shape is still present, and it’s easy to see production-spec head and taillights on the camouflaged prototype vehicle. The team is seen performing range tests, hill climbs, braking exercise and more, as General Motors aims to do battle with Tesla’s affordable-incoming Model 3.
We don’t know when Chevrolet will be ready to showcase a production version of its next chapter into electrification, but work is well underway.
At a time of year when luxury car ATP usually rises.
Sales decreased 5.6 percent to 16,670 units during the first ten months of 2024.
Specifically critical minerals supply chain development.
Scheduled for a Spring 2025 launch.
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This could be a possible replacement for my Prius c. I wish it was more like the i3 and Volt where it had a tiny yet efficient back up engine "generator".
That's what EV's like the Bolt are aiming at; nailing down a workable range without the need for a backup generator.
That 200 mile range will be a big deal for the majority of drivers as many can easily last M-F on full charge. After that, a 300 or 500 mile range in a future model is just even more icing on the cake.
Personally, I think EV range is an easy problem to beat. Fast recharging will be a big hurtle. It might never get down to gas-station fast (unless the batteries were switched), but if an 80% charge could be had in about 30 minutes, I'd likely make my next car an EV.
Its not the range thats a problem, its recharge time. I like the idea of a small petrol engine to act as a charging generator, its your own portable charger essentially and if you're green, its no 'worse' for the environment then most sources of electricity.
Even if its a little sub 1000 twin I think that's plenty to ease range and recharge angst.
Watch the video and the plug-in moment. You will see the SAE J1772 Fast DC charger, the plug, and the port on the Bolt. The bottom two pins (with an orange cover) is the DC input. It is as easy as a USB charge plug-in.
Fast charging is needed for those who have no AC outlets or EVSE installed in their homes, or need to travel outside their regular range. But for most urban drivers, a Level 2 EVSE overnight charge will be enough. Just think of the Bolt as a huge appliance and mobile device but with wheels!
In time, people will forget about gas stations and search for full service stations with Fast DC chargers and rest rooms.