Immediately, when General Motors and Chevrolet revealed the Bolt concept at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the automotive media coined the “did you say ‘Bolt’ or ‘Volt'” joke. It’s warranted, as it’s still difficult in some situations to pick up on which name is being said due to similar sounds.
Darin Gesse, Chevrolet Bolt EV Product Manager, spoke with The Detroit News to discuss the naming process behind the Bolt EV, among other topics including Tesla, the Bolt’s features and more. Specifically, though, he delves into the research behind the Bolt EV name.
After the Bolt concept’s debut, GM told public it would not carry the name over to the production vehicle, but Gesse said after speaking with dealers, it became clear the Bolt EV was the best name. He explains if a customer walks into a dealership, salespeople can instantly clear up confusion by asking, “Did you mean Bolt EV with 200 plus miles or range, or Volt with 53 miles electric range and a combined range of…” You get the idea.
When asked about other possible names, Gesse wouldn’t go into detail because it sounds like additional product may be using runner-up names the Bolt EV almost took for itself. He did divulge the Bolt’s secret codename during development was BEV2, for “Battery Electric Vehicle 2.” We’re glad it didn’t keep the BEV name.
Comments
I think the Bolt name is good, even though there is also the Volt in the Chevy line-up….but I can see the problem, and that is mainly with the consumers. Many consumers basically are simpletons and easily mix up names and information.
Buick needs an Electra again.. perfect name for an EV with great history (yes I know they trademarked Velectra recently)
I said the same thing a few weeks ago. It really fits in these days.
If people don’t confuse C-Class with E-Class which look similar. I’m sure they can differentiate Bolt vs Volt! which look nothing alike!
If GM wants to push EV’s what better name than JOULE, just saying.
Ha I like it!
Bolt vs. Volt creates needless confusion in the minds of potential buyers. Where’s the benefit? Chevy is already doing a poor job of marketing the Volt, so it makes no sense to create another marketing hurdle with this brand/name confusion. And Gesse’s assertion that dealers will be able to easily explain the difference is ludicrous, beacause as many Volt customers have found out – and has been reported by the press – the typical Chevy salesperson does not know how to sell the Volt and many are hostile towards EVs in general.
“And Gesse’s assertion that dealers will be able to easily explain the difference is ludicrous, because as many Volt customers have found out – and has been reported by the press – the typical Chevy salesperson does not know how to sell the Volt and many are hostile towards EVs in general.”
Lloyd I totally hear you. Chevrolet dealership’s salesmen are some of the most ill-informed there are and it is sad. Most have no idea about the cars coming out (such as most of the new generations for 2016), most of the features and surely most don’t give a damn about selling the Volt or providing info about it.
GM really needs to start addressing their dealerships-especially Chevrolet. No doubt about it- it costs them sales.
I have countless stories I can give you about talking to the salesmen at their dealerships. and only a few times I ran into one that knew what he was talking about.
CHEVY DEALERSHIPS- Tesla’s main advantage to GM!!
LOL
Agreed! I wonder if the Dealers would really want to promote the Bolt. Dealerships seem to make a lot of money on maintenance. About the only maintenance a Bolt needs is washer fluid. If I’m a dealer, and I sell a Bolt, I may never see the customer after they drive off the lot. However, if I sell an internal combustion engine, I know they’ll be back. Again and again. Ch-ching!