General Motors is keen to move the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV from concept, to production as soon as possible. Unlike some automakers, GM will keep to its set dates and begin production of the 2017 Bolt EV later this year. Until now, we knew it would be before the year’s end, but a document from the automaker, obtained by Hybrid Cars, shows an October suggested production date for the EV.
GM has since taken down the suggested production date for the 2017 Bolt EV, pegged the vehicle to begin assembly some time in October. Granted, it was only a suggested date, but it does follow GM’s timeframe. Earlier this year, the Orion assembly performed pre-production procedures for the Bolt EV, and all went smoothly.
Chevrolet spokesperson, Fred Ligouri, commented on the matter, stating, “We’re excited to bring the Bolt EV, the world’s first affordable, long-range electric vehicle, to market. Our plan remains to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2016. We look forward to providing our customers the highest quality and best-in-segment performing electric vehicle.”
With a production date looming, Ligouri also provided a response for when dealers will begin taking orders.
“We’re leveraging the strength of our dealer network and the relationships they have cultivated with their local customer base to manage the anticipated high demand for Bolt EV,” he said.
The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV will arrive with a price tag of $37,500 before any federal tax credits, and has continued to surpass original estimates of a 200-mile electric range.
Comment
General Motors and Chevrolet engineers need to be creative by using the Bolt chassis as the potential starting point for a generation of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; GM and Chevrolet needs to remember that while we live in a CUV society, we’re also a society that loves sexy things and Chevy needs to consider introducing something like their FNR concept car from the 2015 Shanghai auto show.