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2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Prototype Receives Early First Impressions

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will make its way to customers by the end of this year, but Car and Driver received early drive time with a pre-production unit before the General Motors Orion Assembly fires up and begins building the company’s second purely electric vehicle.

And the words echo what we’ve heard thus far: it’s a quick, surprisingly docile EV with plenty of storage to boot. Throughout the first impressions, positive remarks are chalked up to the battery power and its driving dynamics. The Bolt EV is going to be a quick little thing. And the 3,600-pound curb weight is carried well through the Michelin Energy Saver tires.

And the 3,600-pound curb weight is carried well through the Michelin Energy Saver tires. C&D also found the electric-assisted steering to be quick, and nicely weighted. Kudos were in order for Josh Tavel and his engineering team.

But, it’s not very little on the inside. Early feedback (obviously) swayed the design to move to a crossover utility vehicle of sorts, so there’s plenty of space inside for passengers, even though it wreaks havoc on the car’s aerodynamics.

There are plenty of question yet to be answered, though, including official mileage, and how a certain Tesla competitor will stack up. Answers will unfold as we draw closer to the Bolt EV’s production date.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. One sentence in twice “And the 3,600-pound curb weight is carried well through the Michelin Energy Saver tires.” I would also change though to by.
    Otherwise a nice bit! Looking forward to the bolt.

    Reply
  2. Let’s not be so pleased about the choice of tires. Those came on my (non GM) car. They are totally scary in the rain and howl like banshees once half worn. Didn’t wait to get rid of them. I’ll gladly sacrifice some mileage to stay on the road.

    Reply

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