mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The 2017 Bolt EV is a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from General Motors’ Chevrolet brand. Officially positioned as a crossover by Chevrolet, the five-door subcompact hatchback  will offer over 200 miles of range on a full charge while also featuring advanced connectivity technologies designed to enhance and personalize the driving experience.

“It was less than a year ago that we revealed the Bolt EV concept and promised to deliver a long-range electric vehicle attainable by the masses,” GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said. “The Bolt EV is capable of using the latest mobile app technology to enable car sharing, advanced GPS routing and gamification, all designed to enhance the ownership experience now and into the future.”

In introducing the 2017 Bolt EV, Chevrolet has delivered on its promise to bring an electric vehicle “to the masses”.

The 2017 Bolt EV exterior features the latest Chevrolet design cues.

The front end features a dual-port grille, HID projector beam headlights with LED accent lighting, and a large, swept-back windshield.

The grille on the 2017 Bolt EV is available in two different colors – Dark Silver and Black.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Exterior 049 roof rack

  • Dark Silver (TUR) is available on the LT and Premier trim levels and is included and only available with the following two exterior colors:
    • (GB8) Mosaic Black Metallic
    • (GGQ) Orange Burst Metallic
  • Black (TUS) is available on the LT and Premier trim level and is included and only available with the following exterior colors:
    • LT trim level:
      • (G7Q) Nightfall Gray Metallic
      • (GAZ) Summit White
      • (GD1) Kinetic Blue Metallic
      • (GGB) Arctic Blue Metallic
      • (GPJ) Cajun Red Tintcoat
    • Premier trim level:
      • (GAN) Silver Ice Metallic
      • (GAZ) Summit White
      • (GD1) Kinetic Blue Metallic
      • (GGB) Arctic Blue Metallic
      • (GPJ) Cajun Red Tintcoat

The grilles feature the Chevrolet bow tie logo. But compared to a traditional vehicle grille, both grilles are mostly “closed off” – since the Bolt has different powertrain cooling requirements over a regular vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Closing off the grilles is part of the Bolt EV’s aerodynamic properties.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Exterior 047 roof rack and kayak

On the side, the Bolt EV features an inscription just aft of the headlight. Below it on the driver’s side resides the charge port door. Bucking the modern trend of attaching the wing mirror to the door, the Bolt’s wing mirrors are instead attached at the belt line via a thin stem.

Thanks to a belt line that starts low in the front and sweeps up towards the rear, as well as a roofline that inverts the movements of the belt line, the driver and front passenger are treated to expansive glass area with a large front vanity window. The DLO, or Day Light Opening space, is trimmed in bright chrome. The roofline and belt line merge together as they approach the C pillar, which features a piano black finish.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Exterior 046 roof rack and kayak

The roof features roof rails running the length of the roof, capable of accommodating roof racks to carry bikes, skis/snowboards, surf boards and cargo boxes. A shark fin-style antenna is positioned at the center of the rear-most point of the roof.

Two 17-inch (43.2 cm) wheel choices are available: a painted aluminum set standard on the Bolt EV LT, and an ultra-bright machined aluminum set with painted pockets on the Bolt EV Premier. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Selfseal all-season, run-flat tires sized P215/50R17.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Exterior 038

The door pull handles are positioned at different heights, with the front units being lower than those in the rear. The doors feature several character lines. The lowest portion of the doors features a bright accent that starts at the front and spans roughly half of the rear door.

At the rear, the 2017 Bolt EV features a tailgate-mounted rear spoiler that assists in aerodynamic qualities. The spoiler runs horizontally, but also features a two piano black vertical elements that appear to be part of the C-pillar, but are part of the spoiler instead. Two red LED taillamps flank a centrally-positioned Chevrolet bow tie logo. The taillamps are connected to light reflectors placed on the side of the vehicle, aft of the taillamps. The lower facia contains two red light reflectors and two clear reverse lamps. The vehicle features a large, top-hinged tailgate/hatch.

Black plastic cladding spans the lower portion of the vehicle, starting at the lower end of the front bumper cover, around the wheel wells, along the side, and into the rear bumper cover.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Exterior 048 roof rack and kayak

The 2017 Bolt EV interior showcases some of Chevrolet’s latest technologies in a mainstream, affordable package.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Interior 01

The cabin is defined by great outward visibility from the front and the sides. A big and expansive windshield, big front vanity windows and large side glass for the driver and front passenger create an air of spaciousness. The big side glass is enabled by a belt line that swoops down in the front and then rises gradually toward the rear.

The dashboard is mostly flat at the top and features a V-shape, with the infotainment screen forming the bottom portion of the “V”.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Interior 011 Reconfigurable Instrument Cluster

A large 10.2-inch touchscreen is the largest in any Chevy and serves as the interface for the MyLink infotainment system. The instrument cluster, aka Driver Information Center, is all-digital and features an 8-inch diagonal enhanced multi-color configurable graphic display with three themes and energy-use monitors.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Interior 05

Overhead, the driver and front passengers have visors with sliding vanity mirrors. In the center, the overhead console features OnStar controls as well as LED front reading lights. The dome lights are also LED, while the cargo area lamp is incandescent. A standard glovebox is located on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The space beneath the large infotainment is open, providing a useful storage space for occupants. Above it are two cupholders, followed by a shifter.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Interior 04

Shifting is performed using the new GM Electronic Precision Shift (EPS) shifter. The parking brake is electric push-button in the center console. Two cutouts behind the shifter are designed for storing smartphones. A sliding armrest enables optimal driver and front passenger comfort.

 

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Interior 009 center console

Two interior seat trim materials are available: deluxe cloth is standard on LT models while perforated leather is standard on the Premier trim. Carpet floor mats for the front and rear are standard.

Standard or available interior features include:

  • Available Rear Camera Mirror, which works via a rear-facing camera that provides a wide-angle view of the environment behind the vehicle
  • Available heated driver and front passenger seats and heated steering wheel
  • Available Bose premium 7-speaker system
  • Standard Wireless Charging for compatible smartphones
  • Two standard USB charging-only ports for rear passengers
  • 10 standard airbags, including:
    • Dual-stage frontal, driver and right-front passenger
    • Thorax side-impact seat-mounted for side-front outboard seating positions
    • Thorax side-impact seat-mounted, side-rear outboard seating positions
    • Head curtain side-impact, front and rear outboard seating positions
    • Knee for driver and front passenger
  • Standard keyless open and push-button start

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Interior 03

The rear seats feature pockets on the front seatbacks as well as an armrest with two cupholders. The rear seat is 60/40 split folding, but does not fold flat. On Premier models, the outboard rear seats are heated.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Open Trunk Space

The cargo area includes storage for the Bolt EV’s charging cord. Double floor rear storage is standard on Premier and available on LT. A cargo cover is standard.

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is available in eight exterior colors and three interior color combinations:

Exterior colors:

  • Nightfall Gray Metallic
  • Silver Ice Metallic
  • Summit White
  • Mosaic Black Metallic
  • Kinetic Blue Metallic
  • Arctic Blue Metallic
  • Orange Burst Metallic
  • Cajun Red Tintcoat

Interior colors:

  • Dark Galvanized with Sky Cool Gray accents
  • Dark Galvanized Gray
  • Light Ash Gray seats with Ceramic White accents

The Bolt EV benefits directly from the suggestions and ideas of Volt owners and features technologies that make owning a long-range electric vehicle easy.

The Bolt EV’s connectivity innovations will provide smart, personalized solutions for managing the driving experience. For example, in the future an accurate driving range projection will be based on the time of day, typography, weather and the owner’s driving habits.

Bluetooth low-energy – designed specifically for the Bolt EV to minimize energy draw – seamlessly connects a smart phone to the car while the owner approaches the vehicle.

Many of the Bolt EV’s driver-focused technologies are supported by OnStar 4G LTE, which turns the Bolt EV into a Wi-Fi hotspot, giving owners easier access to apps and services via a high-speed wireless connection.

Other connectivity and infotainment features include:

  • 10.2’’ MyLink color touch-screen display
    • Customizable, widget-based “flip-board style” operation
  • Rear Camera Mirror
    • Rear-facing camera provides a wide-angle view of the environment behind the vehicle
  • Surround Vision
    • Provides a bird’s-eye view of what’s around the Bolt EV for improved safety during low-speed driving and when parking.
  • All-New MyChevrolet Mobile App combines important owner and vehicle information and functions, such as:
    • Vehicle charge status
    • OnStar Map service
    • Remote start
    • Cabin pre-conditioning
    • Owner’s manual information
    • Dealer service scheduling
  • EV Navigation Mapping
    • EV-specific navigation capability that designs routes to maximize range and provide locations of nearby charging station locations if needed.
  • Gamification
    • In the future, Bolt EV owners will be able to “compete” by comparing driving styles to determine who is driving most efficiently.
[/tab]
[nggallery id=797]

When the Chevrolet Bolt Concept was initially announced, industry observers pointed out to the obvious similarity between the Chevrolet Bolt and Chevrolet Volt names (the Volt is an extended-range electric vehicle from Chevrolet that has been in production since 2010). Onlookers pointed out the possible confusion between the two names.

However, General Motors has stood its ground on the Bolt nameplate, officially confirming that the production vehicle will carry the Bolt moniker. GM’s trademark filings with the USPTO for the Bolt EV and Chevrolet Bolt EV names confirm this to be the case.

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV does more than set a new benchmark for affordable, long-range EV driving. It also raises the bar when it comes to driving performance.

Engineers developed the Bolt EV’s propulsion system to offer more than an estimated 200 miles (based on GM estimates) and a delightful driving experience that’s more akin to a compact sports sedan than a small utilitarian crossover.

“Being the leader in range and affordability means nothing if the car isn’t going to excite you each time you get behind the wheel,” said Josh Tavel, Chevrolet Bolt EV chief engineer. “That’s why the team was tasked with delivering a propulsion system that would also make the Bolt EV an electric vehicle that owners would love to drive.”

Single Motor Drive Unit

Like most EVs on the road, the Bolt EV’s drive system uses a single high capacity electric motor to propel the car. But it’s the smooth, powerful and quiet motor design, gear configuration and shift-by-wire system that separates it from the pack.

The engineering team designed the Bolt EV’s electric motor with an offset gear and shaft configuration tailored to meet efficiency and performance targets – most notably more than an estimated 200 miles of range. The motor is capable of producing up to 266 lb.-ft. (360 Nm) of torque and 200 hp (150 kW) of motoring power. Combined with a 7.05:1 final drive ratio, it helps propel the Bolt EV from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds.

Power delivery is controlled by Chevrolet’s first Electronic Precision Shift system. This shift and park-by-wire system sends electronic signals to the Bolt EV’s drive unit to manage precise feel and delivery of power and torque, based on drive mode selection and accelerator inputs. A by-wire shifter requires less packaging space than a traditional mechanical shifter, resulting in more interior space and improved interior layout.

60 kWh Battery System

Having more than 1.3 billion miles of EV experience from the Chevrolet Volt helped Bolt EV battery engineers and strategic partner LG Electronics to develop an all-new cell and battery pack to offer more than an estimated 200 miles of range.

Battery system preliminary specifications include:

  • 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
  • 288 lithium ion cells
    • Five sections
    • 10 modules
    • 96 cell groups – three cells per group
  • 960 pounds (435 kg) total weight

“You usually have a battery cell that delivers either the desired levels of energy or power, but not traditionally both. With this cell design and chemistry we were able to deliver a battery system with 160 kilowatts of peak power and 60 kilowatts hours of energy,” said Gregory Smith, Bolt EV battery pack engineering group manager.

The battery uses active thermal conditioning, similar to the Chevrolet Volt, to keep the battery operating at its optimum temperature, which results in solid battery life performance. The Bolt EV battery will be covered by an 8-year/ 100,000 mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty.

Inside the battery pack – which spans the entire floor, from the front foot well to back of the rear seat – is a new cell design and chemistry. The nickel-rich lithium-ion chemistry provides improved thermal operating performance over other chemistries, which requires a smaller active cooling system for more efficient packaging. The chemistry allows the Bolt EV to maintain peak performance in varying climates and driver demands.

The cells are arranged in a “landscape” format and each measures in at only 3.9 ins. (100 mms) high and 13.1 ins. (338 mms) wide providing improved packaging underfloor. The lower profile cell design enabled the vehicle structure team to maximize interior space.

The battery system is mated to a standard equipment 7.2 kW onboard charger for regular overnight charging from a 240-V wall box. A typical commute of 50 miles can be recharged in less than two hours. Bolt EV also features an optional DC Fast Charging system using the industry standard SAE Combo connector. Using DC Fast Charging, the Bolt EV battery can be charged up to 90 miles of range in 30 minutes. Outside temperatures may affect charging times.

Regen System Provides One-Pedal Driving

Regenerative braking has become more than just a tool to boost range, it’s also transformed into a feature that can provide an improved EV driving experience. The Bolt EV features a new regenerative braking system that has the ability to provide one pedal driving.

“Interviews with EV enthusiasts indicated their desire for one pedal driving capability on the Bolt EV. One pedal operation boosts the thrill and uniqueness of EV driving,” Tavel said.

Through a combination of increased regenerative deceleration and software controls, one pedal driving enables the vehicle to slow down and come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal in certain driving conditions.

When operating the Bolt EV in “Low” mode, or by holding the Regen on Demand paddle located on the back of the steering wheel, the driver can bring the vehicle to a complete stop under most circumstances by simply lifting their foot off the accelerator, although the system does not relieve the need to use the brake pedal altogether.

Operating the Bolt EV in “Drive” mode and not pulling the paddle while decelerating delivers a driving experience where usage of the brake pedal is required to stop.

 

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is believed to be based on GM’s upcoming G2XX platform shared with the next-gen Sonic/Aveo.

The architecture brings about lightweight construction with advanced materials, delivering a lower curb weight that traditional materials.

On February 12th, 2015, General Motors confirmed that the Bolt EV will be produced at its Orion Assembly Plant in Orion Township, Michigan, USA. It will go into production by the end of 2016.

When

The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV went into production at the end of 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle. U.S. deliveries began in December 2016 in select states and Canadian deliveries began in January 2017.

Where

The Chevy Bolt was initially rolled at two select markets in the United States – California and Oregon. In August 2017, the vehicle became available nationwide, which is a full month ahead of schedule.

A variant of the Chevrolet Bolt EV for GM’s European Opel brand possible variant for the European-market Opel brand. However, the Bolt EV will not be available in right-hand drive configurations, meaning that markets such as the United Kingdom (served by GM’s Vauxhall brand) nor Australia or New Zealand (served by GM’s Holden brand) will receive a variant of the vehicle.

General Motors has not officially priced the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, but it has announced that it will carry a price of roughly $30,000, after federal rebates and incentives.

The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV was unveiled on January 6th, 2016 at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Overview

Model: Chevrolet Bolt EV
Platform: GM BEV2 platform (a derivative of G2SC platform)
Body style / driveline: front-wheel-drive, five-passenger, five-door all-electric CUV
Construction: Steel and Aluminum
EPA vehicle class: Small Wagon (EPA does not have a cross-over category)
Key competitors: Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Ford Focus Electric, Kia Soul EV, VW eGolf, Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric
Manufacturing location: GM Lake Orion Assembly in Orion Township Michigan USA"
Battery manufacturing location: Incheon, South Korea
Motor and drive unit manufacturing location: Incheon, South Korea

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery System

Type: rechargeable energy storage system comprising multiple linked modules
Volume/case: 285L
Mass (lb / kg): 960 / 435
Battery chemistry: lithium-ion
Thermal system: liquid active thermal control
Cells: 288
Energy: 60 kWh
Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Electric driving range: EPA-estimated 238 miles (255 city / 217 highway)

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric Drive

Type: Single motor and gearset
Motor: permanent magnetic drive motor
Power: 200 hp/150 kW
Torque: (lb-ft / Nm): 266 lb.ft./360 Nm
Final drive ratio (:1): 7.05:1

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Charging Times

120 V: 4 miles / 6.4 km of range per hour (available with standard cord)
240 V: 50 miles of range in less than 2 hours, full charge in 9.3 hours
SAE Combo DC Fast Charge: up to 90 miles in 30 minutes

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Performance

Top speed (mph / kph): 91 / 145
0-30 mph: 2.9s (75% SoC) *
0-60 mph: Under 7 seconds

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Chassis & Suspension

Front: Independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with side load compensating and finely tuned springs, direct-acting solid stabilizer bar system and ride & handling oriented LCA bushings.
Rear: Compound crank (torsion beam) type rear suspension with the closed section V-shaped profile axle; specifically tuned coil springs, performance balanced shock absorber,  angled A-bushing supporting understeer tendency on cornering maneuver and kinematically optimized torsion beam providing stable and best ride & handling performance.
Chassis control: Four-channel ABS; Traction control system; StabiliTrak; Drag control
Steering type: column-mounted electric power steering
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.91 revolutions
Steering ratio: 16.8 :1

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Brakes

Type: power four-wheel disc with ABS; electro-hydraulic; partially regenerative; dynamic rear brake proportioning
Brake rotor diameter front  (mm / in): 276 / 11
Brake rotor diameter rear (mm / in): 264 / 10
Total swept area (front) (cu cm): 1398.9
Total swept area (rear) (cu cm): 1131.4

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Wheels & Tires

Wheel material: cast aluminum
Tires: Michelin Energy Saver A/S 215/50R17 all-season

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm): 102.4 / 2600
Overall length (in / mm): 164.0 / 4166
Overall width (in / mm): 69.5 / 1765
Track width front (in / mm): 59 / 1501
Track width rear (in / mm): 59.1 / 1501
Height (in / mm): 62.8 / 1594
Front overhang (in / mm): 32.9 / 836
Rear overhang (in / mm): 28.7 / 730

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Interior Dimensions

Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 3
Headroom (first row) (in. / mm): 39.7 / 1009
Headroom (second row) (in. / mm): 37.9 / 962
Shoulder room (first row) (in / mm): 54.6 / 1387
Shoulder room (second row) (in / mm): 52.8 / 1340
Hip room (first row) (in / mm): 51.6 / 1310
Hip room (second row) (in / mm): 50.8 / 290
Legroom (first row) (in / mm): 41.6 / 1056
Legroom (second row) (in / mm): 36.5 / 927

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Capacities

Curb weight (lb / kg); 3580 / 1624
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 94.4 / 2673
Passenger volume (first row) (cu ft / L): 52.2 / 1478
Passenger volume (second row) (cu ft / L): 42.2 / 1195
Max cargo volume (cu ft / L): 56.6 / 1603
Cargo volume behind rear seat: 16.9 / 478
Heating cooling (qt / L): Heating loop 1.8L
Battery pack cooling (qt / L): 6.9L (RESS cooling loop total coolant volume)
Power electronics cooling (qt / L): 3.9L (PE & DU cooling loop total coolant volume)
Drive unit fluid (qt / L): 2.9L

The 2017 Bolt was first shown as the Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Follow this link for Chevrolet Bolt news.

Discuss the Chevrolet Bolt EV in our Chevy forum.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Pages

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.