At the CES in Las Vegas, Chevrolet introduced the electric car Chevrolet Bolt EV. Start of production is planned for end of 2016.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV: GM’s first electric car for the masses

As they say at Chevrolet, they will try to satisfy the need of broader audience and that is affordable electric car with a large range. Bolt EV with full batteries will be able to drive more than 200 miles or 320 kilometers without charging. It’s wheelbase measures only 2600 mm but because of compact set of batteries and in spite of quite compact external dimensions new Chevrolet Bolt EV will be able to offer enough comfortable space for five passengers and 381 liters of luggage.

Volt owners largely participated with advices through the developing of Bolt EV. They included many technologies that will ease the use of electric cars. Connectivity solutions for example will ensure personalization, such as driving environment, but will also allow the projection of the remaining range based on the current time, road conditions, weather conditions and driver behavior.

Low energy Bluetooth, which will help to reduce the consumption of electricity, will unnoticeably connect the drivers phone with the car at the moment when driver will  approach. Interface OnStar 4G LTE will support many technologies with a focus on the driver. It will turn the car into a ‘WiFi hotspot’ and allow passengers to connect on the Internet.

Let’s list a few technologies that will be available in Bolt:

• My Link 10.2-inch color touch screen
• Rear View Camera
• Surround Vision 360-degree view of the surroundings of the car
• Navigation system adjusted to search the nearest charging stations
• Drivers will be able to compete among themselves who has the most efficient driving style

Chevrolet Bolt EV target price

Since the price is not official yet, we can lean on GM’s estimates that the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will cost around 30,000 USD after federal tax incentives. With that price and it’s announced range of 200 miles in mind, Bolt has all necessary for one of the most attractive purchases among electric cars of this class and size.

Chevrolet Bolt EV competitors

Taking into account the dimensions of the car and it’s purpose, Chevrolet Bolt EV probable rivals are or will be:

• BMW i3 (video comparison below)
• Fiat 500e
• Kia Soul EV
• Nissan Leaf (video comparison below)
• Renault Zoe (video comparison below)
• Tesla Model 3
• VW e-Golf (video comparison below)
• Opel Ampera
• Toyota Prius
• Hyundai Ioniq (video comparison below)
• Citroen C-Zero

Hyundai IONIQ Electric vs. Chevrolet BOLT

A battle between two eagerly awaited 2017 EV’s. Powered by the same source, but quite different in appearance and performance. For basically the same price you can choose between larger, more spacious Ioniq, or you can go for much more powerful SUV-like Bolt. The decisive factor here could be the total range, which in extremely in favor of Chevy.

Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Renault Zoe EV

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vs. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt

Pure technical comparison between Bolt vs. e-Golf is clearly on Chevy Bolt side. Much more powerful engine, faster acceleration and above all, more than double total range. Nevertheless e-Golf should not just be just written off. It is an excellent and versatile electric car. Test drive and personal preference may prevail. VW e-Golf is, however, much cheaper. And in 2017 will get a more powerful motor and higher capacity battery.

Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. BMW i3

These two are probably the closest rivals. Similar body shape and similar purpose. Both with very powerful motors and excellent performance. Total range and price are probably the decisive factor here, beside brand awareness of course. Chevy Bolt is in front on both categories, with longer range and lower price.

Nissan Leaf vs. Chevrolet Bolt

Image credit: Chevrolet