Originally announced in early 2016, the new 2017 Chevy Bolt EV range is 238 miles according to a new announcement from Chevy.
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That’s enough to drive from New York City to Washington DC or almost enough to make a round trip between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Chevrolet promised to offer the first affordable electric vehicle with 200 miles or more of range and will exceed those expectations when the 2017 Bolt EV goes on sale later this year.
The powertrain driving the Chevrolet Bolt is a high capacity electric motor delivering 200 hp and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. Key among the rivals for the new vehicle is the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 and the upcoming Tesla Model 3.
Bolt EV buyers won’t be able to find a better value for an all-electric, thrill-inducing ride with an expected MSRP below $37,500 and before available federal tax credit of up to $7,500*. “The Bolt EV is a game changer for the electric vehicle segment and it will start to become available at Chevrolet dealerships later this year”. Tesla has already received hundreds of thousands of pre-orders for its auto. With a fast charger at home or at public stations the Bolt EV gets about 25 miles per hour of charging.
To help maximize the Bolt’s range, it’s made from lightweight materials such as aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber.
GM says the Bolt’s range was determined in testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When that mode is selected, lifting a foot off the accelerator pedal immediately initiates regenerative braking, in which electric motors are used to slow the vehicle. Ordinarily, regenerative braking is only initiated by pressing on the brake pedal.
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GM classifies the Bolt as a “crossover SUV”, although the EPA, which does not have a “crossover” classification, calls it a “small wagon”. It’s the first mass-market electric vehicle to cross the 200-mile (322-kilometer) range, a range that will meet or exceed nearly every person’s daily driving needs. Tesla has bragged that its styling and technological prowess have lured more than 300,000 people to put down deposits of $1,000 for the Model 3.
