New for 2017

The Bolt EV is an all-new model.

An Electric Car Milestone

The first mass-market, all-electric car from Chevy combines a range of over 200 miles with a base price that’s close to the median transaction price of a new car in the U.S.—something that’s never been offered before. As such, the Bolt EV is the perfect choice for buyers put off by electric cars because of either “range anxiety” or high prices.

Performance

Building on the success of the Volt plug-in hybrid and limited-volume Spark EV, the Bolt EV is Chevrolet’s first attempt at a mass-market, all-electric car. It applies the brand's previous experience with electrified powertrains to a clean-sheet design, making for not only a strong contender, but a potential game-changer. The Bolt EV is the first affordable electric car with a range of more than 200 miles, opening up the category to more potential buyers.

Thanks to a 60-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, the Bolt EV boasts an EPA-rated range of 238 miles.* No other car in its price range can match that; in fact the only cars that can are Tesla models costing nearly twice as much. The Bolt EV also has an efficiency rating of 119 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined.*

The Bolt EV’s single electric drive motor sends 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. It propels the Bolt EV from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds, according to Chevy. When it’s time to slow down, the regenerative braking system allows for “one pedal driving” that doesn’t require use of the friction brakes to adjust speed in most situations. The Regen On Demand paddle behind the steering wheel allows the driver to adjust the level of regeneration.

The standard 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger allows for a full recharge from a 240-volt Level 2 AC source in nine hours. The Bolt EV is also available with DC fast charging, using an SAE Combo connector. This system can add up to 90 miles of range in just 30 minutes of charging.

Features

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a five-door, five-seat compact hatchback. Chevy offers two trims, priced starting from $37,495.** An available $7,500 federal tax credit drops the base price to just about $30,000. Buyers may qualify for state and local electric-car incentives as well.

The Bolt EV LT base model comes standard with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, SiriusXM® satellite radio, OnStar® 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, six-speaker audio system, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, tilt and telescopic steering column, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, 8.0-inch driver information center, and four cup holders.

The Bolt EV Premier model incorporates all of the applicable standard features from the LT, and adds exterior mirror-mounted turn-signal indicators, roof rails, interior ambient lighting, Rear Camera Mirror with auto dimming, rear center armrest, heated seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and other items.

In addition to the standard equipment, optional features include DC fast-charging capability, wireless phone charging, a Bose® premium seven-speaker audio system, and Intellibeam headlights.

Design

When it comes to design, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV offers an interesting package. It’s a front-wheel drive, five-door hatchback, but it offers the tall roof and raised driving position of an SUV. Large windows contribute to a feeling of spaciousness, while wheels pushed out to the corners of the body give the Bolt EV a sportier appearance. The design truly defies categorization.

Thanks to a flat battery pack mounted under the floor, the Bolt EV also offers a more spacious interior than a comparably sized internal-combustion car. It makes room for 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which Chevy says is more than both the Honda Fit and BMW i3. The interior is heavy on tech with a 10.2-inch central touchscreen and 8.0-inch driver information display. A “floating" dashboard design helps smoothly integrate these items with the rest of the interior.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Chevy’s Teen Driver system, which allows parents to monitor their children’s driving. Optional features include lane keep assist, lane departure warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Forward Pedestrian Alert, and low-speed forward automatic braking.

Verdict

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV truly is a game-changing electric car.

To learn more about it or to schedule a test drive of this electrifying hatchback, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

*EPA estimates. Your actual range may vary based on several factors including temperature, terrain, and driving technique.  Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.

Image: Chevrolet