Chevrolet Charges Forward with Bolt EV Production Car

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

You could say Chevrolet recognized the 'current' stage of development for automobiles last year when they unveiled the Bolt EV concept. The electric car concept itself is far from being an imaginative design study but Chevrolet attached a strong sense of purpose behind the small vehicle first shown publicly at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. The last time such focus and devotion accompanied a radical vehicle proposal from Chevrolet, a 2007 plug-in hybrid concept car was sculpted into the production Volt sedan. Coming to life in a city set ablaze by the illumination of electric signs, the example of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV production car shines brightly.

A debut at the 2016 CES (Consumer Electronics Show), the 2017 Bolt EV is the second year in a row Chevrolet chose to give the high-tech minded audience in Las Vegas the first look at their electrified production car. Last, year, the second-generation Chevrolet Volt preview also coincided with CES.

Built on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV exterior style differs greatly in design compared to the 2015 concept car. Maintaining the small hatchback appearance, the people mover impression of last year's design study is replaced with a more charming on-road presence. Sporty side contours and a steep raked windshield adds a dynamic edge to the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The C-pillar is radically different but still maintains its intention for maximizing visibility. Like the concept car, the production Bolt EV features large windows including at the rear deck lid. The front end of the 2017 Bolt EV sports prevalent grille detailing important to convey Chevrolet's present design language. As is the case with the Chevrolet Volt, the Bolt EV's grille space consists largely ornamental of silver or black panelling. Standard LED front and rear lighting is also part of the exterior of the compact electric car.

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

The innovative design of the Chevrolet Bolt EV incorporates a spacious and technologically-forward interior. Seating inside the 2017 Bolt EV is categorized as SUV-like with enough room for five passengers. A wireless charging system is located in a multi-purpose centre console supported by ample storage space for a tablet computer. Chevrolet MyLink operating from a 10.2-inch touch screen display is located in what is called a floating instrument panel. Boasting 479 liters of cargo space that exceeds the Honda Fit in capacity, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV owes thin-framed seats for the abundance of storage room.

Not present in the production Bolt EV is the autonomous drive technology showcased in the concept car. While self-parking does not appear immediately attached to the Bolt EV's introduction, the electric car will offer some extra electronic eyes. A rear camera mirror system will deliver a wide-angle view of the backside of the vehicle while Surround Vision provides an expanded birds-eye view when parking or for low-speed manoeuvring.

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

Chevrolet has yet to release full details relating to the propulsion for the Bolt EV. The Chevrolet Spark EV operates with a 19-kWh battery pack and it would seem the Bolt EV would need a larger capacity battery to achieve its advertised 200-mile (320-kilometer) range. Packaging for the battery has been contained under the passenger compartment by using a flat design. The Chevrolet electric car will also incorporate a mileage-maximizing feature called EV Navigation Mapping that provides drivers with the most efficient path as well as details for locating charging stations.

Scheduled for production in late 2016, the Bolt EV will be Chevrolet's first dedicated all-electric car. Construction of the Bolt EV will take place the Orion Assembly facility alongside the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano. Price information for sales of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV in the United States is not officially announced but expected to run around $30,000 based on previous promises from the automaker. Pricing in Canada should be announced in the near future.

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