Chevrolet revealed the Bolt concept at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show today, previewing its next electric car.
The concept is designed to offer more than 200 miles of driving range at a price of roughly $30,000, competing in the same space as Tesla’s upcoming Model 3, which is expected to be priced similarly with roughly the same driving range.
“The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” GM CEO Mary Barra said. “Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.”
An artificially high supply of crude oil is driving gasoline prices down and leading some industry analysts to speculate negative short term impact for electric car sale. Last week President Obama warned the public that the low gas price will disappear. Last year GM announced a $50 million investment in its Brownstone Battery Assembly facility in an effort to further develop its electric powertrain technology.
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“We have made tremendous strides in technologies that make it easier and more affordable for Chevrolet customers to integrate an all-electric vehicle in their daily lives,” Barra said. “The Bolt EV concept demonstrates General Motors’ commitment to electrification and the capabilities of our advanced EV technology.”
2015 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
Chevrolet showed more than a design today in Detroit. The company said its concept will offer variable drive modes with different throttle response programmed for more power efficient or spirited driving. It also offers variable ride height and suspension tuning that both change with the selected setting. Horsepower and torque weren’t part of GM’s announcement.
By designing the concept with especially short overhangs, Chevrolet’s designers were able to maximize interior space. The body is made of a combination of lightweight materials including aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber and aerodynamic design elements including vented rear fenders designed to extend the driving range.
GM also previewed high-tech features including access to the car via a smartphone app that can unlock the car, integrated ride sharing management that can make reservations for renting the car and accept digital payment and automatic driverless parking that lets the Bolt offer valet-like service without human operation.
Chevrolet didn’t announce a timeline for production, but Tesla plans to market the Model 3 in late 2016. It is unlikely that Chevrolet will be ready to market a competitor that soon, but the company is expected to launch the production Bolt – or whatever it’s ultimately called – in 2017.
GALLERY: 2015 Chevrolet Bolt Concept
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