2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV: A New Milestone in Affordable Electric Mobility
In a move reflecting the rise of electric mobility, Chevrolet has revealed its 2017 Bolt EV at the Consumer Electronics Show. This model, to be brought into production by the end of 2016, positions the brand as a contender in the long-range, affordably priced electric vehicle market.
Range and Connectivity: The Standout Features
One of the salient features of the Bolt EV is its impressive driving range. Chevrolet claims that a fully charged Bolt EV can cover over 200 miles, striking a significant blow in the ongoing quest for range anxiety alleviation. However, the Bolt EV isn’t solely about the distance. It showcases advanced connectivity features to enhance and personalize the overall driving and ownership experience.
GM’s Commitment to Electric Future
General Motors (GM) CEO Mary Barra highlights the swift progress from concept to production, underlining GM's commitment to making long-range electric vehicles a feasible option for the average consumer. The Bolt EV is seen as a platform to incorporate cutting-edge mobile application technologies. These include car sharing capabilities, advanced GPS routing, and the application of gamification to enrich the overall ownership experience.
Connectivity Enhancing Ownership Experience
In an attempt to simplify the ownership experience, the Bolt EV incorporates feedback from Volt owners. Notably, it pioneers connectivity solutions for managing the driving experience. Innovative features promise to offer accurate driving range projections based on time of day, topography, weather, and individual driving habits.
The Bolt EV also brings a Bluetooth low-energy connection to the table, enabling a seamless link between the smartphone and the car as the driver approaches. The integration of OnStar 4G LTE transforms the Bolt EV into a Wi-Fi hotspot, facilitating access to various apps and services over a high-speed wireless connection.
Detailed Features for a Comprehensive Driving Experience
The Bolt EV is well-equipped with an array of driver-centric features. The cabin showcases a 10.2-inch MyLink color touch-screen display that operates in a customizable, widget-based flip-board style. It also offers a rear camera mirror, providing a wide-angle view of the area behind the vehicle.
One of the safety innovations on offer is Surround Vision, which gives a bird’s-eye view around the Bolt EV, aiding in low-speed maneuvering and parking. The new MyChevrolet Mobile App consolidates crucial owner and vehicle information and functions, including vehicle charge status, remote start, cabin pre-conditioning, and dealer service scheduling.
The Bolt EV goes a step further with its EV Navigation Mapping, an EV-specific navigation feature designed to maximize range and provide nearby charging station locations when needed. Furthermore, future iterations of the Bolt EV will offer a gamification feature allowing owners to compare driving styles in a bid to promote efficient driving.
Production Venue
GM has decided to manufacture the Bolt EV at its Orion Assembly facility, located in Michigan, near Detroit.
In summary, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV emerges as a promising vehicle for those who desire to embrace electric mobility without compromising on range or affordability. Its numerous connectivity options and customer-centric features make it an interesting contender in the fast-evolving EV landscape.
-Ed
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
