“Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers,” said Mary Barra in January.
Chevrolet this morning confirmed production of its next-generation pure electric vehicle, based on the Bolt EV concept first shown in January at NAIAS. Bolt will be built at General Motors’ Orion Assembly facility north of Detroit. It is currently on display at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.
GM North America President Alan Batey made what was a predictable confirmation at a Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) press breakfast before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public this weekend.
“The message from consumers about the Bolt EV concept was clear and unequivocal: Build it,” said Batey. “We are moving quickly because of its potential to completely shake up the status quo for electric vehicles.”
The Bolt EV concept was developed as a long-range pure electric vehicle for all 50 U.S. states and all of Canada. It is designed to offer more than a GM-estimated 200 miles of range at a target price of around $30,000. In short, a working person’s Tesla.
Bolt will have selectable driving characteristics for preferred styles, such as daily commuting. The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. and it was designed to support DC fast charging.
Start of production and additional details will be announced later, Batey said.
See Kia Soul EV Debuts at CAS. Range of 80 to 100 miles claimed
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
