GM Takes Fight To Tesla With $30k, 200-Mile Bolt in 2017

[jimmy olsen]

Bring on the future!

http://hothardware.com/news/gm-takes-fight-to-tesla-with-30k-200-mile-bolt-ev-concept

GM Takes Fight To Tesla With $30k, 200-Mile Bolt EV Concept

It's on now! Companies like Ford, Chevrolet, and Nissan have been shoving electric vehicles down our throats for the past few years. However, the Focus Electric, Spark EV, and Nissan Leaf can only travel 80 to 90 miles on a charge before they run out of juice. While that may be enough for those that simply commute to work or putter around town, many people with "range anxiety" want a bit more reserve power for longer trips, and vehicles like the Tesla Model S are simply way out of the price range of average Americans.

That's where the Chevrolet Bolt comes in, which is the next logical step past the Chevrolet Volt (even the second generation model) and Spark EV. Shown today in concept form, the Bolt represents GM's best effort yet in making EVs appealing to a mass market. Unlike the Spark EV, which is only available in California and Oregon, the Bolt will be available for purchase in all 50 states. And whereas the Spark EV has a driving range of 82 miles, the Bolt will be able to travel 200 miles on a charge.

Although the Bolt is being shown only in concept form at this time, many of the features shown will likely make the transition to the production model (although some will likely be including in pricey option packages). The dashboard is dominated by a central, 10-inch touch screen display that manages MyLink infotainment duties, while energy efficient LEDs used for both the headlights and the taillights. Interestingly, drivers will be able to use their smartphones as the vehicle's key fob, and ride-sharing functionality will be built-in (including reservation management, vehicle location, digital key, and payment processing via a Bolt EV Connect smartphone app). GM is also working to deliver an automated "park-and-retrieval" system similar in concept to the i3 EV ActiveAssist technology we've seen from BMW.

"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," said Barra. "The Bolt EV concept demonstrates General Motors' commitment to electrification and the capabilities of our advanced EV technology."

I have to admit, the Bolt is extremely attractive to my eyes, if a bit on the cutesy side. It manages to avoid the oddball looks of the Spark EV and Leaf while still looking a bit futuristic. I could also easily see it replacing one of our two vehicles, as the 200-mile range is plenty for us for city travel and enough to make occasional longer trips within the state.

The Bolt is expected to launch — in production form — during 2017, at which time it will face stiff pressure from Tesla's upcoming Model III. However, the Bolt will be priced at around $37,500, dropping to an even $30,000 after a federal tax credit. The Model III, on the other hand, will be priced at between $35,000 to $40,000 after federal tax credit.

[Neil]

Except it's GM, so it'll probably be garbage, and dangerous to the driver.

[Iormlund]

Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...

[Monoriu]

Is US$30k cheaper or more expensive than a similar sized car that runs on petroleum? 

[garbon]

Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...

Yeah that is terrible. I noticed that they tend to have an issue when the real car comes out. I remember liking the original Chevy Volt concept (but actual car looked like a sad version of modern Civics) and same with the PT Cruiser (which as the actual car makes my skin crawl whenever I see one ).

[CountDeMoney]

that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...

Something needed to complete the holy lesbian trinity with Mazda Miatas and Chrysler Seabring convertibles.

[dps]

Is US$30k cheaper or more expensive than a similar sized car that runs on petroleum? 

Well, size isn't the only thing that determines price, even just sticking to conventionally powered cars.

That said, I'd call that a compact car, and yeah, $30,000 is a pretty high price for a compact.

[Brazen]

GM has a great history of electric cars.

http://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Killed_the_Electric_Car%3F

The film deals with the history of the electric car, its modern development, and commercialization. The film focuses primarily on the General Motors EV1, which was made available for lease mainly in Southern California, after the California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed the Zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate in 1990 which required the seven major automobile suppliers in the United States to offer electric vehicles in order to continue sales of their gasoline powered vehicles in California. Nearly 5000 electric cars were designed and manufactured by GM, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, and Chrysler; and then later destroyed or donated to museums and educational institutions. Also discussed are the implications of the events depicted for air pollution, oil dependency, Middle East politics, and global warming.

The film details the California Air Resources Board's reversal of the mandate after relentless pressure and suits from automobile manufacturers, continual pressure from the oil industry, orchestrated hype over a future hydrogen car, and finally the George W. Bush administration.

A portion of the film details GM's efforts to demonstrate to California that there was no consumer demand for their product, and then to take back every EV1 and destroy them. A few were disabled and given to museums and universities, but almost all were found to have been crushed. GM never responded to the EV drivers' offer to pay the residual lease value ($1.9 million was offered for the remaining 78 cars in Burbank before they were crushed). Several activists, including actresses Alexandra Paul and Colette Divine, were arrested in the protest that attempted to block the GM car carriers taking the remaining EV1s off to be crushed.

Under some government policy, most public car parks have spaces put aside for electric vehicles to park and charge for free. I've only ever seen one used.

[Brazen]

Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...

I own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American 

Is it GM over there? It's branded Chrysler over here

[Ed Anger]

Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...

I own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American 

Is it GM over there? It's branded Chrysler over here

It's a Chrysler.

[CountDeMoney]

I own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American 

I've heard a couple people say precisely the same thing about Minis, they look 50s British.

Unfortunately, most Mini drivers here are unconscionable assholes.  Lots of Martinus types.

[Brazen]

I've heard a couple people say precisely the same thing about Minis, they look 50s British.

Unfortunately, most Mini drivers here are unconscionable assholes.  Lots of Martinus types.

It's a full foot taller than British cars so I never lose it in car parks, plus it has American luxuries like more more cup holders than passengers, cruise control and heated seats. Unfortunately it also boasts the turning circle of an aircraft carrier rendering it entirely unsuitable to British multi-storey car parks 

[CountDeMoney]

I was going to ask you how it parks over there in Oompa Loompa Land, but I thought better of it.

[Gups]

I've heard a couple people say precisely the same thing about Minis, they look 50s British.

Unfortunately, most Mini drivers here are unconscionable assholes.  Lots of Martinus types.

It's a full foot taller than British cars so I never lose it in car parks, plus it has American luxuries like more more cup holders than passengers, cruise control and heated seats. Unfortunately it also boasts the turning circle of an aircraft carrier rendering it entirely unsuitable to British multi-storey car parks 

My Jag has cruise control and heated seats. Only 4 cup holders tho.

[garbon]

Damn. That is an ugly car. Of course we're talking about the company that made that hideous abomination that is the Cruiser PT ...

I own a PT Cruiser which I adore and I bought because it looks so 50s American 

Well that was supposed to be the appeal but then they failed in final execution.

Also