Detroit Auto Show: Chevrolet Bolt Concept: Comments

[William Maley]

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Only a couple of days after first reporting about Chevrolet showing off the Bolt concept at the Detroit Auto Show, the automaker has revealed it for all to see.

The Bolt is GM's attempt at building an electric car with a 200 Mile range for the price of around $30,000. Styling is a mixture of Spark and the BMW i3 with a large area of glass, and a high beltline. The Bolt's body features barely any front or rear overhang which in turn helps out in interior space. Materials such as aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber help keep weight down and improve range. Inside is very spacious with a light color theme which only adds to that feeling. The dashboard has a flowing look and comes with a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen.

Unfortunately, GM hasn't released details about the Bolt's electric powertrain or how long it takes for to charge on either 120V or 240V.

“The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity. Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra.

Source: Chevrolet

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Press Release is on Page 2

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Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept Signals Brand’s EV Strategy

• Affordable, long-range concept builds on brand’s electrification leadership
  

DETROIT – Chevrolet today made a significant statement on its commitment to electrification with the introduction of the Bolt EV concept – a vision for an affordable, long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting around $30,000.

“The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. “Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.”

Leveraging the electrification prowess established by Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept is designed to offer long-range performance in all 50 states and many global markets.

Drivers will be able to select operating modes designed around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and spirited weekend cruising, for uncompromising electric driving. The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept is also designed to support DC fast charging.

“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.”

The Bolt EV concept also pushes the envelope for crossover aesthetics. Its unique proportion, with practically no front or rear overhang, makes the most of interior space and was designed to create a roomy environment for four that feels expansive. Lightweight materials, including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and even woven mesh, complement the design, while driving down the curb weight to help maximize range. Aero-optimizing features such as vented rear fenders also help contribute to range.

“Form and function have never meshed so well together,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design. “No compromises were made when it came to aesthetics and the elements that contribute to the Bolt EV concept’s range, resulting in a unique proportion that’s sleek, efficient and obviously a Chevrolet.”

The Bolt EV concept’s airy interior ambience is enhanced with bold use of glass all around – as well as a full-length, frosted glass roof with unique, faceted design elements. A high beltline sweeps upward with the D-pillar, culminating in an integrated roof spoiler, for a lean, athletic stance. An advanced nano-composite rear hatch and wraparound rear window give the Bolt EV concept a distinctive appearance and flood the interior with more natural light.

High-intensity, efficient light-emitting diode (LED) headlamp and taillamp elements are housed behind jewel-like faceted lenses in which translucent elements illuminate evenly to create the signature lighting effect.

Airy, intuitive interior

Inside, the Bolt EV concept has a large feel reinforced by generous headroom and legroom dimensions. A flat, flow-through floor adds to the roominess, while a contemporary, light color scheme adds to the feeling of an open, airy cabin and conveys warmth.

The cabin’s airy, high-tech environment is reinforced with lightweight, slim-architecture seats mounted on exposed aluminum pedestals that create a floating effect. The minimalist center console “floats,” too, suspended from the front seats.

“The Bolt EV concept’s interior is intended as a sanctuary, with materials and technologies that reinforce the airy ambience and help contribute to the vehicle’s overall efficiency,” said Welburn. “It also incorporates technology in a subtler and simpler manner, for a more soothing driving experience – particularly in busy, urban environments.”

Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit interior layout incorporates easy-to-use technology designed to make the driving experience easier and more enjoyable. It wraps into the door panels and features a frosted and translucent appearance – and a subtle glow at night.

The concept’s technological intuitiveness can be accessed via a smartphone with the concept Bolt EV Connect app, which is designed to:

• Allow a smartphone to perform as the key fob
  
• Allow ride-sharing management, including reservations, vehicle location, digital key and even payment processing via the smartphone
  
• Incorporate the concept automatic park-and-retrieval technology, which enables the driver to exit the vehicle and tell the Bolt EV concept to park itself – and when errands are completed, the Bolt EV concept can be summoned to return to the owner’s location.
  

A large, color 10-inch-diagonal capacitive-touch screen, with interface features, complements the concept Bolt EV Connect app. It even allows the projection of all the application and other smartphone data onto the screen.

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[David]

Ineresting design, I like the openness of the interior with the sky roof. I wonder if it will be able to accept a DC Quick Charge so you can get 80% in 30 min or less?

[ZL-1]

This just might be a concept that previews the NG Spark, me thinks...

[Z-06]

It is too big to be a Spark.

[Drew Dowdell]

Bolt gallery has been updated with pics from the floor.

[David]

Thanks Drew, this is SOOOOOO MUCHHHHHHHH better looking than the BMW I3 or what ever BMW is calling their electric auto.

[Cory Wolfe]

I'm sort of let down by the design. I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting, but it wasn't that. It looks okay for a little city runabout, I suppose... Just not really what I envisioned as $30k car. This seems a little downmarket. Also, I'm pretty sure I've seen a design that's pretty similar to this. I can't quite put my finger on where or what, but it feels very familiar. 

[hyperv6]

This should play well in the EV market. It is practical  and yet does not look like a slave to Aero drag.

 

IF they can keep the price at $30k and not balloon to $40k wit normal options it should play well in CA and coastal states.

[ocnblu]

It looked pretty neat rolling out onto the stage with Mary extolling its virtues.

[kittyworker]

Love the sky roof. I always feel so claustrophobic sitting in the back seat and having something like this would really help open it up.

[bobo]

Quirky. More interesting than the new Volt. The D-pillar is kind of similar to the first generation Mercedes A-class.

[SoonToBeCFP]

The sky roof is awesome! I've never been a fan of the hatchback design, but this is interesting.

[vegito12]

I reckon it is a good concept, that the company is doing in building a electric car which may be good for car buyers and may be a future of driving cars and save money in fuel ad running costs. I think all we would have ,to do is charge the battery and it is good to go and would need to be tested on how far it can go and is it good for the city area and what flaws are in the system. I think the cost is alright, could go down and would have to know the running costs and how long a battery lasts before buying this sort of car.

[JulianWilliams]

I like it. I find these cars with almost the entire roof letting the light in to be really attractive for some reason. It looks a little chunky maybe but it'd do its job just fine as a city driving car. If they'd sell them for a reasonable car they'd have quite a bit of success i reckon.

Edited January 21, 2015 by JulianWilliams