2017 Chevrolet Bolt Revealed at CES – Electric Vehicle Boasts 200-mile Range

By Steve & Tamami Laser

Chevrolet introduced the production version of its 2017 Bolt EV pure electric vehicle today in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show. Chevrolet says as its first ground-up, long-range electric vehicle, Bolt EV offered designers unprecedented freedom, resulting in a vehicle that “crosses boundaries and challenges expectations” in the EV segment.

Chevrolet Unveils 2017 Bolt EV at CESBolt EV’s styling centers on its tall cabin that rides above a flat battery pack mounted beneath the floor. A 102.4-inch wheelbase and wide track give it the look of a small crossover. The large windows, plunging beltline and steeply raked windshield contribute to the progressive profile and emphasize the interior’s spaciousness and bright airy feel.

The large greenhouse is said to offer a panoramic view from upright, SUV-like seating positions. The rear-window glass extends all the way to the license plate and integrates with LED taillamps on the liftgate. The automaker says that by integrating the taillamps into the full-width liftgate, the Bolt EV’s architecture enables a wide opening that makes it easier to slide boxes and other items in and out of the vehicle.

LED headlamps wrap around the forward edge of the front fascia. The signature Chevrolet dual-element grille has been reimagined and features a smooth, clean design incorporating graphics with a three-dimensional quality.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EVDue to the packaging of the battery pack, Bolt EV interior offers seating for five passengers and 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EVA “floating” instrument panel, for example, features a 10.2-inch-diagonal capacitive-touch control screen which creates a horizontal look for the interior.

The multipurpose, connected center console features side-by-side cupholders, a wireless charging location and a sliding armrest covering a storage compartment large enough to store a tablet device.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EVChevrolet says Bolt EV’s 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space is more than offered in Honda Fit (16.6 cubic feet) and BMW i3 (15.1 cubic feet).

Bolt EV’s connectivity innovations are said to provide smart, personalized solutions for managing the driving experience. For example, in the future, Chevrolet says an accurate driving range projection will be based on the time of day, typography, weather and the owner’s driving habits.

Bluetooth low-energy – designed specifically for Bolt EV to minimize energy draw – seamlessly connects a smart phone to the car while the owner approaches the vehicle.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EVMany of Bolt EV’s driver-focused technologies are supported by OnStar 4G LTE, which turns the car into a Wi-Fi hotspot, giving owners easier access to apps and services via a high-speed wireless connection.

Other connectivity and infotainment features include: 10.2’’ MyLink color touch-screen display with customizable, widget-based “flip-board style” operation, a rear-facing camera mirror that provides a wide-angle view of the environment behind the vehicle, and Surround Vision that provides a bird’s-eye view of what’s around Bolt EV for improved safety during low-speed driving and when parking.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EVThe All-New MyChevrolet Mobile App combines owner and vehicle information and functions, such as: vehicle charge status, OnStar Map service, with remote start, cabin pre-conditioning, owner’s manual information, and dealer service scheduling.

EV Navigation Mapping includes EV-specific navigation capability that designs routes to maximize range and provide locations of nearby charging station locations if needed.

Gamification is planned for the future. Chevrolet says Bolt EV owners will be able to “compete” by comparing driving styles to determine who is driving most efficiently.

Bolt EV will be built at GM’s Orion (Mich.) Assembly facility, near Detroit.

Features and specifications are subject to change without notice

News source and photos courtesy of Chevrolet and GM

Story (commentary) © 2015 CarNichiWa.com