Affordable Economy: 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV
First introduced at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Chevrolet took the wraps off of its all-new Bolt EV, fulfilling its promise to offer a long-range, affordable electric vehicle for the masses. The plug-in Bolt EV offers approximately 238 miles of range on a full charge. It also features advanced connectivity technologies designed to enhance and personalize the driving experience.
Available in LT and Premier trim levels, power for the front-wheel drive Bolt EV is generated by a 150 kW permanent magnetic drive electric motor and gearset. Onboard electric storage is managed by a lithium-ion rechargeable energy storage system comprising of 288 linked modules with an electric output of 60 kWh. The flat battery pack spans the entire length of the vehicle’s floor. Combined with a 7.05:1 final drive ratio, the Bolt EV can achieve 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. Power delivery is controlled by Chevrolet’s first Electronic Precision Shift system – a shift and park-by-wire system that sends electronic signals to the Bolt EV’s drive. A by-wire shifter requires less packaging space than a traditional mechanical shifter, resulting in more interior space and improved interior layout.
A 7.2 kW onboard charger for regular overnight charging from a 240-V wall box is standard. With it, a typical commute of 50 miles can be recharged in less than two hours. An available DC Fast Charging system using the industry standard SAE Combo connector, enabling the battery to be charged up to 90 miles of range in 30 minutes.
The Bolt EV features extensive use of high-strength steel throughout the body structure. Control hardware for the Bolt EV consists of an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension combined with finely tuned springs, direct-acting solid stabilizer bar system with ride and handling oriented LCA bushings. A compound crank (torsion beam) type rear suspension features a closed section V-shaped profile axle, specifically tuned coil springs, and performance balanced shock absorbers.
Inside the passenger cabin, a large 10.2-inch-diagonal color touch-screen display with “flip-board” operation greets the driver. The large greenhouse provides panoramic visibility with upright SUV-like seating. The standard 60/40 split rear seat makes the most of the available cargo space. The “floating” instrument panel and multipurpose, connected center console offers wireless phone charging and a compartment large enough to stow a tablet device. Many of the Bolt EV’s driver-focused technologies are supported by OnStar 4G LTE, which turns the Bolt EV into a Wi-Fi hotspot, giving owners easier access to apps and services via a high-speed wireless connection.
The all-new MyChevrolet Mobile App combines important owner and vehicle information and functions such as: vehicle charge status; OnStar map service; remote engine start; cabin pre-conditioning; owner’s manual information; dealer service scheduling; and EV navigation mapping.Bolt EV’s drive system uses a single, high-capacity electric motor for propulsion.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 102.4; overall length: 164.0; width: 69.5; height: 62.8
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine/transmission: single permanent magnetic drive electric motor and gearset – 200 hp/266 lbs-ft of torque; and lithium-ion battery – 288 cells – 60 kWh.
EPA Fuel Economy: 128 MPGe city/110 MPGe highway
Cargo capacity: 16.9 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, dual front/rear head curtain side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, LED daytime running lights, OnStar communications system, rear vision camera, theft-deterrent system, pus-button engine start, automatic high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, front/rear recovery hooks, Chevrolet MyLink radio, keyless open, remote vehicle starter system, and tire pressure monitoring system. Premier adds surround vision, rear-cross traffic alert, rear parking assist, and side blind zone alert with lane change alert.
Optional safety features include lane keep assist with lane departure warning, IntelliBeam headlamps, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, and low speed forward automatic braking.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Battery: 8-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV starts from $36,620 for the LT and $40,905 for the Premier. Destination charges add $875.
