Vehicle Spotlight: 2017 Chevy Bolt EV
Bolting Into Prominence
Not everyone will be in need of gas and diesel additives this winter season. Enter the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV as the automaker’s answer to meet market demand for an affordable, reliable, electric vehicle in the US. And while we’re naturally inclined to discuss the Tesla brand, Chevy wants everyone to know that the future is now… and it’s All-American. The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV is the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year, North American Car of the Year, 2017 Green Car of the Year®, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick when equipped with Driver Assistance.
Why is it so appealing? The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV is “timely” in the electric market. Its release comes a year and a half before the mid-2018 projected release of the Tesla 3. In addition to its opportunistic release, the Bolt also stands as a pillar of the American electric market. Because although vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and the aforementioned Tesla have had success, there is no replacement for consumer appeal in American ingenuity.
2017 Chevy Bolt EV: What It’s Got
It gets 238 miles to the charge. That’s approximately the same distance as a commute from New York City to Washington DC (with miles to spare). All the while, the driver will never have to fill the tank and can enjoy the Bolt EV’s smooth ride. And yes, the electric motor may have potential buyers skeptical of its giddy up. But it’s got 266 lb-ft of torque and moves from zero to sixty in 6.5 seconds.
Inside, the Bolt EV can seat five passengers with comfort. It’s surprisingly long, especially compared to other electric competitors, at around 14 feet. It has almost 17′ of cargo space and 3.5′ worth of headspace. Chevy has certainly proven that we have evolved in the luxury department when talking about electric vehicles (I’m looking at you, smart car). Its 200 horsepower is standard among competitors, but Chevy is more confident in the Bolt’s ability to last. The 60-kWh lithium ion battery powered engine gives the Bolt EV longevity. And it’s this permanence that makes it a worthwhile investment for future generations of drivers. This is why it’s a legitimate competitor to Tesla.
Bright Future for Electric Cars
We all know that once an electric car conversation begins, it’s inevitable that Elon Musk’s innovative tactics will be discussed. However, Chevy
offers the eco-friendly EV at a much friendlier price than the Tesla. It starts at $37,495 but can drop to $29,995 after federal tax credit.
This is a stark contrast to Tesla’s lowest price Model S (approximately $70,000). The 2017 Bolt EV fuses Americana with practicality. While it’s considerate of the average forty-mile commute and family features, its battery provides drivers the option to go anywhere without wasting a paycheck at the tank. And given a head start in a developing market, the Bolt offers owners nothing but upside and optimism in Chevy’s future electric endeavors.
