Chevrolet Bolt EV testing in high gear

Although there’s no official word on whether it will arrive as a 2017 or 2018 model, new factory-supplied images of Chevy Bolt EV prototypes being tested have been released accompanied by some additional news about GM’s affordable EV with a projected 200-mile range. Speaking at a Chevy Innovation seminar this week, Bolt Chief Engineer Josh Tavel confirmed that 55 pre-production vehicles are undergoing evaluation at GM’s vast Milford Proving Grounds and have been doing so since April.  

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Tavel indicated that the Bolt program currently involves a team of over 1,000 engineers and designers and that work on what will be a mildly restyled version of the Bolt Concept shown in January at the Detroit Auto Show is presently focusing on six key areas: maximum range, energy efficiency, fast-charging capability, cabin quietness, cabin comfort and ride/handling. 

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"This car is the game changer," noted Tavel, who admits the challenge of bringing an EV to market that meets all of the criteria established for utility, durability, driveability,  range and all-around practical appeal is formidable, especially given the Bolt’s promised price of "around $30,000" after the $7,500 federal tax credit is factored in.