GM officials said the new model, which will go on sale starting in 2017, will travel up to 200 miles on a single battery charge, and retailed for around $30,000 (€25,486).
“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.”
The automotive giant heralded both attributes as breakthroughs, noting that the Nissan Leaf, which sells for about the same, gets only about 80 miles on a charge, and vehicles that beat the Bolt on performance, such as Tesla's Model S, which can travel more than 260 miles on a single charge, retail for between $80,000 (€67,968) and $100,000 (€84,967).
Leveraging General Motors' experience with its earlier Volt and Spark EV models, the Bolt EV concept has been designed to offer long-range performance in all 50 U.S.. states and many global markets.
The company said drivers who buy or rent a Bolt will be able to select operating modes designed around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and weekend cruising -- a concept GM calls "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,” Barra said.
But General Motors is also taking pains to stress the Bolt EV concept also pushes the envelope for crossover aesthetics. The car has practically no front or rear overhang, and features an interior space that's roomy even for four adults.
The Bolt is constructed of lightweight materials, including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and woven mesh, that 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.
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