6 Cool Facts About the 2017 Chevy Bolt, an All-electric Vehicle

Upcoming long-range EV vehicle shows promise for Memphis electric car fans

In the span of less than one calendar year, Chevrolet presented the all-electric Bolt concept and created a production model for the 2017 model year. Chevrolet leaped ahead of many of its competitors by offering an all-electric hatchback (or CUV — more on this later) to the average consumer.

The Bolt helps make electric cars more affordable and available overall. Chevrolet has announced the Bolt is eligible for sale in 48 states including Tennessee and Chuck Hutton Chevrolet in Memphis. Other fantastic facts help propel the Bolt toward its late of 2016 release date.

1. Lighter weight helps it go farther 

Lighter aluminum was used for the door, liftgate, hood and front suspension control arms, according to Car and Driver, and high-strength steel was used for the unibody. All in all, it total 3,580 pounds which helps keep the Bolt lighter and, in turn, increase the driving range of the Chevy electric car.

2. Awesomely aerodynamic

The Bolt EV will soar (will, it can’t actually fly) but you’ll cruise down the street with no problem. The underbody is flat because batteries do not need air for combustion, and this flat underbody results in a more streamlined airflow.

3. Room on room on room

It’s no secret that Tesla is working on a vehicle similar to the Bolt, but the Bolt already has as much passenger room (94 cubic feet) as the five-passenger Tesla Model S. The backseat is placed above the battery pack, but fear not! The seats are still comfortable.

4. Fast fill-up

Obviously, you’ll be spending time at a charging area as opposed to a gas station. With a DC fast-charge source, within 30 minutes you’ll have 90 miles of driving range. 240-volt AC power will take two hours to restore 50 miles. The same available 240-volt charger can replenish an entire battery in about 9 hours according to Chevy. Have a long day of driving? Plug it in before bed!

5. Protection down below

Protecting against puncture wounds was on the minds of Chevrolet designers. Crossmembers and the bottom cover are all made of steel, and the cold plate and battery cell containers further add more protection to the 2017 Chevy Bolt.

6. CUV styling and capabilities coming soon?

The chief engineer of Chevrolet electrical vehicles, Pam Fletcher, actually wants people to think of the Chevy Bolt as a crossover utility vehicle as opposed to a hatchback. Why would that be? Perhaps all-wheel drive may be coming to the Bolt sometime after its late 2016 release date.

Stay tuned to Chuck Hutton Chevrolet’s blog for more information on the Chevy Bolt and other new Chevrolets near Memphis!

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