Most of us were probably expecting the all-electric 2017 Chevy Bolt to possess an EPA-estimated range nominally above the 200-mile mark, going on several earlier comments by GM reps, but it appears that the model is going to actually have a much more substantial range. The Chevy Bolt gets right around 238 miles per full charge according to the EPA.
It’s worth remembering here that the Chevy Spark EV has a range of ~82 miles, with a 19 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack, so the Bolt’s range-to-battery ratio is actually about the same as the Spark (the Bolt has a 60 kWh battery pack), despite the differences in shape and size.
The Chevrolet press release notes that: “With the vehicle’s EPA-estimated range of 238 miles, owners can expect to go beyond their average daily driving needs — with plenty of range to spare. Bolt EV buyers won’t be able to find a better value for an all-electric, thrill-inducing ride with an expected MSRP below $37,500.”
The press release also confirmed that the Bolt “will start to become available at Chevrolet dealerships later this year” — or at least those were the words attributed to GM’s North America President Alan Batey.
Also notable is that the Bolt will feature support for both 240-volt Level 2 and also Level 3 DC fast charging.
The 238-mile range is of course a fair bit more than the “at least 215 miles” figure we have for the Tesla Model 3 — so if the Model 3 doesn’t end up with a notably increased range at the time of the Part 2 unveiling, then the Bolt will apparently have the range advantage out of the two (as far as base models go).
Pricing information hasn’t been released yet, but the Bolt is expected to start at under $37,500 (before applicable tax rebates and/or credits). More information can be found at Chevy’s new EV website.
Does this 238-mile range make any of you change your mind and lean toward getting a Bolt (assuming you weren’t one of the many people already planning to get one)?
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