Detroit Free Press Names 2017 Chevy Bolt EV As Car Of The Year
It wasn’t that long ago that Motor Trend named the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV as its “Car of the Year.” A number of other publications and organizations have done so in the intervening time (or beforehand) as well.
Now, the Detroit Free Press has done the same — naming the all-electric GM hatchback as its “2017 Detroit Free Press Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year” winner. The Detroit Free Press also called the model a “game changer” (while also noting that this term is often misapplied and over-used).
Here are the exact words that the publication used:
‘Game-changer’ is an overused term, but sometimes the game does change.
The Bolt could — should — be one of the rare vehicles that causes people to reconsider how they think about transportation.
It’s the first affordable electric vehicle that appears suitable as everyday transportation for nearly all drivers, thanks to an EPA-rated range of 238 miles on a charge, a roomy interior and prices starting under $30,000, after tax incentives.
A fleet of self-driving Bolts will also test that revolutionary technology on public roads across the country.
The Bolt could be an inflection point for the auto industry, an answer to environmental concerns, and it’s priced to compete with popular vehicles like the Honda Accord and Ford Escape.
Conventional wisdom holds that price and battery range have been the factors holding electric vehicle sales back. The Bolt was developed to change that, and with it, the direction of the auto industry.
Plus, it’s fun to drive, has simple to use controls, advanced features for safety and convenience, and plenty of room for people and cargo.
If the Bolt isn’t the vehicle that makes electric power and autonomy part of mainstream American transportation, it’s hard to imagine what will.
Well, that’s an easy question to answer (rhetorical or not). Possibilities include: the Tesla Model 3; a future low-priced, long-range EV from Toyota; an electric pickup from Ford for that matter (though, recent comments from the CEO aren’t encouraging); the Tesla Model Y or pickup; or maybe GM will release an even better offering a few years from now that sells really well.
There are a lot of possibilities. I am very curious to see how the Chevy Bolt EV sells once available nationwide, though.
So, if the Detroit Free Press hadn’t chosen the Chevy Bolt EV, who would have won? Second place was taken by the Jaguar XE, so that would have been it. Third place was taken by the Cadillac CT6.
I wonder which “Car of the Year” award the Bolt will win next. (Hint, hint.)
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