The World of West Chevrolet

Showing posts with label Chevrolet Bolt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chevrolet Bolt. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

GM Authority Offers up Visual Comparison Between the Chevy Bolt EUV and Bolt EV

The time in automotive history has most definitely arrived for all-electric vehicle efforts to ramp up, and Chevy is going to do just that, with an arsenal of brand-new battery-powered models. The Bolt EUV is one choice that is framed as an “electric utility vehicle”, and will be closely related to the Bolt EV in terms of makeup and mechanics. The two will still differ on some major styling details and although the new Bolt EUV is not on lots yet, several prototypes have been seen via spy shots.

The GM Authority blog posted a red-hot feature this week honing in on some of the differences, remaining as always a useful authority to refer to before making a purchase here at West Chevy of Knoxville. The shape of the EVS is quite similar, with a 5-door body style that offers four doors for the passengers, and a large rear hatch for cargo. The Bolt EUV stands out for sporting a taller, more upright grille and fascia when compared to the EV.
The hood on the EUV is also flatter when compared to the angled hood on the EV, falling back to a windshield line that is steeply raised. When viewed in full profile, the EUV is just a bit longer than the EV, stretching out with an additional seven inches of length. The EUV has a bit more squared cargo section and straighter roof, and the EV has a slanted roof line as well as lower hatch. The new Bolt EUV is expected to come with styling inspired by the Chinese-market Buick Velite 7, which is based on the GM BEV2 platform – identical underpinnings as the current Chevy Bolt EV and the new EUV.

Even due to global events and cutbacks, GM still says manufacturing of the electric vehicle line is still on track to release the refreshed 2021 Bolt EV by the end of this year. In other news reported this past month, the upcoming Bolt EUV will offer a hitch-mounted bike rack, providing a perfect solution for those buyers interested in using it as a way to get access to their favorite park or trail. Paying close attention to the active lifestyles that buyers of electric vehicles have, this offering will no doubt attract many who are the exact types of buyers that appreciate the benefits and social activism factor of electric.

We believe that so many different buyers will enjoy leaving the “pain of the pump” behind and relying on the electric charge for their transportation form and to-do-list. The electric range is anticipated to be around 259 miles for this ingenious and fun-to-drive on the daily pair. We will keep you posted right here on the blog regarding any news of release and updates, and will keep an eye on the future excitedly as more planet-saving models reach the development phase!

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Motor1.com Delivers Industry's First Bolt EUV Crossover Spy Shots

For so many in the auto industry including us here at West Chevy of Knoxville, there is an extreme focus on electric vehicles as the tone of the future is set to mesh with that of the present. The compact Bolt is slated to be joined by a slightly larger model in the lineup. Caught here on camera for the first time by Motor1.com, we can see clearly what will become the Bolt EUV, or Electric Utility Vehicle. This prototype was cloaked during these early stages with heavy camouflage front and rear to hide the coming facelift as well as its design.

We can see that the crossover holds on to the Bolt's short, stubby nose, and the up-kink in the beltline at the C-pillar looks like traditional Bolt styling as well. Most of the C-pillar is hidden under the camo, but it is also suspected that the Bolt's floating roof design is cloaked under the tarps. At the rear you can make out that the placeholder lights are still there, suggesting it may be a prototype in the early stages of development. Many customers are excited about the coming of this crossover that will be ideal for the urban dweller and should brandish a predicted driving range of about 400 miles on a charge.

Even with the presence of the camouflage here, we are not completely in the dark as to what this new EV crossover will look like. Earlier this year crosstown rival Buick Velite 7 was put on display for the Chinese market, and there may be a few design similarities between the two. It will have a wheelbase three inches longer than the standard Bolt and measure five inches longer overall. This will also be the first non-Cadillac model to obtain Super Cruise, but it will not yet receive GM's brand-new Utium battery tech.

The new Bolt model will likely be compatible with Level 2 fast charging and should probably debut by the end of the year. Impressions from some people who got a peek at GM's big EV event though that it bared a bit of resemblance to the upcoming Ford Mustang Mach-E. There is a push-button gearshift, new seats, and lots of soft-touch materials, including a padded dashboard with leather-like material covering it.

The standard version will have a 400-volt battery pack and up to 200 kw fast-charging capability, and the version for the truck platform will be 800 volts and support 350 kw charging. Battery packs on board will feature pouch-like cells that engineers will be able to stack horizontally or vertically within the pack, and will allow for a modular layout that sees potential for more customized setup for each product. The steering wheel features a sportier design, and the instrument-panel design has been given a more cleaned-up appearance in the climate control zone and infotainment offerings.

Monday, March 9, 2020

2022 Chevy Bolt EUV Spy Shots and Video Served up Via Motor Authority

During this time of year here at West Chevy of Knoxville, we are giving plenty of test drives, answering questions about which vehicle may be best for you, and finding the best possible financing options out there. The type of savvy customer that is concerned about our planet's future but still has a tight schedule to follow is the type that has been following the Chevy Bolt, a revolutionary model which has seen a drastic rise in driving range on a full charge year after year.

Prototypes for a subcompact crossover closely related to the Chevy Bolt EV have been spotted by the savvy-and-stealth staff on duty at Motor Authority, who posted the spy shots and video here. The announcement was officially made Wednesday that the vehicle will be called the Bolt EUV, which may offer a glimpse into the future of separating “Electric Utility Vehicles” from those electric vehicles that already exist on sale. The models spotted were heavily camouflaged but the basic elements appear to be similar to those on the current Bolt EV.

Underneath the vehicle will be GM's BEV2 platform that saw its debut in the Bolt EV, meaning the range should be almost as good as the Bolt EV's 259-mile EPA rating for last year's model. The Bolt EV's single electric motor at the front should also be similar to what is present in the Bolt EUV, but the platform could also be changed up to accommodate all-wheel drive. This BEV2 platform is now a placeholder to serve Chevy models until the exciting launch of a brand-new BEV3 platform for EV's that boast 400 miles of range or more.

This Bolt EUV is slated to hit dealers in the summer of 2021 as a 2022 model, and the updated BOLT EV will go on sale in late 2020 as a 2021 model. Production of both these models will proudly be handled at GM's Orion Township plant in Michigan, a 4,300,000 square foot facility that now employs over 1,000 hard-working men and women. During a no-cameras-allowed preview of nearly a dozen upcoming fully electric models, it was confirmed that the new Bolt EUV now boasts three inches longer the wheelbase which will ultimately allow for more legroom and headroom in the back.

One feature that the Bolt will now come with that EV fans were asking about for quite some time is the button-activated one-pedal driving mode. The new model has also been equipped with a new sensor cluster and camera, which could lead to various self-driving efforts down the road. We will also have to stay tuned to updates on charging: EUV.GM Officials have long hinted that the Bolt EV may soon be capable of more than its current 50 kw peak quick-charging rate. 

Monday, August 26, 2019

MotorTrend Deems 2020 Chevy Bolt Range Higher Than Tesla Model 3


It was not that long ago when severe anxiety over electric vehicle range was common. Motor Trend ran a story on their blog last week depicting the progress that has occurred with the range issue for electric vehicles, and the very solid rise in final range for the 2020 Chevy Bolt! The EPA-estimated range for this electric hatchback is now up to 259 miles, a 21-mile increase from last year's 238-mile peak. A 9-percent increase is a gain that will surely turn heads: considering the current state of public charging availability, EV drivers have to scrutinize every single mile during a trip.


We have all been in a situation where another 20 or so miles of driving range would be a game-changer, making or breaking your latest planned journey. Boosting the Bolt's range was much like a world-class barbecue joint's strategy that one would find right here in Knoxville, and involved a bit of “secret sauce”! Engineers went hard to work on altering the cell chemistry of the car's 60-kW-hr lithium-ion power source, making each electrode more energy-dense. The task was completed without any physical changes to the battery pack, so its not any larger or heavier in the long run.

The new model will also start at the exact same price as last year, and will include 200 horsepower, 266 lb-ft front-wheel-drive powertrain, with a 120-volt portable charge cord to provide the necessary juice. DC fast charging capability is also an option, and this range boost now gives the Bolt bragging rights of beating out the entry-level Tesla Model 3, which is situated at 240 miles. Year by year the range has been improving, and Chevy now also trumps the Volkswagen e-Golf, which still crosses the all-important range finish line at just 125 miles.

There are now Oasis Blue and Cayenne Orange Metallic exterior, as well as the All-weather floor liner. The HD Rear Vision Camera replaces the standard Rear Vision Camera, and HD Surround Vision replaces the UVH Surround Vision. What would all of us on staff here at West Chevy of Knoxville like to see for the future? One feature that Tesla provided that could work wonders is the ability to preheat the battery before heading to a DC fast charger in harsh winter conditions, helping in the long run during a time when you need juice in a hurry. One thing that is absolutely certain is that change is rapid and abundant in the electric vehicle marketplace right now, and as consumers will undeniably expect more and more, we will keep you posted about important updates as they come across our desk!