Practical, Efficient, and Charging into the Future: How Does the 2023 Chevy Bolt Stack up Against the Chevy Bolt EUV?

Accelerating growth has most definitely been the theme of the past few years for all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville, as we have seen many new models and the future of electrification shaping up and finally set in stone. The Chevy Bolt has been changing the planet one model at a time since 2017 as a useful hatchback boasting a solid range and convenient features. The Bolt EUV was introduced last year, with a slightly larger interior space and many of the same basic features. 

The USNews.com team cranked out a blog last week comparing the features between the two and laying out the important categories helping the consumer differentiate between their specific capabilities. Here are some specific qualities and where each model stands. 

Price: Both models are extremely budget-friendly, but the smaller Bolt is the winner here. On average, it is about $1,600 less than the Bolt EUV, which features the Premiere Redline Trim, along with other costlier options such as the hands-free addition of Super Cruise. 

Reliability: In this category, it is only fair to allow a tie. Chevy provides both the Bolt and the Bolt EUV a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both models also get an 8-year/100,000-mile battery pack warranty to assure that you can always be confident you'll have enough juice on the road. 

Seat Comfort: Even though it's a fairly compact model, the Bolt offers ample front seat space along with headroom. The back seats and rear bench are an excellent addition to get that many more family members or work cohorts to the gathering! All in all, the Bolt is more than adequate for the longer journeys that the coming of spring will soon provide. 

Cargo Space: The slightly smaller Bolt offers just a bit more cargo space than the Bolt EUV, with 16.6 cubic feet up against the EUVs 16.3. With the back seats folded flat, the Bolt has 57 cubic feet alongside the EUV’s 56.9. Both vehicles offer underfloor storage that makes their cargo areas even better. Both the Bolt and Bolt EUV are relatively low to the ground, which can make loading and unloading cargo quite a bit simpler than it is on full-size SUVs.

Interior Quality: The interiors are nearly identical and surprisingly premium for their pricing. Class upholstery comes as standard equipment, but it does feature unique patterns and well-appointed textures that offer up a more luxurious feel. There are high-quality materials used in some of the most-frequented necessities such as the steering wheel.

Interior Features: The EUV is just slightly ahead of the game here, with a generous list of high-tech features and comfort options. The EUV features wireless smartphone charging as standard, which is an added cost on the Bolt. A 10.2-inch infotainment touch screen now comes as standard in both models, paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Some of the premium options that add vibrancy and a dose of extra style to the mix are a Bose stereo, additional USB ports, and wireless charging. 

Acceleration: The Bolt can get up to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, and the Bolt EUV takes just half a second more. With instant torque from the electric motor, both models feel quick, capable, and lively. They both have a single electric motor that makes 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the front wheels with a single-speed automatic transmission.

2024 Chevy Blazer EV SS First Sighting in Fully Electric Form at Woodward Dream Cruise

The Chevy Blazer has seen a successful and long-awaited resurrection over the past few years at West Chevy of Knoxville, and customers are loving its aggressive and sporty style that perfectly blends with its daily driving practicality. The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV just made its debut last month and brings an all-electric and exciting version of the popular crossover SUV to the public eye before next year’s release. 

Offering a broad variety of trim levels and new features, many loyal customers were excited to see GM Authority’s feature this past week that showed the first legitimate photos giving us a clear idea of what to expect. These shots were taken during the Woodward Dream Cruise that took place in Metro Detroit, showing the Blazer ready for action and boasting the Radiant Red Metallic paint hue. What we believe so many diehards will love about this incoming Blazer it’s taken influence from the soul of a true sports car, making it the highest performer of the entire Chevy Blazer lineup.

The front fascia has wide horizontal lighting that traverses across the top edge of the crossover’s nose, with an organized and technical grille workup. A small red SS badge is in the corner, while angular styling lines render the Blazer a bit sportier than the average everyday crossover. There is a newly redone sculpture line that draws attention to the wheel arches, and two-tone styling nicely does up the lower panels, roof, and pillars in black. 

The charging port is situated in the driver’s side front fender, and once you approach the rear, things change drastically from what the last model offered. Here, the geometric styling pattern has several separate boxy dimensions that still blend amazingly well with the rest of things, and the taillights have a T-shaped design that wraps directly into the rear quarter panels. The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV SS is set to be available exclusively with all-wheel drive and cranks out an admirable 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque while getting on up to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. 

The 2023 Blazer was praised by the experts on staff at Car and Driver for its fierce style, satisfying driving demeanor, and rear seat and cargo space. As the 2023 Blazer resides at around 308 horsepower courtesy of its current V6, the bump to 557 horses is bound to stir excitement. This is on track to be a model that makes the most of the industry’s new juice for refined thrills during each drive! 

 

Bypassing the Pump: The GM Vehicles Boasting the Best Fuel Economy

With gas prices on the rise, drivers are looking for any way to be more fuel efficient. The GM Authority blog compiled a comprehensive list over the last week of which GM vehicles claim the best fuel economy and take pressure off the wallet!

The Chevy Spark is the most fuel-efficient GM vehicle with a city fuel economy rating of 30 mpg and a highway rating of 38 mpg. Following close at its heels is the fun and feature-rich Chevy Malibu, coming in at 32 mpg combined. The Chevy Trailblazer subcompact crossover comes in at 31 mpg combined.

Of course, the best way to save at the pump is to drive an electric vehicle! The 2022 Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV will soon be joined by other mass-market models such as the incoming 2024 Chevy Equinox EV. 

The 2022 Chevy Bolt EV is roomy, has stellar value, and features awesome interior styling! This affordable all-electric hatchback assures that you can bypass the pump, and still employs a front-drive-only powertrain that delivers punchy acceleration and 259 miles of range on a full charge. This is Chevy’s “prized model of the future” and offers all of the features anyone would want in a car that embraces electrically-sourced goodness!

The 2022 Bolt EUV provides the addition of Super Cruise hands-free driving, a way to make life much easier on the road while enjoying hands-free navigation on interstates that are part of the network. This year, the amazing hatchback adds a newly available dual-level charging cord as well as increased Level 2 maximum charting capability, and even lower starting price! The EUV sends 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, which makes passing and merging on the highway easier than ever!

Four-Year Framework: GM Sinks Massive Investment into the Sustainable Future of U.S. Charging Infrastructure

The ability to charge your electric vehicle easily and efficiently will be one of the most pressing needs of the near future, as infrastructure will need to be put in place to sustain the many buyers who will switch to cleaner transportation. GM announced last week it will invest $750 million into electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the United States and Canada, and the announcement was confirmed during the annual Investor Day presentation earlier this month.

GM Vice President Ken Morris said the company will make this sizable investment over the next four years. The goal is to provide GM EV owners access to reliable Level 2 and fast charging with the high-tech Ultium Charge 360 system. 

This investment will rapidly accelerate infrastructure construction across the workplace, home, and public charging stations throughout the US and Canada. GM electric vehicle owners now have access to more than 85,000 charging stations in North America, with operations overseen by third-party charging vendors making it simple for the driver to catch a quick charge. Seven networks are currently integrated into the Ultium Charge 360 smartphone app, with EV Connect EVgo, FLO, Greenslots, and SemaConnect being some of the most prominent and accessible. As EVs become more common, the expansion of an easy charging experience will be fundamental to the vehicles’ success. 

GM has gone to great lengths to assure that EV owners have access to a charging stations anywhere they are driving so staying in town or hitting the open road will both now be feasible. Fully electric releases over the next four years will include the GMC Hummer EV Pickup, GMC Hummer EV SUV, the Cadillac Lyriq crossover, and a Chevy Silverado Electric truck.

The Silverado EV will offer a fixed-glass roof, providing more space for both front and rear passengers as well as expanded visibility. The electric Silverado’s 4-wheel steering system will also provide tighter turning radius at lower speeds, improved stability and handling at higher speeds, and the capability for trailering power once never thought possible in the electric category. Offering more than 400 miles on a single charge, Ultium batteries and drive motors will power this awesome incoming electric truck. 

Chevy Bolt Scores Tops in Consumer Reports' Electric-Vehicle Range Record

Knoxville is one of those special places rich with history, and chock full of landmarks that were some of the strongest building blocks that exist within the American legacy. When you have made the choice about which new auto suits you and your family best, you can pile in and see monumental landmarks such as the East Tennessee History Center: built in 1874, it was originally the first United States Custom House and Post Office. Also one of the first places in Knoxville to be named to the National Register of Historic Places, it was renovated to its current condition in 1992. Since this city has such a rich array of things to see and do, you're going to want a vehicle that is very capable when it comes to going the distance.

Just a few short years ago, the entire electric car idea had not arrived in fully-finished format, as the more reputable and solidly-backed entity it is now. This milestone vehicle has set the mark for all-electric vehicle range in Consumer Reports' testing, with the accomplishment of a 250-mile distance on just one charge. In a completely different instance with a head-to-head scenario, the bolt out-performed the Tesla model S 75D by 15 miles on its charge. To properly put an automobile to the test, you really have to cover multiple bases, and the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center is located in rural Connecticut, where the turning of summer to fall will soon provide some very scenic terrain to charge haplessly through.

The cars team tests around 60 vehicles annually, driving them a collective total of around 900,000 miles. A full-time staff of around 30 hard-working professionals keeps the test center afloat, and many editors, technicians, photographers, and engineers get the opportunity to weigh in with their expertise. Last year alone, the team spent over $2 million to buy cars, so they could make sure to maintain varying levels of independence as far as really laying down the law and getting to know the quirks of a car. A straight section, 3,500-foot handling course, accident-avoidance course, 33-percent rock hill, and brake-test straightaway with wet and dry pavement are all on hand to evaluate ride performance and comfort.

As far as routine handling, the testers judge this parameter with a lengthy one-day trip, that consists of a network of local roads that range from a smooth highway to secondary two-lane roads, with rural patches for good measure as well. Trained engineers assess how well the car deals with various curves in the roads, and the vehicle's turning circle is measured by technicians for ease of parking and maneuverability when located in tighter-than-usual spaces.

If you come pay us a visit down here on the lot at West Chevy, we'll give you the low down scoop on what is truly the world's first affordable long-range, all-electric car. Doing zero to sixty in about six and a half seconds, this is a ride that has been billed as even “smoother than the BMW I3”, and the new Bolt is capable of getting any family around perfectly, minus the gasoline factor!

Summer New Unit Update: Chevy Bolt to Light up the Lots One Month Early

Since the Bolt’s introduction to the masses last December, Chevrolet has been slowly rolling the car out to more states in preparation for its availability to everyone. GM representative Fred Ligouri confirmed that August will be the month where you can come see just how many cool features this plug-in offers the Eco-conscious consumer. Said to be vivaciously quick on its feet and ultimately very fun to drive, this is the vehicle on the market that is truly designed to do its best to rival a Tesla.

Offering up to 53 pure electric miles and up to 420 miles with a full charge, this newer Bolt will allow the driver to make fewer stops. All of us here In Knoxville on the lot agree that this will ultimately help you focus on your commute, and begin to visit the gas station less and less. The Bolt proudly touts a 1.5-liter direct injected high-efficiency engine, and creates its own source of additional energy when the battery runs out, by use of a gas-powered generator.

Some of the most exciting features of the Bolt are the ways that you can charge and monitor the battery. Using the Innovative Power Flow screen helps you efficiently track your driving, and Regen on Demand transfers the energy from the motion of the vehicle, ingeniously storing it in the battery while slowing the vehicle down. This is all governed by the press of a paddle mounted on the steering wheel, and the recharging options are also luring many into checking out this electrified and uniquely individual auto.

You can take the 13-hour route, where the car recharges with a 120-volt portable cord, or opt for a professionally installed charging system, that is double the charge and takes about 4 and a half hours. When it comes to electricity, some consumers are worried about rates, and you can even utilize location-based charging. Based on GPS data, the “home” setting for charging allows you to take advantage of electricity rates that are off-peak in price, and it will begin charging immediately when you leave the house. The Bolt combines looks that are very striking with aerodynamics that are finely-tuned, meant to be a bit bolder of an attitude on display than some of the other similar electric cars out there.

The reason for the Bolt becoming available quicker is big news for drivers in the Knoxville metro is largely due to range: until now, most electric cars at the entry level could not achieve more than 100 miles of driving range on a charge. Since this model can travel up to 90 miles on a 30-minute charge at a fast-charging station, it is quite the game-changer in the electric realm. Agile handing, seating for up to five, and features like a 10.2” touch screen are all within reach for a price that is almost under half of what is needed to obtain a Tesla Model S.

Ask about our 8-year warranty, that also takes you up to 100,000 miles, and takes along with it some of the worry that you may have about owning a high-tech EV. We can show you the LT and Premier trim levels that are available for the Bolt as well. Get ready to fully embrace electric, and be wowed at the features and capabilities of Knoxville's best energy-saving auto option.

Up-And-Coming Military Spec Vehicle: The Colorado ZH2

Nearly one year ago, General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) revealed that they would be working side-by-side to develop a military spec vehicle. And this vehicle is no ordinary military vehicle… It will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

What’s so significant about hydrogen fuel cells? Lots of things. These fuel cells (often compared to a battery) use both hydrogen and oxygen as fuel to produce electricity and water. From there, the electricity produced is used to power the vehicle and the water can be either emitted or captured for other uses, which is great for hostile desert conditions.

The vehicle itself is called the Colorado ZH2 and- you guessed it- is based on a stretched version of the Chevrolet Colorado (with many modifications to make it military-ready, of course). Featuring an Exportable Power Take-Off (EPTO) unit, the hydrogen fuel cells are used to power equipment in rough terrain and remote areas very quietly and with zero emissions. Additionally, the vehicle runs much cooler, so thermal cameras have a hard time detecting it.

As far as power goes, the ZH2’s drivetrain produces a horsepower of 174. This will feed one motor, which is linked to all four wheels but GM is, in fact, thinking about giving each axle its own motor.

Although you likely won’t be seeing the ZH2 on public roads, Charlie Freese, leader of GM’s fuel cell program, says that fuel cells will be making their way into customer hands at some point in time.

Since that point in time isn’t here quite yet, we hope you’ll stop by West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN to check out the 2016 Colorado!

How One-Pedal Driving Gives The 2017 Bolt EV Even More Range

A recent announcement by General Motors states that the 2017 Bolt EV will offer “one-pedal driving”, which uses regenerative braking to maximize the vehicle’s total range. Unsure what any of this means? Boiled down, regenerative braking gives this electric vehicle the ability to recapture large amounts of energy and use it to recharge the battery. If the regenerative braking system is powerful enough, it can almost completely cut out the need of using the brake pedal, hence, we have one-pedal driving.

“Bolt EV customers who want an engaging experience will love the thrill of one-pedal driving. They will be able to tailor the vehicle to their preferred driving style and maximize their range.” said Bolt EV Chief Engineer, Josh Tavel.

A test run by Chevrolet engineers found that nearly 5 percent of of range can be added to the Bolt EV when using one-pedal driving. Drivers are able to customize the experience to fit their needs with four different modes, which include:

• Operating in Drive and easing off the accelerator
• Operating in Drive and using the Regen on Demand paddle on the back of the steering wheel
• Operating in Low and easing off the accelerator
• Operating in Low and using the Regen on Demand paddle in tandem

According to a recent Chevrolet press release, number 1 provides the lowest level of regen braking and still requires the use of the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop. Numbers 2-4 are progressively stronger and, when using them in certain situations, the driver will be able to stop the Bolt without the brake pedal.

Electric vehicle enthusiasts are excited about this technology making its way to the Chevrolet Bolt. By using regenerative braking, this vehicle has the ability to surpass its already 200+ miles of range… and that’s what it’s all about!

We’ll keep you posted on its arrival to Knoxville!