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.

Upcoming Bolt Electric Car Adds Jolt to Chevy’s Portfolio

Chevy Bolt expects to be available by 2017 or ’18 in all 50 states

Car fans are also looking toward the future at the next best model, latest technology and advancements. Within the next couple of years, Chevrolet wants to tap into the growing electric market with an all-electric car of its own: the Bolt.

With the hybrid Volt already offered, Chevrolet is working toward the next step with an all-electric EV vehicle. The Bolt has been seen tested under camouflage and in spy shots, so it’s reality, not myth.

According to Shad Balch of GM, “... leadership has essentially fast-tracked this car into production” after the concept was shown off at the Detroit Auto Show back in February.

The Bolt will also be built in America, and there should be an estimated 200-plus miles of range on a charge. Taking cues from its hybrid Volt cousin, the Bolt looks to expand on the battery technology of the Volt and Spark EV.

All 50 states are expected to have the Bolt on sale by 2017, which offers an alternative to the proposed Tesla 3. Those in Tennessee who are looking for an eco-friendly or electric car will be thrilled to get behind the wheel of a Bolt.



An all-electric car will surely provide a positive offering to the Chevrolet portfolio and to the vehicles at West Chevrolet. As Chevy already makes hybrids, sedans, performance cars, muscle cars, CUVs and SUVs, an electric car will be a welcome fit.

“... it is a long-range EV that anybody can get themselves into. ... [This is] a good alternative to the luxury long-range EVs that are available now,” Balch said. “It's something that people can see themselves actually affording to get into. That's the message from this car.”

What are your thoughts on the Bolt? Would you drive one?

To learn more about our new Chevrolets near Knoxville, contact West Chevrolet today online or give us a call at 865.970.9378.