Shaking Up the EV Status Quo
2016 Chevrolet Volt, Bolt EV production and Spark EV’s East Coast expansion signals further commitment to provide more EV options to more customers
If you were looking for further proof that Chevrolet is a leader in the electrification field, let’s look at what’s transpired in just the past 30 days.
During the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, Chevrolet revealed the next generation Volt with an estimated 50 miles of EV range. Chevy also revealed the Bolt EV concept.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – the Bolt EV is a game-changer. The all electric concept is a vision for an affordable, long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than a GM-estimated 200 miles of range at a target price of around $30,000 after tax incentives. It signals GM’s commitment to bring an affordable, long-range, all-electric vehicle to a wider market.
So much so that today, ahead of the Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet confirmed plans to build the next-generation pure electric vehicle based on the Bolt EV concept, a month after its introduction. And we will build it at a plant with a solid track record for innovation and sustainable manufacturing.
“The message from consumers about the Bolt EV concept was clear and unequivocal: Build it,” said GM North America President Alan Batey. “We are moving quickly because of its potential to completely shake up the status quo for electric vehicles.”
That news came on the heels of Chevrolet’s announcement, during the Washington D.C. Auto Show, that we will begin selling the Spark EV in Maryland this spring. The peppy Spark EV, currently available in California and Oregon, delivers an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent and 82 miles of combined city/highway range.
We believe plug-in based vehicles will lead the industry in alternative propulsion in the long run, and GM will continue to lead the charge. Our design and engineering prowess, global manufacturing footprint, and in-house experience and capabilities to develop electric motors and batteries clearly puts us in the lead to answer growing customer demand for fun to drive, efficient rides such as the Chevrolet Spark EV, Volt and Bolt.
