Meet the Car that is Giving Tesla a Run for Their Money

When it comes to the all-electric vehicle market, Tesla Motors has had it cornered since they introduced their first all-electric luxury sedan back in 2012. The California-based car manufacturer has enjoyed their competition-free space for over four years, but another American-based automotive brand is giving Tesla Motors a run for their money. Chevrolet announced their intent to create the all-electric Bolt, and while the subcompact car does not fall into the luxury sedan segment, it is poised to take at least some of the attention away from Tesla’s high-end all-electric offering. The all-new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt hasn’t arrived at Chevy dealers in Ohio just yet, but it is already making a big impact on the automotive industry.

A Quick Background on the 2017 Chevy Bolt

The world first caught a glimpse of the Chevrolet Bolt at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year, and anticipation has been growing ever since. Chevrolet and LG Korea partnered together in order to develop the all-electric Bolt, and final assembly of the newest addition to Chevy’s lineup will take place at General Motor’s Orion Assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan.

Slated to show up at Chevy dealers in Ohio and across the rest of the United States by the end of this year, the 2017 Chevy Bolt will likely arrive right in time for the holiday season. With an EPA-estimated 238 miles per charge, there is no question as to why drivers are eager to get behind the wheel of their very own Chevy Bolt.

So Much More than a “Cheap Tesla”

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is often compared to the models offered by Tesla Motors, including the all-new Tesla Model 3. While both of these cars run on pure electricity, they do not share as many qualities as you might otherwise think. Starting at $35,000 the Tesla Model 3 is classified as a compact luxury sedan, and delivers the lowest starting MSRP of any other model in the brand’s lineup. Chevrolet’s new all-electric Bolt model features a starting MSRP of just $37,495 before government tax incentives. While the Bolt’s sticker price may seem high to some Chevy brand loyalists, it delivers much more than any other Chevrolet nameplate ever has, and is actually lower than what experts projected.

Industry insiders and Tesla Motors have quickly jumped up in defense of the Model 3, claiming that the Bolt is not a competitor of the luxury sedan. While Chevrolet has not officially commented on whether or not they intend for the Bolt to directly compete with the Tesla Model 3 when it arrives at Chevy dealers in Ohio later this year, we think that the Bolt was created to stand out on its own. Calling the new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt a “cheap Tesla” is a mistake, and is a disservice to the time and energy that went into creating the bowtie brand’s all-electric car.

How the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 Compare

Let’s explore what makes the 2017 Chevy Bolt stand apart from the newest addition to Tesla’s lineup, and why buyers looking for a practical all-electric car, are leaning towards the Chevy Bolt.

• Body Style: The 2017 Tesla Model 3 is classified as a compact luxury sedan, while the new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is defined as a subcompact car. Both models feature an all-electric powertrain, but their body styles are distinctly different from one another. Chevrolet designed the 2017 Bolt as a hatchback with an impressive 56 cubic-feet of maximum storage space. Chevy even included hidden storage bins under the floor, increasing the amount of items you can bring along for the ride. The Tesla Model 3 features a sleek sedan body, with a traditional trunk space separate from the rest of the car. Tesla has yet to release specific dimensions, but the Bolt’s hatchback design offers more capability when it comes to cargo space.

• EPA Estimated Range: Both the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 feature an all-electric powertrain, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty – the bowtie brand finishes strong. With an EPA-estimated 238 miles per charge range, the Bolt is able to deliver drivers further, without having to plug in. The Tesla Model 3 delivers 215 miles per charge, which is still impressive considering the average fuel economy of a gas-powered car is less than thirty. At the end of the day, Chevy Bolt drivers will get more out of their fully-charged car than drivers of the Tesla Model 3.

• Charging: The main concern all-electric car buyers have, is whether or not they will be able to charge their vehicle on the go. Both the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 offer location-based charging services, including a network of charging stations across the country. Buyers who purchase a new Bolt from Chevy dealers in Ohio or in another area of the country, will have the option of utilizing the standard 120-volt outlet, or have a 240-volt charging unit professionally installed at their residence. Regardless of how you charge or how far you wander from home, there is always a way to power up your Chevy Bolt.

• Arriving at Dealerships: The Bolt might not have a concrete date for when it will arrive at Chevy dealers in Ohio and the rest of the 48 states – but it will definitely be prior to the end of 2016. Buyers who are eager to get behind the wheel of the all-new Tesla Model 3, will likely be waiting several months after the start of the New Year. With a current wait-list of over 400,000 reserved Model 3 cars, and a production rate of around 40,000 units each year – most buyers will be waiting years before they are able to accept delivery of their Tesla Model 3.

Don’t Wait! Discover the New 2017 Chevy Bolt at Dealers THIS YEAR

Chevy dealers in Ohio are eagerly anticipating the arrival of 2017 Chevrolet Bolt models to showcase on showroom floors. If you are leaning towards the Tesla Model 3 for your next all-electric car, be sure to check out the newest addition to Chevy’s lineup before making your final decision. The practicality and capability that Chevy offers in their new subcompact might just surprise even the most loyal Tesla driver.

When the 2017 Bolt arrives at Chevy dealers in Ohio, be sure to come down to McCluskey Chevrolet and take it for a test drive. Don’t wait years for your new Tesla when you can drive home in the all-electric Bolt before the ball drops and the confetti flies on December 31.

2020 Update

2020 Chevy Bolt EV and 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV

Chevrolet Bolt EV is already a legend for being one of the first compact electric cars sold to the masses by a mainstream automaker. As its name suggests, the Bolt EV is an electric hatchback that packs a punch despite its small size, delivering fuel-free transportation. The Bolt EV has also broken down the stereotype that such a novelty has to be strange, proving to be a stylish, performance-packed, and innovative means of travel. Chevy Bolt EV, in all of its generations, has proved innovative, affordable, and efficient! Let’s take a look at all the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV and the new 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV have to offer!

2020 Chevy Bolt EV

Fuel Economy and Charging

Fuel economy and efficiency are key metrics of any EV vehicle and are among Bolt EV’s greatest assets. The 2020 Chevy Bolt EV now offers 259 miles of range – a 21-mile increase compared to the previous model year. Charging the Bolt EV is much less expensive than fueling a similar combustion engine, and you can even plug the car into a standard 120-volt wall outlet. However, upgrading to a heavy-duty 240-volt outlet will significantly cut down on charging time. The Bolt EV also allows you to control when and how much to charge so you can enjoy off-peak utility rates.

Exterior

Not only is the Chevy Bolt EV an efficient powerhouse, but it’s good-looking as well. The 2020 Chevy Bolt EV brings Cayenne Orange and Oasis Blue exterior paint options into the mix. The base LT trim features chrome accents, black side mirror caps, body-colored door handles, and HID headlights with LED accent lighting as a standard feature. The 2020 Bolt EV is 164 inches long, securing its place in the compact world and making it easy to maneuver in tight corners. The tall roof and large rear hatch give it crossover SUV vibes, especially with the optional roof rails. All trim levels feature 17-inch wheels to keep you riding in style!

Interior

Many of the most impressive aspects of the Chevy Bolt EV are found on the base LT trim. These include a standard 10.2-inch infotainment display, remote start, and automatic climate control. Among the optional features available on the base trim, you will find heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a full suite of advanced active safety technologies. Upgrading to the top Premier trim makes most of the LT trim’s optional features standard and includes some additional touches, such as leather upholstery, wireless phone charging, and heated rear seats to keep your passengers warm.

The 2020 Chevy Bolt EV’s interior features 16.9 cubic feet of rear cargo space, and the 60/40 split rear allow you to expand that to up to 56.6 cubic feet, ensuring that you have plenty of room for all your luggage. Five passengers can comfortably fit into the 2020 Bolt EV, with lots of features to accommodate everyone. The Bolt EV’s infotainment comes standard with built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, allowing you to stream music straight from your phone. Whether you’re on the road for the long haul or just popping downtown, there’s plenty to entertain everyone!

Technology

Chevy hasn’t forgotten about driver support either. The myChevrolet mobile app syncs with the Bolt EV, helping you plan an efficient route and find charging stations nearby. A standard 8-inch digital instrument cluster displays the Bolt EV’s speed, range, charging status, and other crucial information. The front center console includes two USB Type-A ports, and there are two more rear USB ports available, along with wireless device charging.

There are plenty of crucial extras packed into the Bolt EV’s interior as well! The 2020 Chevy Bolt EV offers a standard HD backup camera and an optional 360-degree view camera system. A rearview camera mirror is also available for a better view of what is behind you. Remote keyless start and entry, along with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, are standard features. A six-speaker audio setup is standard, with a seven-speaker system available as an optional upgrade to keep the entertainment going strong throughout your drive!

Safety

The most important aspect of any vehicle is the safety level of everyone onboard. Chevy displays its commitment to safety in the Bolt EV with ten airbags and a plethora of standard and optional safety features. The NHTSA awarded the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV five out of five stars for overall safety, with a four-star front crash safety rating and five-star ratings for rollover and side-crash safety.

The IIHS named the Bolt EV a Top Safety Pick when equipped with the optional Driver Confidence II Package. This package gives the Chevy Bolt EV a “Superior” grade for front crash prevention thanks to its inclusion of automatic emergency braking. Other features of the package are rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The 2020 Chevy Bolt EV is a vehicle you can be sure will keep you safe wherever you go!

2022 Chevy Bolt EUV

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle) takes all the parts we love from the 2020 Bolt EV and bundles them into an exciting new crossover. The future of electric vehicles is here with all the flair and technology to make this larger sibling all the more attractive to those who love driving a green car with style. Let’s take a sneak peek at what we know so far about the latest variant of the Chevy Bolt.

Exterior

What is an amazing car without a classy exterior? Chevy hasn’t scrimped on the style that makes a Bolt a Bolt. The 2022 Bolt EUV exterior has some exciting modifications to ring in the new year, including the chrome grille removal and the Bolt rear adjustment. The Bolt EUV has grown up, literally, as the body overall is larger, with around 5 inches of added length for extra interior space.

Performance and Charging

The 2022 Bolt EUV will be the first Chevy model to feature Super Cruise, GM’s nearly hands-free technology for highway driving. While the 2022 Bolt EUV will continue to use the same BEV2 platform as the 2020 Bolt EV, battery capacity and charging technology are expected to be upgraded. Though all of the official numbers have yet to be revealed, you can always expect improvements from Chevy, especially in performance!

While there is no official word yet on the range of the Bolt EUV, the longer wheelbase also likely accommodates a bigger battery than the Bolt EV’s 66-kW-hr pack. Although some extra energy will likely be needed to move the larger body of the Bolt EUV, the odds are that we will see another range increase when this new model hits the market.

McCluskey Chevrolet

At McCluskey Chevrolet, we know that you’re just as excited about the new Chevy Bolt lineup as we are, and that’s why we’re committed to keeping you informed on all the latest features and deals on these exciting new electric models! Interested in checking out all the Chevy Bolt has to offer? Contact us today to find out how we can deliver the world’s best car buying experience to you!