Electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent on the roads to accommodate changing environmental and emission standards. While most manufacturers are slowly shifting away from gasoline vehicles, Chevrolet is leading the charge with a large number of upcoming Chevy EV (Electric Vehicle) models. These are cars, SUVs, and trucks designed around electric-only powertrains, doing away with the traditional fossil fuel propulsion, opting for something greener and more environmentally friendly than the combustion vehicles on the road.
Chevy has been working hard to overturn the perception that vehicles must be hybrids or combustion-based to be road-ready. The new Chevy EV line of electric-only vehicles promises to change the way you drive and the way you engage with the road. Doing away with combustion-based propulsion entirely, the Chevy EV vehicles are powered entirely by batteries and electric motors. They are also charged through plug-in technology, eliminating the need to visit a gas station to refuel and opening up the possibility of recharging your vehicle in your driveway or garage every night when you come home.
Starting at
The future of electric vehicles is a bright one, especially with the Chevy engineers spearheading the movement with the Chevy EV line of electric-only models. The most notable headliner of the Chevy EV line-up is the Chevy Bolt EV, a compact hatchback powered entirely by a battery pack that operates through plug-in charging options. For extended passenger and carrying space, is the upcoming Chevy Bolt EUV.
Based on the Chevy Bolt EV, the larger Chevy Bolt EUV provides SUV functionality along with the new Super Cruise technology for autonomous driving, which will be a first for any Chevrolet. Chevy's first hands-free electric vehicle will allow drivers to take to highways, byways, and freeways while the automated Super Cruise functionality navigates them around the road. The Chevy Bolt EUV will provide drivers with the first all-electric crossover SUV experience and give fans of the original Bolt EV something larger to sink their teeth into.
On top of the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, Chevy has a large number of other new EV models waiting in the wings. While we are still waiting for the details of these vehicles, we are expecting to see a midsize SUV to complement the popular Chevy Equinox and even a full-size electric pickup truck to serve as an alternative to the powerful Chevy Silverado. Given the effort that Chevy has put into making the electric future a reality, we are sure that these new models will be groundbreaking.
Electric vehicles are also being accommodated on the road with wireless, app-based systems, enabling drivers to quickly find charging stations in the region, as well as routes that lead to the charging stations thanks to the myChevrolet Mobile App. This also includes payments that can be made through the app itself, removing the hassle of using cards, physical cash, or even going into a charging station to pay for charging.
For enthusiasts, aftermarket tuners, and kit-makers, Chevy's eCrate electric crate engine provides the automotive community with the ability to customize and modify vehicles with an all-electric powertrain, as well as all-electric powertrain conversions. The EV aftermarket technology from the eCrate package contains factory components based on the Chevy Bolt EV, including a Bolt EV electric motor that produces up to 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The motor is paired with a Chevrolet Performance four-speed automatic transmission, which is also electronically controlled.
The kit can be paired with a 400-volt battery pack with 60 kWh of power. Although as battery technology continues to evolve, we expect even more powerful battery packs to become available, making electric vehicle conversions even more capable. This will enable custom fitters and aftermarket enthusiasts to install the eCrate package on other vehicles, even if they were originally designed to use combustion powertrains. The Chevrolet Performance transmission is also designed to fit conventional driveshafts, allowing enthusiasts to convert a wide number of other General Motor cars, trucks, and SUVs into electric-only motor vehicles.
At the forefront of the Chevy EV initiative is the Chevy Bolt EV, a vehicle that was originally developed starting back in 2012. The prototype eventually made its concept car debut at the 2015 Auto Show in North America. The Bolt EV's initial release came in the fall of 2016 as a first-generation, all-electric crossover hatchback. The Bolt seats up to five passengers, has a passenger volume of 94.4 cubic feet, and offers a maximum cargo volume of 56.6 cubic feet.
The compact hatchback has a maximum range of up to 259 miles on a full charge, with two different charge times based on the charging method used. A Standard Level 1 charger rated at 120 volts provides four miles of range per every hour of charge time, while a 240-volt Level 2 charger provides up to 25 miles of range every hour. Level 2 chargers can be affordably installed by any certified electrician and will allow you to fully charge the Bolt EV overnight.
Finally, the Chevy Bolt EV supports DC fast charging, which can provide you with around 100 miles worth of range in only 30 minutes of charging. The Chevy Bolt EV battery lifespan has a 100,000 mile warranty, supplying drivers with the assurance to travel to and from their destinations without having to worry about replacements or major repairs for years to come.
To help manage vehicle health, charge times, and even payments, the MyChevrolet app comes with each new Chevy Bolt EV. Drivers have access to a five-year subscription to the MyChevrolet app, enabling you to have full access to a wide suite of options and infotainment functionality right from the palm of your hand.
The Bolt EV also comes standard with SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as the Chevrolet Infotainment system with a 10.2-inch interactive touchscreen. This large screen is supplemented with a digital driver information center containing vehicle health, battery life, propulsion power, and operational readouts, along with OnStar navigational support. Infotainment controls are also made readily and easily accessible without having to take your eyes off the screen thanks to steering-wheel controls. This allows you to access touchscreen features and vehicle information without having to remove your hands from the wheel.
Keyless open and start come standard, along with lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) for easy install of compatible child restraint seats. Premium interior features also come standard with the Bolt EV, including power windows, power-adjustable seats, remote start, a remote panic alarm, vehicle alert systems, and anti-theft deterrents that include a vehicle immobilizer.
The Teen Driver mode is also a staple feature, enabling parents access to configurations that limit certain vehicle features until safety systems have been activated, such as seatbelts. It also provides a complete in-vehicle scorecard to help parents monitor teen drivers with a complete statistical report. The Chevy Bolt EV is designed to appeal to commuters, student drivers, and busy parents alike. This compact crossover is filled with all the latest amenities and safety features that drivers have come to expect from Chevrolet.