2017 Chevrolet Bolt Charges Into Detroit

Stephen Elmer
by Stephen Elmer

A week after it was fully revealed at CES in Las Vegas, Chevrolet is showing off its new all-electric Bolt at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.

The Bolt will be able to travel over 200 miles on a single charge and carries a sticker price of $37,500, though that shrinks to $30,000 once government incentives are applied. Fully charging the Bolt will take nine hours with the available 240-watt charger and the car will replenish 25 miles of range per hour.

Powering the Bolt is a single electric motor that makes 200 hp and upwards of 266 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to Chevrolet’s first electronic precision shift system. Basically, it’s a shift-by-wire set-up that requires less packaging space inside the car.

Under the floor of the Bolt lies a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack made up of 288 cells divided into five sections. It weighs 960 lbs. and sends enough juice to the electric motor for claimed 0 to 60 mph acceleration runs in less than seven seconds.

The battery pack will be covered by an 8-year/ 100,000 mile warranty. Using a 7.2 kW onboard charger, Chevrolet claims a commute of 50 miles can be recharged in less than two hours. Or, if using a DC Fast Charger, the Bolt regains 90 miles of range in 30 minutes.

There is also a trick regenerative braking system on the Bolt that has the ability to provide one pedal driving that allows the car to slow down and come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal. By switching on Low mode or holding the Regen on Demand paddle behind the steering wheel, the driver can bring the vehicle to a complete stop under most circumstances.

Inside, the Bolt features a large 10.2-inch display, available 4G LTE WiFi and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Wireless charging and a storage compartment for a tablet are both included in the center console.

SEE ALSO: Chevrolet Says Bolt EV’s Price Is $37,500

The car is built on an all-new platform that has a 102.4-inch wheelbase, making it capable of shuttling five passengers. Behind the rear seats, 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space is available, while a full-width liftgate allow you to access it.

“We were given a blank canvas – a rare opportunity with a unique platform to recast EV design for customers across the spectrum,” said Stuart Norris, managing director of design. “The team answered the challenge with a progressive design distinguished by dramatic graphics and exceptional passenger space.”

The 2017 Chevy Bolt will go on sale in late 2016.

Discuss this story on our Chevrolet Bolt Forum

Stephen Elmer
Stephen Elmer

Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>

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