Details emerge for 2017 Bolt EV
How far will the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV go?
Coming off a blockbuster showing at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, Chevrolet and the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV took the show back east to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As one of the more prestigious automotive expositions in the world, every automaker uses Detroit as a starting point for the latest and best technology and vehicles. Chevy was one of the first companies to present at the show and used its time wisely to explain how the far the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV will go as a purely electrically powered vehicle. The automaker also announced some performance information for the new Bolt EV.
What is the secret ingredient?
As has been mentioned earlier, Chevrolet engineers used many of the lessons learned while developing and building the Chevy Volt. The end result, assisted by LG Electronics, was a powerful and efficient 60 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Each of the 288 lithium-ion batter cells are placed in a landscape pattern under the floor of the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV. It runs from the front of the forward foot well all the way back to the rear seats.
“You usually have a battery cell that delivers either the desired levels of energy or power, but not traditionally both. With this cell design and chemistry we were able to deliver a battery system with 160 kilowatts of peak power and 60 kilowatts hours of energy,” Gregory Smith, Bolt EV battery pack engineering group manager said in a Chevy press release.
Engineers have decided to use this configuration to provide better thermal operation performance for the nickel-rich lithium-ion chemistry of the batteries. Additionally, the chemical make up and layout ensures that the 2017 Bolt EV will be a viable option for drivers in as many climates as possible. Future owners should have no problem reaching 200 miles of total range with the new 2017 Chevy Bolt EV.
New features for Bolt EV drivers
Using information gleaned from interviews with Chevy Volt drivers, the Chevy engineering team was able to develop features that will be instantly useful for potential owners of the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV. One of the standard features found with the 2017 Bolt EV is a 7.2-kilowatt charger that can utilize a 240-volt wall box. Owners will be able to replenish the power used during a 50-mile commute in less that two hours. A DC Fast Charging Unit can also be included with the new electric vehicle, giving it 90 miles worth of power in 30 minutes.
Whenever a vehicle has its brakes applied, there is a huge amount of energy released. In traditional vehicles this energy is released as heat that must be dissipated across the various components of the braking system. Regenerative braking is an idea that is nearly universal in all electric vehicles, regardless of manufacture. However, for the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, engineers have refined regenerative braking in to what is being called a one-pedal driving experience.
“Interviews with EV enthusiasts indicated their desire for one pedal driving capability on the Bolt EV. One pedal operation boosts the thrill and uniqueness of EV driving,” Josh Tavel, Chevrolet Bolt EV chief engineer said in a Chevy press release.
With the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV in “Low” mode, or by using the “Regen on Demand” paddle on the back of the steering wheel, drivers can slow or even stop the vehicle without using the brake pedal. It is also important to note that this method of regenerative braking does not totally eliminate the need for actually using the brakes.
What do buyers need to know?
According to the latest estimates from General Motors, the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV will be able to produce about 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This is more power than what is offered by the Toyota Prius and it uses a gasoline-powered engine. Also, the 2017 Bolt can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in less than seven seconds.
If you would like to learn more about how far the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV will go or any other details, contact a Gordon Chevrolet sales professional today.