The Chevrolet Bolt, also known as the Chevrolet Bolt EV, is an anticipated all-electric crossover developed by General Motors and unveiled in concept form at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. GM expects the Bolt to deliver an all-electric range, sharing its lithium-ion battery technology with the upcoming second-generation Chevrolet Volt. Although a date has yet to be set, the vehicle will become part of the Chevrolet lineup as an entry in the 2017 model year. On February 12th, 2015, at a special Chicago Auto Show kickoff breakfast, Alan Batey, head of General Motors North America, announced that the Bolt EV is headed for production and will be available in all 50 states. Suppliers have indicated the Bolt will enter production in 2016 at GM’s Orion Assembly plant.
Chevrolet has acknowledged that there is confusion about having two vehicles with the same sounding name (Bolt and Volt), but when the Bolt does go into production, it is expected to rename the vehicle before its 2017 debut in showrooms (with an estimated MSRP of $30,000 USD), where it is hinted that it could also be the replacement for the Chevrolet Spark EV. The public and media’s response to the Bolt EV concept has prompted Ford to announce they will be unveiling a 200+ mile EV to compete with the Bolt.
