2022 Chevy Bolt SUV: Motor Trend Outlines Expansion of the Electric Family

The staff on hand at Motor Trend was enamored enough with the ChevyBolt EV to make it their 2017 Car of the Year, and they were back at the digital presses to cover just what will happen down the road for the 2022 EUV model. This is a concept that is being worked on that will attract customers who are looking for an electric SUV instead of a tall hatchback that also displays sleeker styling. The Bolt EUV is stretched another 3 inches between the wheels for more interior space, and 5 to 6 inches overall.

A bit more upright styling will make it appear more like an SUV sporting low ground clearance, instead of a playful icon from past tense video game titles! The longer wheelbase will make space for a battery bigger than the standard Bolt's 66-kW-hr pack, which could provide a range boost above the current 259 miles. The current plans still just involve front-wheel drive only, and both the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV will remain on the BEV2 platform.

They will also both continue with the same battery and charging technology as opposed to the option of GM's new Ultium pack. Items that were put on high priority after asking customers here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson and many other locations what they desired were better seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and a push-button gear selector. The Super Cruise and sunroof options will also be found on the updated Bolt EUV, a monumental step into the future of autonomous driving.

Super Cruise is among the array of features that are blowing minds worldwide: we were once hesitant to take our hands off the wheel, and this technology is one of the most promising features out there to take the extreme strain off of a long trip. This new model also offers a hitch-mounted bike rack that is available for the outside, allowing for the freeing up of cargo space. Second-row legroom and trunk space are where the major improvements are seen with this model, as well as the specifics regarding charging. This is what it will all boil down to when customers are making their decision for an Eco-conscious change in vehicle ownership and happily zip away into their weekend without the need to tend to the consistent presence of the gas pump.

The 11 Kw charging inverter will mean shorter charging times on the go and while at home, and be integral in helping many “not feel the pain of the pump”.  GM President Mark Ruess claimed himself over the past week that “thousands of GM scientists, engineers, and designers are working to execute a historic reinvention of the company”, and that satisfying millions of customers will occur after finding the key to ultimate sustainability. Seeing more charging stations pop up, cultivating interest in electric-derived power, and a longing for the planet to sustain itself are all ingredients in what will be seen as a great solution, and we'll continue to report back to you on release dates, developments, and availability!

2020 Chevy Bolt EV Range Now Boasts 259-Mile Range on a Full Charge

Looking over various press and web sources over the week is one of the best ways for us to deliver the goods in the form of news to you here on the O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson blog, and this week had no shortage of updates! When customers come to us asking about the purchase of an electric vehicle, the range always has an effect on the decision: this is the stat that ultimately governs how far you drive before you are once again stationary.

The folks on staff at Autoblog.com dutifully reported last week that the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV's range is now rising to 259 miles, up from 238 miles for the 2019 model year. What type of adjustments were made to provide the addition of 21 extra miles? First off, the energy of the cell electrodes were improved by making small but effective changes to the buildup of the cell chemistry. There were no physical changes made to the battery pack itself, as it still remains a 60 kWh battery pack. The competition is laid out with their stats up for display: the Soul EV's range is 243 miles, the Niro EV is at 239 miles, and the Kona Electric did nail down 258 miles.

The 2020 model will also boast new color choices: Cayenne Orange Metallic and Oasis Blue join the lineup, as well as improved cameras and a shiny new high gloss black grille as opposed to the current silver or black grille options. One thing that is so exciting with next year's model is that the consumer is obtaining more range for the same price as the current Bolt. After purchasing an electric car, the security of knowing that you can get through a week's commute without a charge is going to seal the deal and thought process for many.

The difference in having to recharge mid-route and making a trip without stopping is the tipping point for many who are contemplating electric, and we can definitely agree that the future for all-electric models is arriving fast. The majority of major car brands have pledged to drastically boost their fleet to include all-electric models within the next few years, and with events such as the all-electric eCopo Camaro working wonders on the drag strip during demos this year, all-electric power is going to steadily become less and less a concept derived from the past.

During your test drive don't forget to closely inspect the offerings of the Premier trim: on the current model, it adds roof rails, leather seats, front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera system, ambient interior lighting, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and the rearview mirror camera!

Chevy Bolt Proves Itself as Tucson-area Treasure, Sets Electric-Vehicle Range Record

As we are still poised in the abundantly sunny days of Arizona living, primo driving locations such as Grants Pass are choice locations to put it in gear and go. A very scenic locale to test any car's acceleration and turning ability, it is lined with awesome overlooks, and is a perfect place to catch a cactus-lined sunset. This ruggedly breathtaking creation through the pass was begun in 1883 by Thomas Gates, during a search for a shortcut through the Tucson Mountains. Around 3000 cars a day pass along this site, and a new Chevy Bolt would be a great medium to explore this exciting landmark with.

This plug-in hatchback recently gleaned the huge accomplishment of topping out in the Consumer Reports' Electric-Vehicle Range Record, after beating all other models in a head-to-head test. Around 250 miles on one charge is the achievement, and this is a game-changer of epic proportions for those living in a busy metro such as Tucson. Even If you are driving up to 50 miles a day, you really have some room to feel at ease with in the charge category, which usually takes just above 9 hours. The Consumer Reports Auto Test Center is situated in very rural Connecticut, where there is ample space and terrain types to really see what a car can do when opened up.

This able and savvy team tests around 60 vehicles every year, and drives them tough through a total of about 900,000 miles. The staff of nearly 30 spends a large amount of time doling out track ratings, evaluations, and deep analysis of every car tested. Many publications write about cars that are being loaned to them, but the staff at Consumer Reports makes it a point to purchase every vehicle in question, allowing them full reign to explore the options available, and really put in the hours as far as performance. Each vehicle is taken for an initial 2,000 break-in miles over several weeks, and then layers of testing that explore the car's performance in much more detail are applied.

There are elements of mixed driving in the test, but the majority of it is done at a very constant 65 mph on the highway. All tests are done with the A/C and heater off, and after the tallies have run their course, the Bolt ranks #2 just down the line from the Tesla Model S, which is quite considerably more expensive. Completely re-inventing what an electric vehicle can be, you are going to love how the Bolt can provide on average up to 25 miles of range per hour charge time, and can even use GPS to activate according to preset times. The battery chemistry works hard to enhance heat resistance, allowing the battery to use power to cool it down. With outstanding proportions and details to catch even the most discerning eye, this latest honor for the Bolt will best provide the reason for you to secure your unit, and definitely do so on the double!

Scorching Summer Energy-Saver’s Update: Chevy Bolt EV Arrives on Lots A Month Early

The long-awaited Bolt EV was supposed to go on sale in all 50 states during September of this year, but GM has altered their plans. Head Representative Fred Ligouri confirmed recent reports that the brand new Bolt EV will be released nationally during the scorching late summer month of August.

Drivers in Tucson that have been closely following the world of electric power will have a great reason to be excited: this is one vehicle that even gives Tesla a strong sense of competition. It’s known for being quick on its feet and ultra fun to drive, and it is a 10Best winner to boot.

When you come pay us a visit at Orielly and see just how awesome the Bolt EV is, you’ll be checking out a vehicle that is powered smartly by a floor-mounted battery. It provides lively juice for a 200-horsepower electric motor, which provides a 96 MPGe and a 75-mph highway range measuring in at 190 miles. The cabin is equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and loaded with infotainment goodies such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE WI-fi for your passengers’ surfing contentment.

One glance at the Bolt EV makes it very obvious that this is a move towards a very mass appeal for the electric option, and it is capable of a 200-mile driving range. When you come visit us right here at Orielly, we can check to see if you qualify for a lucrative tax credit, softening the initial pressure of the purchase a bit for you. Car and Driver itself claims that the Bolt EV is “worthy of all the breathless hype that’s been showered on the Tesla Model 3”. During a road test that imitated a long highway road trip, the cruise control was set at 75, and the climate set to maintain a temperature of around 72 degrees.

That wore the battery down in about 190 miles, which is definitely not too bad, considering the state of electric cars just a decade ago. You’ll notice a very distinct level of chassis-tuning: that of the Bolt EV ranks right up there with the Malibu and Cadillac CT6. The steering is clean, the turning is avid, and the ride is just as smooth as you’d wish from an electric counterpart.

The default driving mode is the well-engineered preset that is designed for those who are used to gasoline engines, and there is a small paddle behind the left steering wheel spoke that increases the regenerative braking amount. When it’s held firmly, it can bring the car to a complete stop, and it should be noted that the car has to warm up a bit before it successfully can do this. At around 3500 pounds, the Bolt is heavy for a vehicle this size, but one must understand that it is pretty light for a car housing a battery pack of this type inside. If you need an awesome place to eat after driving, check out Cafe Poca Cosa: a grade A upscale cafe known for very creative flair, and a memorable Arizona stale of prime Mexican cuisine.

Safety features like a backup camera can never come in too handy: they prevent many accidents that can happen if backing up too quickly when you are in a hurry. Once you safely are on your way and engaging the pleasantly hot Tucson pavement, Sport Mode is the setting where you can feel that punchy acceleration off the line, but still leaves the driver with a sense of gutsy grip and control. The observed MPGe number definitely outperforms the Kia Soul EV, and has been deemed in an entirely different league than many other plug-in hybrids. Come see us at Orielly over the late summer months to experience how awesome the Bolt is: the future is already here as far as electric cars go, and is ready to be accessible + widely embraced.