Chevrolet has revealed the all-new, all-electric Bolt hatchback at the Consumer Electronics Show 2016 in Las Vegas. The car is the company’s first dedicated EV model since the EV1, which went out of production way back in 1999.
The Bolt shares much of its styling with its concept namesake that was revealed in January 2015. The changes in design include a larger grille flanked by more conventional headlamps with LED elements, revised bumpers and tail-gate and blacked out wing mirrors and C-pillars.
The Bolt is based on a new front-wheel-drive platform structure and uses the same lithium-ion battery technology as the second-generation Chevrolet Volt, providing it with a claimed zero-emission range of over 320km.
Inside, the production Bolt gets a dual-tone interior with a dashboard dominated by a centrally located 10.2-inch MyLink infotainment system which as per the company offers a "customisable, widget-based 'flip-board style' operation", a surround view system that allows the driver to get a bird's-eye view of the car's surrounding, a wireless smartphone charger and an EV-specific navigation system with locations of charging stations. The car also comes with a new MyChevrolet mobile app that allows users to remotely control specific functions along with providing services such as OnStar mapping service, vehicle charge status and service scheduling.
"The Bolt EV is capable of using the latest mobile app technology to enable car sharing, advanced GPS routing and gamification, all designed to enhance the ownership experience, now and into the future," said General Motors boss Mary Barra at the car's unveiling.
The American automaker, however, did not reveal specifications of the car's powertrain, but details are expected when the car makes its public debut at the Detroit motor show later this month.
The all-new Bolt will be manufactured at General Motor’s Orion facility near Detroit which is currently being upgraded to handle the model’s production. The Bolt will rival the likes of the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 in international markets when launched.