It's not just a bigger battery. The MPGe ratings are quite high, so the GM claimed efficiency is higher than the much lighter i3.
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Chevy Bolt - 200 mile range for $30k base price (after incentive)
- Thread starter FredTMC
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It's not just a bigger battery. The MPGe ratings are quite high, so the GM claimed efficiency is higher than the much lighter i3.
Okay, that just seems to make the numbers less believable. So the 3800lbs bolt is only ~7.2% less in city mpge than the 3000lbs i3?! The highway numbers being close, I can get behind due to weight being less of an issue, but the city range?!?!
maybe (in addition to some genuine improvements) they gamed the numbers a little by treating as standard things that would boost range and efficiency, but people really wouldn't want for other sacrifices they cause.
I'm thinking things like very range/efficiency-centric tires and wheels, aggressive regen, and/or different driving modes, like sport, luxury, and standard... with standard being what really would be an eco mode with reduced acceleration, reduced climate control capacity etc, but GM made that the default mode so it would be the one used for the EPA testing?
I'm thinking things like very range/efficiency-centric tires and wheels, aggressive regen, and/or different driving modes, like sport, luxury, and standard... with standard being what really would be an eco mode with reduced acceleration, reduced climate control capacity etc, but GM made that the default mode so it would be the one used for the EPA testing?
The REx option also means wider rear tires, so not all of the efficiency drop is due to weight. I agree with you though that by comparison the Bolt numbers are surprisingly optimistic. Credit to GM if they're true.
diamond.g
Active Member
Eh, no power seats (again) and no NAV option. Sigh. I drive through a lot of cell phone holes out here in the desert so that won't work for me. I need onboard maps.
GM has historically been conservative with their battery range estimates, so I think this will end up being true. I think they get efficiencies out of fewer electronics and a more conservative throttle map. So, no power seats, climate controls that default to "Eco" mode, etc. And they may be allowing more usage of the battery. They have been super conservative on the buffer front, so maybe they feel more confident with their battery tech now.
Chevrolet has a long standing rep when it comes to specs. When Chevy says a number, it's that high or higher.
It has hurt them more than helped them. If they would just lie more, like Nissan, Mazda, Ford, BMW, etc, they would probably have a better image. The public doesn't mind being lied to.
It has hurt them more than helped them. If they would just lie more, like Nissan, Mazda, Ford, BMW, etc, they would probably have a better image. The public doesn't mind being lied to.
Most of Bolts appeal rides on it's range. Don't doubt for a second that GM would not want to 'optimize' for EPA range. Because of high roof Bolt has a lot of interior space and I suspect that heating and cooling will be an issue at the 'Default' setting that EPA tested with.
How stupid to buy a electric chevy sonic at 250% price( 37.5kvs15k)
and top speed 90mph lol
and top speed 90mph lol
RamgeRover
Member
Nonsense. Chevy buyers aren't chomping at the bit to buy a high-performance EV. They're also happy with econobox styling, and the Bolt looks like every other el-cheapo design on the road. Tesla appeals to a different market segment, one that the pocket-protector boys at GM do not have a clue about. Tesla will eat Chevy alive.
Breezy
Member
I think some people underestimate the degree of awareness around Tesla. When Tesla does something, anything, it's covered in mainstream news reports.
I would argue that while Chevrolet is well known in general, it is not particularly well known with regard to EVs. I think that for most people today EV = Tesla.
Awareness around the Bolt specifically seems to be comparatively low. At least in my circles, nearly every discussion about electric cars includes discussion of Tesla.
I would argue that while Chevrolet is well known in general, it is not particularly well known with regard to EVs. I think that for most people today EV = Tesla.
Awareness around the Bolt specifically seems to be comparatively low. At least in my circles, nearly every discussion about electric cars includes discussion of Tesla.
The Bolt wasn't designed by a "pocket-protector boy", but rather an accomplished SCCA racer.
"Riding shotgun with me with me on public roads north of The Palace of Auburn Hills was Bolt chief engineer Josh Tavel, a testament to the fact that Chevy’s Bolt ambitions go way beyond high mileage numbers.
An amateur race-driver who worked on GM’s Alpha platform — the athletic bones on which the Cadillac ATS and Camaro sit — the 37-year old knows a thing or two about performance. And he has brought it to the Bolt.
Behind the wheel in Rochester Hills, my aggressive driving gets plenty of encouragement from Tavel. I throw the road-hugging Bolt into a 90-degree right-hander, tires screaming, then flatten the throttle on exit. Try this in a 250-horse Ford Focus ST and the torque-steer will rip the steering wheel from your hands. Not the Bolt. Tavel’s team has dialed out torque-steer with careful programming.
The level of detail in the Bolt impresses: roomy enough for a soccer mom, yet enough pop to keep demon dad happy."
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/henry-payne/2016/09/13/90291548/
And best of all? It will be available by the end of THIS YEAR.
If he is so much into high performance - why did he design Bolt as a front wheel drive only?
If personal experience reflects on the design, as the article suggests, than I suspect he also likes to watch reruns of Transformers 2.
even there are a lot GM employers in this thread
I need say it again
GM thought customers are DUMB???
buy a electric chevy sonic at 250% price( 37.5kvs15k)
top speed 90mph
horsepower less than 120hp
I need say it again
GM thought customers are DUMB???
buy a electric chevy sonic at 250% price( 37.5kvs15k)
top speed 90mph
horsepower less than 120hp
twonius
Member
Credit where credits due. This will be a really smart lease option when it comes out.
Considering how many times you'll actually need to fast charge, the extra 30 minutes to an hour every couple weeks really not that big of a deal.
It'll be interesting to see if the NAV will route though DC chargers like Tesla or if you'll be on your own to figure that out.
Sincerely
A Model S owner who makes poor financial decisions.
Considering how many times you'll actually need to fast charge, the extra 30 minutes to an hour every couple weeks really not that big of a deal.
It'll be interesting to see if the NAV will route though DC chargers like Tesla or if you'll be on your own to figure that out.
Sincerely
A Model S owner who makes poor financial decisions.
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Bro1999, you're arguing with a wall. Most the folk in this thread don't race, and they think Chevrolets are 1956 Bel Airs.
They haven't a clue how a Chevy handles, their real MPG, their real acceleration, their real reliability.
They don't know performance.
They haven't a clue how a Chevy handles, their real MPG, their real acceleration, their real reliability.
They don't know performance.
He may be the chief engineer, but it doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants. There are those pesky C-level people he has to listen to.
Plus, I really doubt the Bolt's powertrain will be used just for the Bolt EV. Lots of other FWD vehicles you could shove the Bolt's powertrain in...like I dunno, a good chunk of GM's lineup.
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