Chevy pulled the curtain back on its new all-electric “Bolt” concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Monday, where the first details hinted at some tough competition in store for the future electric vehicle market.
The hatchback boasts an impressive range of more than 200 miles on a single charge according to General Motors, and is expected to retail at a target price of around $30,000 — significantly lower than the market leading Tesla Model S ($70,000-base), BMW’s i3 ($42,000) and around the same price as the Nissan Leaf ($29,000).
The Bolt will come equipped with the latest in popular electric features including DC fast charging (GM did not reveal the time required for a full charge) a 10-inch dashboard touchscreen, smartphone accessibility and self-parking.
“The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” General Motors CEO Mary Barra said in a Monday press release. “Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.”
The Wall Street Journal reports the Bolt will go on sale in 2017 — the same year Tesla is expected to release it’s $35,000 Model 3, the company’s most-affordable forthcoming car.