GM at Shanghai Motor Show changes Bolt EV range

[gmvoltguy]

Sounds like GM has adjusted their Bolt EV range numbers, from 200+ miles to a maximum range of 320 kms (which is 198.8 miles, and since it's the maximum, that indicates under optimum conditions - sunny day, flat road, 30mph?)

Found this on InsideEvs.com (http://insideevs.com/maximum-range-chevrolet-bolt-less-200-miles/):

It was 2 months ago when General Motors made this announcement related to the Chevrolet Bolt:

“Leveraging the industry-leading battery technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept was developed as a game-changing, long-range pure electric for all 50 states, designed to offer more than a GM-estimated 200 miles of range at a target price of around $30,000.”

That “more than a GM-estimated 200 miles of range” is now “a maximum range of 320 km,” or 198.8 miles.

“Lightweight materials – including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and woven mesh – add to the design while keeping down the curb weight to give the Bolt a maximum range of 320 km.”

The latest Bolt EV range announcement comes to us from Shanghai, where General Motors is showing off a bevy of plug in vehicles, including the all-new Cadillac CT6 PHEV.

You may be thinking that dropping from 200 miles to 198.8 is no big deal. However, if we examine how it’s worded, then there’s a significant change. Maximum range implies ideal circumstances. For example, the current Nissan LEAF has a maximum range, as stated by Nissan, of “up to 124 miles:”

“SO HOW FAR CAN I GO? Every full charge will give you a range of up to 124 miles.”

Yet the LEAF is rated at 84 miles of range, per the EPA, or 40 miles less than the max. If we speculate that a similar formula would apply to the Bolt EV, then maybe its EPA-rated range will be more in the 150-160 mile range, or well short of the “GM-estimated 200 miles of range.”

Is the 200-mile, affordable electric car not actually reality? Maybe 150 miles at an attractive price is what we should expect.

Full press release from Shanghai for the Chevy Bolt EV Forum:

Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept

The Bolt EV concept had its global premiere at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is a game-changing electric vehicle that signals Chevrolet’s commitment to bring electrification to today’s consumer with unexpected functionality, technology and crossover proportions.

It features Chevrolet’s classic dual-cockpit styling, while uniquely integrating user-friendly technology to offer a worry-free, delightful driving experience. Lightweight materials – including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and woven mesh – add to the design while keeping down the curb weight to give the Bolt a maximum range of 320 km.

Drivers will be able to select operating modes designed around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and spirited weekend cruising, for uncompromising electric driving. The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept is also designed to support DC fast charging.

The model’s technological intuitiveness can be accessed via a smartphone with the concept Bolt EV Connect app. This is designed to allow a smartphone to perform as the key fob, allow ride-sharing management, and incorporate the concept automatic park-and-retrieval technology to enable the Bolt EV concept to park itself.

 

[sam]

I'm waiting for real-time reviews in regards to mileage and range from the Chevy Bolt as this information tends to change from article to article

 

[SeanNelson]

Sounds like GM has adjusted their Bolt EV range numbers, from 200+ miles to a maximum range of 320 kms (which is 198.8 miles, and since it's the maximum, that indicates under optimum conditions - sunny day, flat road, 30mph?)

First of all, this is a really old thread.

Secondly, this is just standard imperial to metric conversion. Everywhere but the US uses metric, and when you announce things there you do the announcement in metric. And when you do that for a car whose range hasn't been published or verified by the EPA, you don't use exact numbers - instead you use phrases like "at least 200 miles". When that gets converted to metric, it doesn't get converted to "321.869 kilometres", because a number that precise implies more certainty that really exists. So they translate it to "at least 320 kilometres". It doesn't mean they now think it has less range, it means that the number is an estimate. GM has never given an exact figure, and the 320km is no more exact than the 200 miles is.

We'll have to wait for the official announcement before we have anything more accurate.

 

[NeilBlanchard]

It also is heavily dependent on what test is used.

 

[mark111]

Now it is getting highly confused. Are they gonna claim a different range every few months?

 

[SeanNelson]

Now it is getting highly confused. Are they gonna claim a different range every few months?

Please re-read my post above. They are NOT claiming a different range. They have always claimed "better than 200 miles". That has never changed.