For Release: Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, 4 p.m. EST
2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Sets Benchmark for EV Design
LAS VEGAS – As Chevrolet’s first ground-up, long-range electric vehicle, the 2017
Bolt EV offered designers unprecedented freedom, resulting in a vehicle that
crosses boundaries and challenges expectations in the electric vehicle (EV)
segment.
“We were given a blank canvas – a rare opportunity with a unique platform to
recast EV design for customers across the spectrum,” said Stuart Norris, managing
director of Design. “The team answered the challenge with a progressive design
distinguished by dramatic graphics and exceptional passenger space.”
The Bolt EV’s styling centers on its unique proportion, which is driven by a flat
battery pack mounted beneath the interior floor. A 102.4-inch wheelbase and wide
track give it a solid stance and the look of a small crossover. A short front overhang
indicates that driving power comes from next-generation technology.
The large windows, plunging beltline and steeply raked windshield contribute to the
progressive profile and emphasize the interior’s spaciousness and bright airy feel.
The large greenhouse offers a panoramic view from upright, SUV-like seating
positions. The rear-window glass extends all the way to the license plate and
integrates with LED taillamps on the liftgate. By integrating the taillamps into the
full-width liftgate, the Bolt EV’s architecture enables a wide opening that makes it
easier to slide boxes and other items in and out of the vehicle.
LED headlamps wrap around the forward edge of the front fascia, creating an
aggressive character. The signature Chevrolet dual-element grille has been
reimagined and features a smooth, clean and integrated design incorporating
graphics with depth and a three-dimensional quality. It is offered with two
signature colors, harmonized with the exterior color choices.
Functional, spacious interior
Due to the packaging of the battery pack, the Bolt EV interior offers seating for five
passengers and 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.
“The flat-pack orientation offered the flexibility to make the most of the proportions
while creating a clean, sculpted design,” said Norris. “This really opened up the
interior and created a fantastic view from every seating position. All of this
additional space gave us a lot of opportunities to play with creative design and
storage solutions.”
A “floating” instrument panel, for example, features a 10.2-inch-diagonal
capacitive-touch control screen which creates a horizontal feel to the interior.
Maximizing knee room and cross-vehicle spaciousness.
Additionally, a multipurpose, connected center console features side-by-side
cupholders, a wireless charging location and a sliding armrest covering a storage
compartment large enough to store a tablet device.
In the rear, the Bolt EV’s 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space is more than offered in the
Honda Fit (16.6 cubic feet) and the BMW i3 (15.1 cubic feet).
Artful engineering solutions complement the practical use of space, with features
such as thin-frame seats that enhance rear-seat roominess. The seats also
incorporate the side air bag modules as design elements.
The interior is offered in a fresh, bright color palette that emphasizes the open
passenger environment – with signature-color Electrification blue ambient lighting
emanating from beneath metallic white decorative trim.
“The Bolt EV’s design elements are designed for everyday life and the space inside
accommodates it all, whether you and your friends go shopping for the day or take
off for the weekend,” said Norris. “Inside and out, this game-changing vehicle
makes a dramatic statement with a distinctive identity that can only be a Chevy
and challenges expectations for what an affordable EV can offer.”
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV goes into production in late 2016.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing
business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year.
Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging
performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and
easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found
at www.chevrolet.com.
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CONTACT:
Michelle Malcho
Chevrolet Communications
313-815-3345
michelle.malcho@gm.com