The Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh, announced on September 13, 2016, and released in 2017, marked a significant milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Known for its affordability, practicality, and impressive range, the Bolt EV brought electric mobility to a wider audience. Despite being discontinued, its impact on the EV landscape remains profound. This article delves into the key specifications and features that made the Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh a game-changer.
See also: Cadillac Escalade IQ
Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | Announced: 2016, September 13; Released: 2017 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Power | FWD 150 kW (200 hp) |
| Torque | 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) |
| Acceleration | 6.5 sec 0-60 mph |
| Max Speed | 145 km/h (90 mph) |
| Battery Capacity | 60 kWh usable |
| Battery Technology | Liquid-cooled Li-ion 350V |
| Range | 383 km EPA |
| Energy Consumption | 17.4 kWh/100 km EPA |
| Recuperation | Yes |
| Heat Pump | Yes |
| AC Charging | Up to 11 kW |
| DC Charging | Up to 55 kW |
| Body Type | 5 door Hatchback, 5 seats |
| Platform | BEV2 |
| Dimensions | 4166 x 1765 x 1594 mm (164.0 x 69.5 x 62.8 in) |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.32 Cd |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 152 mm (6.0 in) |
| Weight | 1616 kg curb (US) |
| Suspension | Front Independent MacPherson strut-type with direct-acting solid stabilizer bar, rear Compound crank (torsion beam) with coil springs |
| Wheels | R17 |
| Trunk Capacity | 479 l, 1603 l max (US) |
| Frunk | No |
| Towing Capacity | No |
| Displays | 10.2″ touchscreen (center), 8″ driver’s display |
| Comfort | Heated front seats |
| Roof | Panoramic glass roof, tilt & slide |
| Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera |
| Connectivity | Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Safety | Front, side, rear, head airbag system, front seats knee airbags; Front radar, front camera, 2 side cameras, rear camera; Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Road Sign detection, High-Beam Assist, Driver Attention System, Vehicle Ahead Indicator |
Performance
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh set new standards for performance in the electric vehicle segment. Equipped with a front-wheel-drive system that delivers 150 kW (200 hp) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque, the Bolt EV provides a spirited driving experience. Its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds makes it one of the quicker EVs in its class, while the top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph) ensures it is more than capable of highway driving.
The Bolt EV’s performance is further enhanced by its advanced suspension system. The front independent MacPherson strut-type suspension with a direct-acting solid stabilizer bar provides excellent handling and stability, while the rear compound crank (torsion beam) with coil springs ensures a smooth and comfortable ride. The R17 wheels add to its robust performance, offering both durability and style.
Battery and Charging
At the heart of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh is its advanced battery system. The 60 kWh usable capacity, supported by liquid-cooled lithium-ion technology operating at 350 volts, delivers an impressive EPA-estimated range of 383 km (238 miles). This range makes the Bolt EV an ideal choice for both daily commutes and longer journeys, reducing the need for frequent recharging.
Charging the Bolt EV is designed to be both convenient and efficient. It supports AC charging up to 11 kW, which allows for quick home or public charging station top-ups. For longer trips, the vehicle’s DC fast charging capability of up to 55 kW ensures that you can quickly replenish the battery, minimizing downtime during long drives. The inclusion of recuperation and a heat pump further optimizes energy efficiency, helping to extend the vehicle’s range and maintain battery health.
Design and Dimensions
The design of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh blends practicality with modern aesthetics. As a 5-door hatchback, it offers easy access and ample interior space, making it suitable for families and individuals alike. The vehicle’s dimensions of 4166 x 1765 x 1594 mm (164.0 x 69.5 x 62.8 in) provide a compact footprint that is easy to maneuver in urban environments, while the 2600 mm (102.4 in) wheelbase ensures stability and a comfortable ride.
The Bolt EV’s aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd, enhances its efficiency and performance. The ground clearance of 152 mm (6.0 in) strikes a balance between accessibility and road presence, allowing for confident driving on various terrains. The vehicle’s weight of 1616 kg curb (US) contributes to its stability and handling, ensuring a smooth and controlled driving experience.
The interior of the Bolt EV is designed for both comfort and utility. The trunk capacity of 479 liters, expandable to 1603 liters with the rear seats folded down, offers ample storage space for luggage, groceries, and other items. Although the vehicle does not have a frunk, the available cargo space is more than sufficient for most needs.
Infotainment and Displays
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh features a state-of-the-art infotainment system that keeps drivers and passengers connected and entertained. The centerpiece of the system is a 10.2-inch touchscreen located in the center of the dashboard. This high-resolution display provides easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings, ensuring that essential information is always within reach.
The driver’s 8-inch display offers a customizable interface that provides key driving information such as speed, range, and energy consumption. This display enhances the driving experience by keeping the driver informed and engaged without causing distraction.
Connectivity is a key feature of the Bolt EV’s infotainment system. The vehicle supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with smartphones for access to apps, music, and more. This connectivity ensures that drivers can stay connected and entertained while on the road, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort and convenience are at the forefront of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh’s design. The vehicle’s interior is equipped with heated front seats, providing warmth and comfort during colder months. The panoramic glass roof, with tilt and slide functionality, allows natural light to flood the cabin, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. This feature also provides ventilation, enhancing the comfort of all occupants.
Parking and maneuvering the Bolt EV is made easy with advanced parking aids. The vehicle is equipped with front and rear sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a reversing camera, all of which help the driver navigate tight spaces and avoid obstacles. These features ensure that parking is both safe and convenient, even in challenging conditions.
The Bolt EV’s climate control system maintains a comfortable cabin environment regardless of the weather outside. The inclusion of a heat pump enhances the efficiency of the climate control system, ensuring that the interior remains comfortable while minimizing energy consumption.
Safety Features
Safety is a paramount concern in the design of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh. The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive airbag system that includes front, side, rear, and head airbags, as well as front seats knee airbags. This extensive airbag coverage provides protection for all occupants in the event of a collision.
The Bolt EV’s suite of driving aids further enhances safety by helping to prevent accidents before they occur. Front radar, a front camera, two side cameras, and a rear camera provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, ensuring that the driver is always aware of potential hazards. Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning help to prevent collisions by alerting the driver to potential dangers and assisting with corrective actions.
Additional safety features include Lane Keep Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Lane Change Alert, which help to prevent accidents during lane changes and highway driving. Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking provide added protection by automatically applying the brakes when a collision is imminent. Road Sign Detection, High-Beam Assist, and a Driver Attention System further enhance safety by providing the driver with important information and assistance.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh has left a lasting legacy in the electric vehicle market. As one of the first affordable long-range EVs, it demonstrated that electric vehicles could be practical, efficient, and enjoyable to drive. Its impressive range, advanced battery technology, and comprehensive safety features set a new standard for what electric vehicles could achieve.
The Bolt EV proved that transitioning to electric mobility does not require sacrificing performance or convenience. With its powerful motor, rapid acceleration, and responsive handling, the Bolt EV offered a driving experience comparable to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Its efficient battery and charging systems addressed range anxiety and made long-distance travel feasible.
Design-wise, the Bolt EV combined modern aesthetics with practical functionality. Its compact size and spacious interior made it suitable for urban environments and families alike. The inclusion of advanced infotainment and connectivity features ensured that drivers and passengers remained connected and entertained.
Safety was a key focus for the Bolt EV, with a comprehensive suite of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems providing peace of mind. These features not only protected occupants in the event of a collision but also helped to prevent accidents through proactive alerts and interventions.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh paved the way for future electric vehicles by demonstrating that they could be both affordable and capable. Its influence is seen in the growing number of electric vehicles that offer longer ranges, advanced features, and competitive pricing. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the legacy of the Bolt EV will be remembered as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of electric mobility. Its success has inspired automakers to innovate and push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for transportation.
