I think it remains little question as to what 2016s biggest automotive story of the year will be. It has to be the Tesla Model 3.
No ands, ifs or buts.
Elon Musk's dog and pony show displayed a working concept of a vehicle that garnered enough interest for about 400,000 people to put down $1,000 of their hard-earned money. I don't think I've heard of such madness for an automobile since the original Ford Mustang that buyers couldn't get enough of.
While Musk is still ironing out his SpaceX implosion we're anticipating the characteristic delay of the Model 3. We could be wrong but the ongoing theme with Tesla is that the company cannot stick to a deadline.
General Motors' Chevrolet division, on the other hand, is doing some public relations work around its Model 3 competitor, the Bolt. In a new release today, Chevrolet makes it clear that the all-new Chevrolet electric vehicle will be capable of 238 miles on a single charge.
This bests the Model 3's claimed 215 miles per charge. But considering the vehicle doesn't actually exist in production trim take that with a grain of salt. In addition, we are left wondering: Does it even matter it has slightly better range?
Tesla has unprecedented momentum, its buyers are committed and the extra 23 miles per charge is not a significant enough margin to sway buyers — at least that's what I think. Having said that, we're curious:
Does it even matter if the Bolt can do 238 miles per charge? What say you, Spies?
Chevrolet's press release follows:
BOLT EV OFFERS 238 MILES OF RANGE
DETROIT – Chevrolet promised to offer the first affordable electric vehicle with 200 miles or more of range and will exceed those expectations when the 2017 Bolt EV goes on sale later this year. With the vehicle’s EPA-estimated range of 238 miles, owners can expect to go beyond their average daily driving needs — with plenty of range to spare — in the 2017 Bolt EV when charging regularly.
“Chevrolet showed the world the production version Bolt EV earlier this year and in a few short months we’ve moved from that vision to a reality,” said GM North America President Alan Batey. “The Bolt EV is a game changer for the electric car segment and it will start to become available at Chevrolet dealerships later this year.”
Bolt EV buyers won’t be able to find a better value for an all-electric, thrill-inducing ride with an expected MSRP below $37,500 and before available federal tax credit of up to $7,500*. Plenty of range, cargo space, technology and safety features make the Bolt EV a great package for any driver.
“While range is important, we knew Bolt EV owners would want more — more space and more power — and the Bolt EV delivers,” said Bolt EV Chief Engineer Josh Tavel. “Our team took special pride in optimizing every aspect of this vehicle, especially its impressive range and ride dynamics.”
When the Bolt EV arrives at select Chevrolet dealerships in late 2016, Chevrolet will offer a flavor of electrification to meet any customer’s needs. Whether it’s the pure electric Bolt EV, the Chevrolet Volt or the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet dealerships are full of affordable options for an efficient and engaging driving experience. More information on the Chevrolet electric family and the benefits of driving electric can be found at ChevyEVlife.com.
*Final Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price not yet announced and does not include, tax, title, license or optional equipment. Actual savings from the federal government depend on individual tax situations.