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BOLT 2017: MORE EV RANGE THAN THE TESLA S60 FOR HALF THE PRICE?

This morning, GM finally unveiled some specs about the BOLT at the Detroit Auto Show!

The battery capacity is 60 kWh, exactly the same as the now discontinued Tesla Model S60.

The Tesla Model S60 has an official EPA range of 208 miles (335 KM) and a curb weight of 4407 pounds (1999 KG).

The BOLT’s EPA range is still not known … and GM states that it will be at least 200 miles.

But with the same battery as the Model S60 but with a curb weight of ONLY 3580 pounds (1623 KG), I think it’s possible for the BOLT to get a better EPA rating than the Tesla.  It’s 827 pounds LESS for goodness sake!

Of course, there are other factors… like the drag coefficient.  Tesla’s CX, at 0,24, is the best of cars in production and I don’t think that the BOLT will beat that.

Also, another unknown variable is how much of the BOLT’s battery will be usable.  Will GM be more or less conservative than Tesla?  GM tends to be more conservative, but the BOLT uses a new chemistry, so maybe they can safely use more!

But I think that the BOLT will have a much better real world range, especially at city speed limits, because of its much lower weight.  The Tesla Model S60 might get more range at highway speeds (over 65 mph).

We won’t know before the EPA official numbers are out … but what’s your opinion about this?

There many more technical details on GM MEDIA WEB SITE:

DRIVE UNIT AND BATTERY AT THE HEART OF CHEVROLET BOLT EV

Sylvain Juteau
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Sylvain Juteau

Owner of an EV (actually, I have 3!), I am very passionnate about sustainable development. My biggest desire it for my children to inherit a viable planet. EVs are especially right for Quebec because, with its hydroelectric installations, Quebec has the largest clean energy reserve in the world.
Sylvain Juteau
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3 Comments

Sylvain (Akarius)
  • 2016-01-11 11:20:40
  • Reply
Im sure the real epa rating will be even higher.. so it will beat it
Purple Flash
  • 2016-01-11 12:37:48
  • Reply
The lighter weight will definitely help with efficiency around town. That's great (I like efficient cars!), but around town - where range is highest for any EV - is not where customers typically care about range. With a higher CD and roughly (?) the same frontal area, it will probably be less efficient than the Model S than the Model S on the highway - where range matters most. The EPA rating is a blend of city of highway. Given what we don't know (usable battery, cda, gearing, etc) it's too early to try to call whether the range is higher or not. I like that it's smaller, lighter, and cheaper - the Bolt sounds like a great car around town and there's a decent chance I will get one. However, a Model S is still going to be better for road trips, especially with Superchargers.
Jonathan
  • 2016-01-13 18:28:47
  • Reply
I would spend 10-15K more for a pre-owned Tesla S 60 than that ugly Chevy design. SERIOUSLY! When are traditional auto makers going to realize EVs do not have to look so funky. Tesla wins over even when gas is cheap because it looks great, performs like a beast and supports its customers better than any car manufacturer out there. Anyone who is a "car guy" or "gal" can not swallow this ugly EV pill when gas is cheap...unless it offers more than gas savings. Tesla is worth 10-20K more pre-owned by a mile. Talked myself into an extra 5K after my rant
 

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