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The 2020 Chevy Bolt raises the bar with a nearly 10 percent boost for the total range. The hatchback, which is also considered as the subcompact crossover, will deliver 260 miles from a single charge. For the vehicle that is only a few years old, these are signs of the big ambition. Still, the competition is tough, and it is growing every day. However, this shows the will of the General Motors to step up and produce more electric, PHEV, and hybrid models.
Bolt is an all-electric vehicle launched in 2017. It is a subcompact model that is using only electric motor as the source of power. The vehicle is built on the BEV II platform and in Europe it appears as Opel Ampera-e. The new model will be mostly unchanged comparing to its predecessor. The only cosmetic change is in the color palette, where we will find two more colors.
2020 Chevy Bolt Range vs Rivals
As we said, there are more and more electric vehicles in the market every season. The 2020 Chevy Bolt steps up with the range boost and puts up some challenges to other EVs. However, it still can’t match the outputs of the Tesla Model 3, but the 24-mile boost will definitely help it to get closer. Tesla’s vehicle can run 310 miles in a single charge in the long-range models, but the base version can do 240 miles. That is almost the same range as the Kia Niro EV. Well, the Korean company also offers hybrid and PHEV configurations.
The 2020 Chevy Bolt is on the same level with Hyundai Kona EV. This model also returns 260 miles. The best-selling EV of all time, Nissan Leaf is out of the league with 225 miles. Still, expect a response from the Japanese carmaker, since they didn’t update their vehicle and its batteries for a while.
Other GM Vehicles Will Also Get Electric Drivetrains
At this point, only Bolt and Volt are pure electric models by Chevy and General Motors. The carmaker is losing the pace with competition in most segments with the lack of hybrid and PHEV models. We can notice that in compact and mid-size SUV classes, where more and more carmakers are launching their models with some kind of electric drivetrains. For example, Toyota Highlander was the only mid-size three-row SUV. Now, we have more of these and Ford launches Explorer PHEV next season. In the compact class all key players are using hybrid drivetrains, but Chevy and GMC are still without such configuration for Equinox and Terrain.
The 2020 Chevy Bolt is a good sign that technology is evolving and the company is paying attention to this segment. In near future, GM needs to launch more hybrids to remain competitive in the market. Until then, Bolt is going to turn attention to EV class.
2020 Chevy Bolt Equipment
LT and Premier are trim levels you can purchase with the 2020 Chevy Bolt. The base model is offering multifunctional steering wheel and various other advanced features. For example, keyless open and start function is there, while you can control the charging process all the time. Standard infotainment system is MyLink with SiriusXM radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a pair of USB ports. For the Premier trim level, GM saves leather upholstery and heated front seats and steering wheel. Also, there are auto-dimming rear camera mirror, warning for side blind zone, and the park assist.
Optionally, you can add Convenience and Confidence package, which is also available with more features as Confidence II. Infotainment suite adds premium audio system by Bose and wireless charging. Fast charging capability is also optional.
Electric Battery Specifications, Charging Times, Range, 0-60
The source of power for the 2020 Chevy Bolt is a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery. It creates 200 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. As said, the range jumps to 260 miles, but this is not a result of larger battery pack installed for the vehicle. Engineers worked on the better cell chemistry and they managed to gain nearly 10 percent of range for the new Bolt. However, other details are not available yet. We believe there will be more improvements.
Current hatchback needs a whole day to recharge on the home outlet. Level 2 chargers will need some upgrades at your home, but the time for a battery refill is cut to 9,5 hours. Special fast-charging stations will do it in 80 mins. The all-electric model will sprint to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, while the top speed is 92 mph.
2020 Chevy Bolt Price
The base model will be available from $37,500, which is not cheap. Premier trim level adds $4,000. However, you will get a tax releases in most states. The savings depend on the policy. For the 2020 Chevy Bolt you also get a 8-year or 100,000 mile warranty, which is a significant boost compared to conventional vehicles.
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