The Chevrolet Bolt EV was named 2018 Green Vehicle of the Year during the 2018 Auto123.com Awards ceremony, held this past November 22nd in Toronto. It beat out the two other finalists in the category, the Hyundai IONIQ and the Kia Niro.
Automotive giant General Motors hit the bullseye with this well-conceived car, which offers a range of over 350 km in optimal conditions and delivers at the same time an impressive driving experience for such a practical-minded, ecologically-conscious vehicle. Equipped with a 200-hp electric motor able to produce 266 lb-ft of torque, the Bolt EV can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under seven seconds. What’s more, it proves nimble and responsive on the road, thanks to a smartly-calibrated suspension that hits the sweet spot straddling comfort and sporty handling.
Interesting detail: simply pulling on the paddle on the steering wheel slows the car down without having to touch the brake pedal. This little function helps convert energy into electricity and redirect it to the battery. Charging takes about nine hours on a 240-volt station, although when plugging into a direct-current quick-charge station, you need just 30 minutes to give the car a range of 145 km.
Inside, two colour touchscreens with attractive menus provide the driver with a ton of relevant information regarding the current battery charge, estimated remaining range, charging parameters and climate control functions, among others. One is a 10-inch screen in the centre of the ultra-modern dashboard, the other an 8-inch screen placed behind the steering wheel. There’s also the OnStar assistance service and wireless 4G LTE technology.
The ample amount of tech is matched by a fair amount of comfort for five people. As for cargo, up to 1,603 litres can be placed in the trunk once the rear seats are folded down.
What Chevrolet has to say about its Bolt EV…
“Go from work hours to after hours without compromise, thanks to up to 383 kilometres of range on a full charge. Not only can you go where you want, but the Chevrolet Bolt EV makes it fun to get there. From the beautifully-sculpted exterior to its impressive performance, you’re in for an exceptional driving experience. Plus, with an incredibly spacious interior and the advanced technology, you could say Bolt EV is everything you want in an everyday car.”
To learn more, check out our latest Chevrolet Bolt EV review and consult its specifications. Plus take a moment to admire it in our photo gallery included here!
