5 Reasons Why the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Might Just Be the Best in its Class [Price, Release Date, Specs and Review]

• comments
• 
• 

Amid claims that Chevrolet's venturing out on the EV market as a mere federal regulation compliance with the production of such vehicles as the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Michigan-based automaker is standing by to their conviction of meeting a 50,000 production demand, if need be.

"You can look at the car, and you can buy it just because you love the car as well as the fact that it has a 200-mile electric range," GM CEO Mary Barra told Slate. "This wasn't a compliance play."

Here are some of the reasons that could bolster the GM exec's claim and prove why the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV might just be the best in its class upon its release date sometime at the latter part of 2016.

Long-Range and Raw Power

The new Bolt EV is touted as the king of EVs in terms of range beating out the rest with its 200-mile range per charge capability, CheatSheet stated. As for its power specs, it is equipped with a a 60 kWh battery pack to deliver 200 horsepower and 266 pounds-feet of torque that can pull off an acceleration of 60 miles per hour from zero in just under 7 seconds.

Fast-Charging Capability

Edmunds noted that the new Chevy vehicle can cover a distance of 50 miles for a charge of less than a couple of hours. An optional DC Fast Charging system can also recharge the Bolt EV's battery for up to 90 miles of range in 30 minutes. Chevrolet said that its higher-voltage system can provide up to an average of 25 miles of range per hour of charge and can be fully-charged in 9 hours.

Value for Money

For an estimated price of as low as $30,000 after federal tax credit of as much as $7,500, the Bolt could just offer the most bang for the buck in the electric vehicles class, notwithstanding falling gas prices.

"General Motors new Chevrolet Bolt is the first long-range electric car that real people can afford to buy," wrote Forbes in its review. "The Bolt is virtually guaranteed to be a winner, even if it turns out there's not much demand from retail buyers."

Safety Features

Chevrolet is adhering to its safety protocols of "Prevent, Protect and Respond." In order to help prevent collision, Chevrolet employs Stabilitrak Electronic Stability Control System for low-traction driving conditions and other preventive safety features, such as Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Forward Safety Awareness.

In the case of a collision, Chevrolet utilizes high-strength steel in the construction of their vehicles for maximum protection, as well as 10 standard air bags. The vehicle is also equipped with built-in sensors that makes use of GPS technology for asking an emergency response when needed.

Infotainment And Tech Features

The Chevy vehicle also comes with some of the latest tech features like the interactive, standard 10.2-inch diagonal tablet-like display. It is especially useful in getting directions and other entertainment functions. The interior features also include Apple CarPlay support and Android Auto connect that makes it all the more easier to integrate your smartphone with your vehicle.