Holden helps shape Chevy Bolt electric SUV
JUST hours after the Holden-designed and built show-stopping Buick Avenir Concept made its global debut in Detroit, another Aussie effort from General Motors took centre stage, and this time it’s virtually a production certainty for 2017.
Dubbed the Chevrolet Bolt, the high-riding five-door SUV hatch crossover is an EV Electric Vehicle project, designed to build on the US success of GM’s Volt.
This time around, Holden worked in collaboration with GM’s design and engineering departments in North America and South Korea, though the Bolt was locally built alongside the Avenir Concept at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne.
Interestingly, Holden is just one of two centres in the entire GM network that can design and build a concept car from scratch – the other being Detroit, of course.
So what exactly is the Bolt EV then? And will we see it in Australia?
The verdict is still out on the latter, judging by the dismal sales of the Holden Volt in this country. Just 58 examples were sold here last year.
But the Bolt is a completely different proposition, being purely battery powered (not a petrol-engine range-extender that replenishes the batteries), offering a potential range far exceeding that of some pure EVs such as the current Nissan Leaf (Tesla excepted of course). GM reckons more than 300 kilometres is possible between charging. Impressive.
Such long-range electric capability should be a big Bolt selling point when it enters production in about two years, and GM executive vice president for global product development and former Holden chairman, Mark Reuss, said “…the Bolt breaks the barrier on range anxiety.”
Furthermore, the electric Chevy is designed from the beginning to be more affordable – though exactly what price that will be, nobody knows. For reference - Nissan is having trouble shifting the Leaf at $40,000 – and that’s about $12,000 cheaper than its 2012 launch price.
The Bolt is roughly the size of a Mitsubishi ASX and features advanced lightweight materials such as aluminium, magnesium, carbon fibre and nano-composite; the goal is to keep weight low to maximise range and performance.
GM says the Bolt also pushes buttons when it comes to looks, with a clean, modern interior that maximises space in a small exterior package.
“No compromises were made when it came to aesthetics and the elements that contribute to the Bolt EV concept’s range, resulting in a unique proportion that’s sleek, efficient and obviously a Chevrolet,” according to GM Global Design vice president Ed Welburn.
Thought to be based on an entirely new electrification-ready platform, the Bolt features a full flat floor to better accommodate the lithium-ion battery pack that lies low and flat to ensure lowest-possible centre of gravity.
In concept form the Bolt also makes much of its smartphone compatibility, taking a huge step forward from merely receiving phone calls and reading out text messages.
It offers device-operated locking, vehicle location data, ride-sharing information, and even automatic parking spot finding and self-manoeuvring, allowing the car to park itself then relay its position via a mobile phone.
Whether such tech makes it to the production car is unknown, though GM says such applications aren’t too far away.
The other flights of fancy found in the Detroit show car, such as slim-line seats sitting on aluminium pedestals, full glass panoramic roof and Star Trek Enterprise-like console arrangement, are less likely to appear on the production Bolt.
Chevy's electric SUV will offer a number of different operating modes designed to maximise efficiency.
For instance, a city mode will set a higher ride-height for easier entry, exit amd visibility, while on the highway a more hunkered-down position will improve aerodynamics and stability.
“Drivers will be able to select operating modes designed around preferred driving styles such as daily commuting and spirited weekend cruising, for uncompromising electric driving,” GM stated.
“The modes adjust accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt EV concept is also designed to support DC fast charging.”
With both the Bolt and Avenir concepts, it is clear Holden’s design and engineering teams are rising stars in the GM universe, especially as this is the first time the Aussies were tasked with producing two showcars.
According to GM Australia Design director, Richard Ferlazzo, the Bolt signifies a commitment to both electrification and the Melbourne design centre for GM.
“Bolt EV clearly reflects GM's collaborative approach to global design programs,” he said.
“Our design centre is no longer focused on cars only driven on Australian roads.
“We are a global design centre and as such we have the talent and capability to lead, collaborate and support global programs for international markets such as this.
“The products revealed at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit clearly demonstrate our role within GM Design today and showcases the breadth of talent we have here in Australia, enabling us to work on different vehicles for different brands in different countries.
“We have a strong, hard-earned reputation as a mature and highly experienced design centre, and it’s fantastic to see the result of the team’s hard work on a global stage such as Detroit.”
Would you consider going electric if the EV in question had roots in Australia and wore Bolt badges?
Byron Mathioudakis goauto.com.au
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