Featured Chevrolet Bolt- 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year

Odds are it won't, simply because Tesla is selling so many cars Perhaps the first few quarters after the release, but not more.

That said, even without the tax credits, I think the Model 3 will do just fine.
The 320i XDrive BMW Sedan is about the same price, most likely slower, and I expect has less room (cargo, passenger, or both).

 

i suspect, with the typical bev purchasers desire for free electrons, tesla et al, will lose a lot of customers if $7,500. goes away.

 

Model 3 will be about 40% less than a similarly equipped model S after the model S has its rebate and the 3 doesn't. That's why there should be a big boost in customers. Many will be happy with the 3's size and capabilities at the lower price. Tesla is ready for the credits to go away. Higher gas prices couldn't hurt ;-)

 

Never forget that the Chevy Vega was once MT COTY.

 

a highly coveted collector car.

 

The Cosworth Vega is.

 

I don't know, it's still a Vega. Isn't that short for Vega-tarian? I'd rather have a meat-eater...

 

i'm a tofu kinda driver.

 

Source: 2017 Bolt EV Could Lose 40% Charge In 8 Years | GM Authority

. . . according to the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV‘s owner’s manual, the brand is preparing owners to accept the fact their vehicles may lose up to 40 percent of its capacity over eight years. That equals out to 143 miles of range should the worst-case scenario come true.

Per the Bolt EV’s owner’s manual:

Like all batteries, the amount of energy that the high voltage “propulsion” battery can store will decrease with time and miles driven. Depending on use, the battery may degrade as little as 10% to as much as 40% of capacity over the warranty period. If there are questions pertaining to battery capacity, a dealer service technician could determine if the vehicle is within parameters.​

. . .
It is worth noting not one Chevrolet Volt battery has been replaced for degradation but were also talking about a full-fledged EV here rather than a PHEV.​

This sounds familiar: General Motors EV1 - Wikipedia

. . . The EV1 program was subsequently discontinued in 2002, and all cars on the road were repossessed. Lessees were not given the option to purchase their cars from GM, which cited parts, service, and liability regulations.[2] . . .​

Preemptive gutting the 2017 Bolt battery range during the warranty period is similar thinking to how GM justified killing the EV1 ... 'parts, service.' Had they said, "10%", no problem, and cited environmental as well a driving style, again no problem. But the "40%" sucker punches the Bolt long term utility. I can see a future class action suit that uses this as exhibit 1 or CARB might decide to use 'end of life' to adjust ZEV credits.

Bob Wilson

 

A Prius driver wasting fuel?

 

Bob, I'm a bit surprised that you, of all people, would slice and dice unconnected quotes in such a way.
GM didn't say "you will loose 40%", they said that is worst case.
They are protecting themselves, as most companies do.
Does the Prime, or i3 warrantee mention battery degradation?

 

i agree that it is a mistake on gm's part. if they are not expecting to see many lose that much, they should just leave it ambiguous like other manufacturers. it's giving me cause for pause, and maybe think about a 3 year lease instead of owning.
i don't really see how any battery could lose 40% in 8 years, what kind of abuse would it have to be subject to?

 

Of course not. Just saying that back in the 60s 70s I'd rather have a Charger than a Vega.

But then today when I use my truck I don't consider it "wasting" fuel. It does things a prius of any kind cant

 

Would a Prius v be a good replacement?

 

Sparkie the Volt is up to 358361 mi. with 125205 mi. of EV and there is no noticeable degradation of the battery according to the owner.

 

Not sure who you are agreeing with, it certainly isn't me
I am always in favor of less ambiguity in warranties (or anything really).

As some of the Arizona 2011 Leaf owners about 40% degradation, it was quite common in the SW the first couple of years of the Leaf.
Since then they have improved the chemistry so it is not as bad.

As John would say, clear setting of expectations is a good thing.
I would expect they are being overly cautious, as they were with the available SOC of the Volt battery, as well as covering all their bases.
If you have someone who uses the car as a taxi, and uses the DC fast charger to bring it to full twice a day, it very well may degrade much quicker.
I believe the GM technology will be at least as good as the Tesla battery management system. In that system most people see about 2% the first year or two, and then about 1% each year after that.

However, all that is a WAG. I don't know what technology GM is using for their battery or battery management system.
With EVs, especially the first BEV from a company, I always recommend leasing

 

It's their second BEV. Remember the EV-1?
GM, Chevron and CARB killed the sole NiMH EV once, will do so again

 

Well, sure, if you go back far enough.
I suspect the battery chemistry and car have very little of the EV1 in them.
I would consider the Bolt a new technology car which is the companies first attempt at in its current form.
As such, I would recomend leasing until it is a more proven technology and build.

 

Zacctly. One could even go so far as to say their first ones were made by their Oldsmobile division in the early 1900's.

"The electric project was put into operation, and several Olds electrics were made and offered for sale. Although dependable and easy to operate, their high selling price limited sales. The lowest model of an Olds electric had a price tag of over $1600. The average yearly wage at the time was $438! Still, Olds saw potential in the electric car, and placed large orders for electric parts and materials"

Outright Oldsmobile! - Early Olds Electrics

 

To tow a camper? No, it wouldn't.