EPA

GM will have at least a year advantage to make a case for the Chevrolet Bolt. Will it be enough to convince EV fans?

The big automotive news since the beginning of this month has been all about the Tesla Model 3, the next vehicle coming from America’s electric car manufacturer.

On March 31, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a prototype of the compact sedan and immediately tens of thousands of people placed $1,000 refundable deposits on a car that won’t arrive until late 2017 at the earliest.

By late last week, the so-called pre-orders (advanced orders) totaled 325,000 and included early adopters from around the world. That’s a staggering number of people demonstrating interest in a car some believe will help make electric vehicles mainstream within the next few years.

Although Tesla is receiving much-deserved press, perhaps the attention should now turn to GM and what this company is doing to bring electric vehicles to the masses.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt

Indeed, the Chevrolet Bolt is on its way and will arrive on the market before 2016 comes to a close — a full year before the Tesla Model 3 arrives. For this reason alone, the Bolt is worth discussing.

Furthermore, there is a very good chance the Model 3 will miss its target date — we’ve heard Musk set ambitious goals in the past, only to delay them by months, if not years. Witness the long wait for the Tesla Model X SUV, arriving on the market more than two years after Musk promised.

Mainstream Electric Vehicles

Both the Chevrolet Bolt and the Tesla Model 3 will do something that no other electric vehicle has done thus far, including the groundbreaking Nissan Leaf. Specifically, range anxiety, an important detriment to consumer consideration, will be largely alleviated thanks to improvements in battery technologies.

In fact, GM promises 200 miles of range for the Bolt or about twice the distance of the Nissan Leaf’s current limits. Similarly, the new Tesla will deliver a projected 215 miles of electric driving. That both vehicles are priced in the $35,000 to $38,000 range is important too — with federal and state incentives available to qualified buyers, the two models may parallel the cost of buying a similar gasoline-powered model.

Electric Vehicle Proviso

Before we become all giddy about electric vehicle mainstreaming it is important to note one highly significant caveat — the range numbers are realized when an electric vehicle is operated in optimum weather conditions, such as at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. At the extremes, especially in sub-freezing driving, vehicle range may fall dramatically.

For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that fuel economy for hybrid electric vehicles “…can drop about 31% to 34%…” under extreme conditions. Given that hybrids and electric vehicles share similar battery componentry, that 200-mile range may fall to 130 miles.

That’s still better than the range limits for today’s crop of mainstream electric vehicles, nevertheless it is a constitutive matter that should not be easily dismissed.

On Closer Inspection

As for the Chevrolet Bolt, what we have here is a five-passenger, front-wheel drive five-door compact electric vehicle. Its battery, motor, and drive unit will be manufactured in Incheon, Korea. Final assembly will take place in Orion Township, Michigan.

The Bolt’s battery system is composed of a rechargeable storage system comprised of multiple linked modules. The 60-kilowatt lithium-ion system contains 288 cells. As for the drive system, a single permanent magnetic drive motor and gear set will be utilized.

In all, the Bolt should provide 200 miles of electric driving range, make 200 horsepower with an output of 266 foot-pounds of torque. This model’s 0-to-60 mph time should come in at just under 7 seconds with a top speed of 91 mph.

Taking long trips with an electric vehicle means finding a public charging station and making the connection. Although a 240-volt connection adds 50 miles of range in under two hours, customers will be on the hunt for an SAE combo DC fast charge connection, what adds 90 miles in about 30 minutes. That’s long enough for most people to take a meal break before continuing on with their journey.

Tesla Model 3 Advantages

Some people have argued that the Tesla Model 3 has several advantages over the Bolt, including its slightly longer range as well as the free Tesla charging network. Certainly, an estimated 15-mile range advantage is welcome, but it isn’t significantly better than what the Bolt should deliver.

And as for connecting to the Tesla supercharger network, Model 3 owners will have access. What isn’t known yet is whether they’ll have to pay for it points out Teslarati. With far more customers queuing to tap the network, imagine the lines that may form in some places, especially in car-crazy California.

Fully Revealed Bolt

Another matter not settled with the Model 3 is what the interior will look like. Tesla’s introduction focused on the vehicle’s exterior (sans grille) and provided only a cursory examination of the cabin. Musk took to Twitter in the days following the big unveiling and addressed those concerns, noting that a followup reveal will show what the automaker has in mind.

As for the Bolt, GM has revealed several things about this EV, especially from a technology standpoint.

Specifically, the Bolt will feature a 10.2-inch Chevrolet MyLink color touchscreen display. GM describes it as a customizable, widget-based with a flip-board style operation.

A rear view camera will be standard, but what may be most fascinating is “surround vision” providing a bird’s-eye view of what’s around the Bolt, a safety advantage realized when driving at low speeds as well as when parking.

App, Navigation, and Gamification

Chevrolet Bolt owners will also have access to the MyChevrolet Mobile App, proving owner and vehicle information and functions, including remote start, vehicle charge status, cabin pre-conditioning, and other features.

To aid drivers as they search for charging stations, the Bolt’s navigation system will be geared toward finding the most efficient routes and provide locations of nearby charging stations, if needed. And in acknowledging the growth of vehicle connectivity and “gamification,” Bolt owners will eventually be able to “compete” with each other by comparing driving styles, including identifying who is the most efficient. That feature won’t become available until sometime after the Bolt arrives.

Chevrolet v. Tesla

GM is a pioneer in electric vehicles, although its 1990s EV-1 never made it into full production. Introducing its plug-in hybrid electric Chevrolet Volt in 2011 has given this automaker an important advantage over most other traditional automakers.

On the other hand, Tesla Motors is the industry’s disruptive force and so far is winning the hearts and minds of the media, the people who plan to buy the Model 3, as well as individuals who might never have considered an EV in the past, but are intrigued by all things Tesla. GM will have at least a year’s lead time to make a case for the Chevrolet Bolt for what may very well be the most important product introduction of our day.

See Also — Give Me a “B” for Chevrolet Bolt

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company and Tesla Motors.

What are the most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2016? Our list excludes electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles, and features 10 models each averaging a combined 40 mpg.

With gas prices at or near the lowest levels we have seen this century, fuel efficiency concerns have been placed on a back burner. Currently, consumers are flocking to SUVs and pickup trucks in greater numbers, with sales of subcompact and compact car models taking a significant hit.

Although fuel economy may not be a preeminent concern for most new car shoppers, for those people who comprehend the vagaries of oil prices, they know efficiency still matters in the long run. To that end, we’ve explored current data supplied by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine the top 10 fuel-efficient cars of 2016. However, our list excludes electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, models beyond the cost consideration of the average new car buyer.

No. 1 — Toyota Prius

Should there be any surprise that the Toyota Prius is at the top of this list? Perhaps the surprise here is that the traditional Prius, not the subcompact “c” or the versatile “v” were able to beat out this model — review the No. 2 and No. 7 positions and you’ll discover where the other Prius models landed.

The most efficient Toyota Prius is EPA-rated at 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway for a combined 56 mpg. This model comes with a lithium-ion battery pack, although the traditional nickel metal hydride pack can be selected instead. Models equipped with the latter make 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway for a combined 52 mpg.

No. 2 — Toyota Prius c

Although the Toyota Prius c (for compact) technically seats five like its larger brother, its cabin is smaller and passenger space is much more limited. But it is also a budget pleaser, coming in at under $20,000 for the base model.

It also comes with a less powerful, but not as efficient 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine compared with the 1.8-liter “four” moving the mainstream Prius. By delivering 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway for a combined 50 mpg, this model is a clear winner for penny-pinching hybrid vehicle shoppers.

No. 3 — Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Wait, Chevrolet has a hybrid that is actually efficient? Say it ain’t so! After playing around with partial hybrids for much too long, GM went back to the drawing board to develop a proper hybrid. The new model coincides with the release of an all-new Chevrolet Malibu, itself a vast improvement over the previous generation model.

The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has the distinction of having the best combination of interior room and fuel economy of any car sold in America that’s not a PHEV. The EPA rates the Malibu Hybrid at 47 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway for a combined 46 mpg. Compare the hybrid’s fuel efficiency numbers to the standard model’s 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway for a combined 31 mpg, and you should be duly impressed by its parsimony.

No. 4 — Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Coming in right behind the Malibu Hybrid is the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. Based on Volkswagen’s top-selling compact Jetta sedan, this hybrid utilizes a 1.4-liter, turbocharged engine and pairs that with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid makes 42 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway to deliver a combined 44 mpg — better than any diesel it has sold. Thus, it is the most efficacious compact hybrid model based on a standard model architecture (unlike the Prius, a dedicated hybrid).

No. 5 — Ford Fusion Hybrid

Toyota and Honda may have been the earliest adopters of all things hybrid, but Ford beat out its domestic rivals when it released the Ford Escape Hybrid in 2004. Unfortunately, no Escape hybrid is available these days, but the Ford Fusion Hybrid is and it delivers optimum fuel economy.

Indeed, the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid equipped with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and an electric motor is EPA-rated at 44 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg. Where the Prius emphasizes efficiency, the Fusion Hybrid answers with performance, delivering a combined 188 horsepower. Moreover, Ford designed the Fusion Hybrid to operate in electric-only modes at speeds of up to 85 mph.

No. 6 — Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai arrived late to the hybrid game, introducing its Sonata Hybrid in 2011. In 2015, the next generation Sonata went on sale, but Hyundai continued with the previous generation hybrid edition for one more year.

Consequently, that extra year was worth the wait as a more fuel efficient Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was prepared. The latest generation model matches the Fusion’s combined 41 mpg fuel economy while delivering 40 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. The improved savings come by using a smaller 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine instead of the previous 2.4-liter powerhouse. Further, the Sonata comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while a lithium-polymer battery pack stores the electricity.

No. 7 — Lexus CT 200h

Half the models appearing on this list are from Toyota Motors. Of the five, the Lexus CT 200h is the only one from Toyota’s luxury brand. Introduced in 2011, the CT 200h is the smallest and most efficient of Lexus’ hybrid models, squeezing out the 40 mpg achieved by the Lexus ES 300h.

Underneath the CT 200h, there is something very familiar here as this model shares its architecture with the Toyota Prius. But there are many differences too as this vehicle sits lower to the ground, has a sporty stance, and has been optimized for handling. Furthermore, the CT 200h’s interior is all Lexus too. The EPA rates this model 43 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg.

No. 8 — Toyota Prius v

The third model in the Prius arsenal of standard hybrids is the Toyota Prius v. The “v” stands for versatility, what gives this hybrid model line a wagon-like or crossover-type SUV model. In essence, the Prius v is based on the standard Prius model with a longer, wider, and taller body. Fold the rear seats and this model offers 67 cubic feet of storage capacity.

Introduced in 2012, the Prius v remains relatively unchanged. Its fuel economy doesn’t match the standard bearer, but at 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg, the Prius v delivers. The Prius v also has the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder found in the traditional Prius and comes paired with a continuously variable transmission.

No. 9 —Toyota Camry Hybrid

The best selling car in America is the midsize Toyota Camry sedan, so it stands to reason that a Toyota Camry Hybrid would also be available. Introduced in 2007, the Camry Hybrid is one of the earliest non-Prius hybrid models.

Just as the Toyota Camry has been regularly changed, the Camry Hybrid has kept up with those changes. Its natty interior, updated exterior and very good overall value make this sedan one of the better ones out there. All Camry Hybrids are powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and are paired with a continuously variable transmission. Together with its high-torque electric motor, the hybrid system produces an impressive 200 horsepower. Equally important, this model makes the grade in fuel efficiency, delivering 43 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 41 mpg.

No. 10 — Ford C-MAX Hybrid

The C-MAX is to Ford what Prius is to Toyota. Offering room for five, this five-door raised hatchback is proportionally similar to tiny crossover SUVs such as the Honda HR-V, Nissan Juke, and the Fiat 500X. In addition, a plug-in Ford C-MAX Energi hybrid model is also available.

Introduced in 2013, the Ford C-MAX is marketed in two trim levels. All models are moved by the same 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine powering the Ford Fusion Hybrid. A continuously variable transmission and an electric motor are also present. The EPA gives the C-MAX a rating of 42 mpg in the city and 37 mpg for a combined 40 mpg.

Honorable Mention

Several other models also cracked the 40 mpg barrier, coming in under the C-MAX’s city fuel economy, but offering better efficiency on the highway. Specifically, these models include the Lincoln MKX Hybrid, Lexus ES 300h, and he Toyota Avalon Hybrid.

The Mitsubishi Mirage also delivers a combined 40 mpg, a three-cylinder gasoline model with an EPA rating of 37 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. Finally, if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient diesel, you’re out of luck due to the Volkswagen diesel scandal. Those models, however, were rated no better than a combined 36 mpg.

Making the Grade

Every model that cracked the top 10 is a hybrid. What’s important for shoppers to consider is that hybrid efficiency, especially in colder weather, will fall. Indeed, that’s a fact supported by the EPA, which notes “fuel economy can drop about 31 percent to 34 percent” when operating at 20 degrees Fahrenheit compared to an ideal 77 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, conventional cars experience a more modest drop of about 12 percent under the same conditions.

EPA

Chevrolet Bolt Will Beat Tesla Model 3 to Market by at Least a Year