Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV: This is what the next Opel Ampera would have looked like

GM is also dramatically increasing the pace on electrification and has now presented the new Chevrolet Bolt. The compact electric vehicle is currently new and is being supplemented with a compact SUV. It is called Bolt EUV, which stands for "electric utility vehicle." However, both are not entirely new at their core, as they still stand on the platform of the predecessor, known here as the Opel Ampera, which has existed since 2016. Both models will go into production in the summer of 2021. Bolt EV and EUV use the same drive layout: a 150 kW / 204 PS electric motor that delivers a maximum of 360 Nm of torque and drives the front axle.

The 430-kilogram battery consisting of 88 cells and 65 kWh is located in the underbody. This should be sufficient for up to 416 kilometers of range for the Bolt EV and up to 402 kilometers for the Bolt EUV. Regeneration is controlled by pressing a button via the various driving modes.

New idea: A charging cable with an interchangeable plug

The battery can be charged either using a regular household outlet (these operate at 120 volts in the USA) or 7.2 kW (using a 240-volt charging box). To facilitate this, Chevy offers a cable as standard with interchangeable plugs. Another bonus: Chevrolet will initially cover the cost of installing a home charging station. A bit weak: the maximum charging power of 11 kW, for which an extra cable is needed. The Bolt brothers will then draw about 160 kilometers of range within half an hour.

Visually and in terms of weight, there are hardly any differences: The EUV weighs a scant hundredweight more at 1,669 kilograms compared to 1,628 kilograms and is about 15 centimeters longer. About half of this is in the longer wheelbase, which should especially benefit the rear passengers. The trunk offers slightly less space with 462 liters compared to 470 liters, and 1,611 liters compared to 1,614 liters when the rear seatbacks are folded down. The cockpits of the two are identical. The centrally positioned 10.2-inch "Power Flow Screen" with touch operation, also for the air conditioning, provides important information. The driving modes are engaged via a button.

Voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Supercruise enables semi-autonomous driving

In addition to various apps, Amazon Alexa is also on board: The assistant accepts voice commands, allowing many functions of the cars to be controlled. Via an app, data such as the charge level of both models can be checked remotely. A new feature from Chevrolet is "Super Cruise": The driver assistance system for semi-autonomous driving is based on LiDAR technology and an attention assistant. This works with a small camera positioned on the steering column and infrared lights. This way, the system determines where the driver is looking when Super Cruise is in operation. If the system detects that the driver is looking away from the traffic situation for too long, it warns him in several escalation stages: first with a light strip on the steering wheel, and later with further optical and acoustic signals. Other driving aides such as automatic emergency braking for pedestrians, collision warning, lane-keeping assist with lane departure warning, distance indicator, an HD rearview camera, and IntelliBeam headlights are bundled by Chevrolet in a package that is standard in both Bolt variants. For an additional charge, the GM-brand also offers a rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, and an adaptive cruise control.

Prices reduced: The Bolt is noticeably cheaper!

Chevrolet has already announced the prices: The Chevrolet Bolt EV starts at $31,995 (approximately €26,400), making it $5,000 (€4,100) cheaper than its predecessor. The EUV version costs around $2,000 (approximately €1,650) more than the Bolt EV.

Chevrolet is still considering expanding the Bolt label into a complete electric family. Besides the EUV, the platform could also accommodate a sleek coupe sedan and a compact crossover coupe. Additionally, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC could easily introduce entry-level electric vehicles this way.

What does that mean?

After several missteps, the Chevrolet Bolt could now become a permanent part of the new Chevy portfolio. The fact that the new model is based on its predecessor, which was rather unpopular, shows how good it actually was. Although it doesn't offer a "wow effect" in terms of range or charging performance, it could become noticeably cheaper. It would also have a chance in Europe if GM had not almost completely withdrawn from the market here.