[!arry4pyro]

One of the critisms of the Bolt is it is not very glamorous and even though it is quick and has the range, it doesn't have the pizzas of the Model 3. According to Mary Barra in this short interview the Bolt is GM's platform for a huge range of future vehicles. Do you think a Model 3 competitor could be one of these new EVs? After all, it's hard to ignore the huge interest in the Model 3 with 400,00 reservations. If GM offers a direct competitor, how much of an advantage do you think the Supercharger network will be for Model 3 sales?

http://insideevs.com/general-motors-ceo-chevy-bolt-platform-huge-range-vehicles/

 

[BAZINGA]

This is just my opinion, but I hope GM doesn't loose sight of the fact that we need longer range AFFORDABLE BEV's, not vehicles only the "one percenters" can afford.

I also think it's a mistake for Tesla to allow the M3 to be optioned to almost twice it's MSRP.

 

[Volt779]

While the Bolt's range and cost is compelling, they could have easily made the car much better looking. In terms of design, it isn't even in the same universe as the Model 3. GM is capable of designing beautiful vehicles with great interiors - the CTS (except for the terrible standard instrument cluster), new Malibu, new Equinox and new Lacrosse are just a few. Heck, they could have just scaled down the new Equinox design and turned it into the Bolt.

More so than supercharger access, I believe the frumpy design and cheap interior of the Bolt will be what prevents it from truly competing with the Model 3.

 

[hvacman]

GM just designed, built and now sells the world's first sub-$40K, long range EV that is a people carrier, and mini-material hauler, and is also "hot-hatch-ish" and has won so many awards that it running out of chest to pin them on.

GM sells to the world and to all different markets niches- performance, utility, commercial, family - and now is also targeting the world's commercial taxi/autonomous transportation markets. The Bolt is a good fit in many, many of these niches. I can see the Ampera-e becoming very popular in the EU commercial sector. Plumbers, carpenters, and electricians don't drive full-size vans and SUV's in most of the world. Micro-vans are very popular in the EU trades because they fit in narrow streets, take up minimal parking, etc.

Performance sedans such as the Model 3 appears to be are a good fit in much more limited niche - moderately-wealthy people who like to drive long distances and have $1,000 kicking around to invest in a long-term deposit.

The better question might be:

Will the Model 3 morph into a Bolt fighter?

 

[bro1999]

Screw the Model 3 pizzas!

 

[MTN Ranger]

What I would like to see in the next update for the Bolt EV is ACC, AWD, fix the front seats and add cooling (saves on HVAC), replace finicky shifter with buttons, garage door opener (come on already!) and compatibility with the new 350kW CCS chargers that will be arriving soon. Finally, move the Bolt's EV drivetrain to a mid-size sedan and mid-size CUV.

Worrying about how it competes (or doesn't) with the Model 3 is not important.

 

[Bacardi]

A true SUV, AWD with ground clearance, is the hot segment right now...If they could make the Equinox or even the Trax into an EV at an affordable price, it would sell like hot cakes, far more than even a cheaper compact sedan...

A "Jolt" or even a Camaro EV just wouldn't sell very well...

 

[bro1999]

Game over man, game over!

 

[Qinsp]

While the Bolt's range and cost is compelling, they could have easily made the car much better looking. ...

This is funny. Other than the US, that styling is globally popular, and everybody makes a similar ICE model.

It is 'ugly' because Tesla Is Beautiful. This was written into law in 2012. I thought it looked like a 2010 Jag or several other similar designs. Unique styling is not what Tesla is about. It looks so ICE they had to change the nose.

Just in my eyes, this looks more bad ass than a Tesla, and it was out before the Roadster:

 

[rmay635703]

it doesn't have the pizzas of the Model 3.
http://insideevs.com/general [/QUOT...real. Until I can buy one, it doesn't exist.

 

[Loboc]

Model 3 is being released into a market that really wants Model Y. Sedans are shrinking in market share and SUV/CUV are the hot item. I think Bolt is in a good place as a mini CUV-like vehicle.

In the linked interview, Mary is saying that Bolt is just the beginning. It is their go-to platform for future vehicles.

What I want to replace my ELR in a few years is a Model Y-like vehicle.

- Higher seating and stance (so old guys can get in and out).
- Decent range with viable charging options for day trips over that range. Texas is not a 200-mi State. Heck, you can drive over 200-mi and stay within the DFW metroplex. Driving to Austin, San Antonio and even Houston is common.
- I'd like to see more work and shopping charging points.
- Autonomous features including full-on self-parking and even self-servicing. Drop the old guy off and go about your robocar business.
- Luxury features like 20-way heated and cooled seating in all 4 (or 5) positions. An executive rear seat or move wheel away for front seat office space.

XT5 is a little too big for me. Something slightly smaller and closer to the ground.

This new Cadillac offering is intriguing. 1500 bux including insurance and all services is not that outlandish when you can get a new ride for weekend trips or whatever on demand. No need to own it. With full autonomy, it's even easy from GM's end. With iPhone (keypass) capability, your settings (seats, mirrors, climate control, etc.) can move with you from vehicle to vehicle.

 

[CurrentEvent]

Chevrolet has a certain niche to fill. My Volt is a very nice car and acts like a luxury car. But it still looks like a Chevy. I like the look and think the Volt, Cruz, and Malibu are some of the best looking cars out there. They aren't meant to compete with Tesla. I'd say if Tesla has competition from a GM brand it would be Cadillac. Perhaps a future vehicle built on the Bolt platform would compete with Tesla, but not the Bolt. Tesla is in a class by itself, style-wise. The only similar cars are some Lincoln models, Porsche, and Jaguar.

 

[telveer]

Bolt EV is utilitarian, and while it may not turn heads, it is very practical. Mass market loves utiltarian/practical, which is why you see more of minivans and less of Camaros. Kudos to GM for not getting carried away, and building a practical affordable long range BEV

 

[Steverino]

I think the Bolt EV will fit my second car needs well, the Model 3 not at all. I already have a sedan (Volt) and don't need another.

 

[flyingsherpa]

Actually more Bolts have sold and are on the road today as compared to the unicorn Model 3 that looks like a Saturn replica with funny headlights and oversized novelty rims.

Pizza Hut can do the pizzas, the Bolt is a real vehicle and because Mericans can only drive Minivan knockoffs called crossovers that is what it is.

The Model 3 should not even be discussed anywhere because its vaporware, fiction, not real.

Until I can buy one, it doesn't exist.

Was the Bolt also vaporware until a few weeks ago?

 

[Qinsp]

Was the Bolt also vaporware until a few weeks ago?

The Bolt stopping being a potential new car when the press drove production models and the MSRP was published.

No 3rd party that we know of have driven a Model 3 concept or prototype yet, and the MSRP is not published.

When people from the press are given keys and allowed to drive them for a weekend, and Tesla starts taking money (Tesla takes money before production), then we know it should make it to the production stage.

 

[CurrentEvent]

The OP is talking about pizazz, not pizza. According to dictionary.com, pizazz is "attractive style; dash; flair".

 

[fernando]

The model 3 is much better looking and after you get one fully loaded it's going to be significantly way more than in the 30k range. I think it will be aimed more at BMW 3 series and Mercedes C class buyers because it looks better than the Bolt and it will perceived to be a more luxury model than the Bolt.

 

[good2go]

The OP is talking about pizazz, not pizza. According to dictionary.com, pizazz is "attractive style; dash; flair".

Thank you. Finally! My fingers have been itching all day to post that.

 

[samotlietuvis]

Make it 4-door, make bumper 2016 Tesla MS clean (no grill stuff ICE cars need), and then sign me up for one!!!

Game over man, game over!