Chevrolet Bolt 2019 launched in the UAE
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2019 Chevrolet Bolt Overview
Introduction to the Chevrolet Bolt
Electric Vehicles are all the rage in today’s automotive space and with manufacturers from across the globe jumping aboard the bandwagon, Chevrolet has made the leap with the all-new Bolt. Dubbed ‘the future has arrived’, the Bolt is a subcompact hatchback developed in partnership with LG, and one that we had the opportunity to inspect closely.
Launch Event
Challenging the norm, the launch of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt wasn’t hosted at a glamorous downtown hotel or in a deserted part of the city, but instead at the group’s training center in Dubai’s International Media Production Zone (IMPZ). With members of the Chevrolet technical training team walking us through the EV technology and workings of the battery, it was an insightful and first-hand experience with a lot to be learned.
Chevrolet's Electric Vehicle Heritage
Narrowing down specifically to the Bolt, it is the fourth electric vehicle to don the golden bowtie, following:
- Chevrolet Volt (2011)
- Chevrolet Spark EV (2013)
- Chevrolet Volt Gen-II (2016)
Dedicated to electric vehicles and their benefits, Chevrolet is set to introduce two new EVs in the next 18 months, potentially in the SUV category.
Design and Technology
From the outside, there isn’t much to say that the Bolt is different from its petrol-powered stablemates. It doesn’t feature an extraordinary design and doesn’t look out of place on UAE roads. However, hidden beneath its inconspicuous bodywork is a plethora of cool tech:
- Aero shutters in the front grille for improved cooling and aerodynamics.
- Batteries located under the floor for a lower center of gravity.
Battery and Performance
Speaking of batteries, the Chevrolet Bolt adopts a liquid cooling mechanism to keep the batteries operating at ideal temperatures. This strategy is rare among manufacturers, as most opt for air-cooled systems. The benefits of liquid cooling include:
- Faster cooling of the battery pack.
- Increased battery life by avoiding significant temperature fluctuations.
The 60-kWh battery pack delivers the equivalent of 204 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. Impressively, it can cover nearly 500 kilometers on a single charge, costing between AED 14 and AED 24 for a full charge. Charging times range between 2.5 hours with the D/C fast charger and up to 10 hours with the standard A/C charger.
Driving Experience
Driving the Chevrolet Bolt is a unique experience, especially for those who haven’t encountered the one-pedal drive of the Nissan Leaf. While it has a standard gear lever and two pedals, you primarily use the accelerator, leading to the term ‘one-pedal drive’.
With regenerative braking engaging as soon as the accelerator pedal is released, the Bolt can come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal. This feature not only extends the life of brake pads and components but also allows the car to recharge its batteries while coasting or braking. Notably, the Chevrolet Bolt is one of the few cars offering two brake pedals: one in the footwell and one behind the steering wheel for extra regeneration.
Conclusion
On our short drive from IMPZ to Bab Al Shams, we experienced how the single reduction gear transfers power from the battery pack to the wheels. Once moving, the Bolt feels similar to a standard petrol-powered car, characterized by the eerie silence from the absence of engine or exhaust sounds.
Chevrolet’s attempt with the Bolt is commendable and will likely pave the way for others in the EV space. If you’re considering an EV, the Bolt is worth your time and shines brighter than its French rival, the Renault Zoe. Before making a decision, ensure you have AED 162,000 in your budget.
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