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Throughout the history of automobiles, the electric vehicle (EV) has lingered on the back burners of popularity. The concept is highly applauded; after all, who doesn't want to spend less on oil and gasoline? But at the same time, the electric vehicles that have been produced to date have lacked that "wow" factor. But the time has come for all of that to change. The time has come for Chevy EVs to shine.
Chevy has been involved in EV development for a surprisingly long time and has paid close attention to the feedback of drivers. After all, you don't get to be one of the biggest players in the automotive game without giving people exactly what they want. Chevy has recently revealed that they're stepping up their offerings to provide drivers with electric vehicles they can actually use. That means longer distances per battery charge, easier ways to charge, and vehicles that make sense for today's American drivers. With the arrival of an electric SUV and an electric pickup truck looming on the horizon, it seems that the future of Chevy EVs is now.
The Chevy story started with the collaboration of William Durant and Louis Chevrolet. Durant was an American industrialist and the founder of General Motors, while Chevrolet was a Swiss race car driver and engineer. On November 3, 1911, the Chevrolet Motor Company was incorporated, and in 1912, the new company's first vehicles started rolling out to the public. The first Chevrolets cost around $2,150, which is approximately $56,500 in today's money. While you might not think much of shelling out that amount for a well-equipped vehicle today, remember that in 1912, an electric starter wasn't even an option, much less satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and all-weather tires!
The Chevrolet bowtie logo became official in 1914, just in time for the brand's major boom. In 1916, Chevy produced 70,000 units, which became 125,882 the very next year. The manufacturer's first V8 engine appeared in 1917, and the first truck rolled off the lines in 1918. By 1934, after just 23 years of production, Chevrolet had built over 10 million cars.
Chevy had dabbled in electric vehicles since the beginning, but the Electrovair I of 1964 marked the most modern Chevy EV prototype. Based on the Corvair, its engine and transmission were replaced with a 90 horsepower AC induction motor and a 450V silver-zinc battery. The improved Electrovair II appeared in 1966, with 115 horsepower and 532V battery. Capable of reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour, the Electrovair II had a charge range between 40 and 80 miles.
The experiments were far from over, though. In 1977, a Chevy Chevette was converted into the Electrovette, which included a brand new nickel-zinc battery. While the Electrovairs and Electrovette disappeared into history without making it into production, the capabilities of these prototypes inspired Chevrolet to continue to explore new and improved battery technology to create an EV the public could truly use.
The 1980s and 1990s were a slow time for EV production around the world. The American public became fascinated by station wagons, minivans, and SUVs. Moving more people and more stuff became a top priority, and fossil fuels were readily available and inexpensive. However, times eventually changed, and EV development was back on.
In 2007, Chevrolet broke back into the EV hybrid market with the announcement of the Chevrolet Volt prototype. With this model, Chevy was able to offer the public something that made sense: an Extended Range Electric Vehicle, capable of driving to and from the office without requiring a charge. The Volt combined pure electric driving with a small, efficient gas-powered engine, which led to a range of up to 379 miles. The Volt also solved the problem of how and when to charge by requiring just six hours plugged in to a 110V household outlet. The Volt officially became available to drivers in 2011.
On the tail of the Volt came the Spark in 2014. The Spark was the first all-electric passenger car under General Motors' umbrella of brands since the mild-mannered EV1 was discontinued in 1999. The Spark lasted until 2016, when Chevy shifted gears to concentrate on the release of the Bolt EV, which hit American markets in 2017.
Chevy released statements in late 2020 indicating that a larger Bolt EUV was on the horizon. An electric vehicle in the SUV class, the Bolt EUV will be based on the current Blazer and Equinox styling. Chevy has already announced that this vehicle will include GM's hands-free driving system, known as Super Cruise.
An electric truck, based on the Silverado concept, is also in the works. Early reports indicate that it will be a work-forward truck with 200 kWh of pure electric power. Chevy appears to be poised on the edge of an electric future, with these new EVs and more slated for release between late 2021 and 2025. As auto manufacturers around the world take heed of the electric wave, it will be interesting to see the direction in which auto trends drift in the coming years.
One of the most exciting advancements for the future of the electric vehicle world is the ultium battery, which has been developed by GM for use in their vehicles. This is an all-new battery designed to give serious competition to Tesla and other manufacturers by providing a tremendous amount of power while being fast and easy to charge. Current testing indicates that future EV models will have a range of more than 400 miles on a full charge, with the ability to go from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds thanks to the ultium battery and the third-generation EV platform that GM has developed.
While the performance specs of the ultium battery are great, just as important is the fact that these batteries have a modular design. They are flat, rectangular battery packs that can be oriented either horizontally or vertically. This means that for trucks and SUVs, a vertical setup can be used to optimize power and take advantage of the large vehicle size. But on sedans and performance vehicles, the same ultium batteries can be used with a horizontal configuration to keep the vehicle low to the ground and improve overall performance.
For now, it is going to be a while before we get to see the ultium battery used on a Chevy EV, though it will certainly happen. The first vehicle to hit the road with this new battery will be the GMC Hummer EV in late 2021. This will be followed by the Cadillac Lyriq luxury EUV, as well as a Buick EV model that is in development. Eventually, we will see Chevy EV models with this exciting new battery and platform––perhaps this will lead the way to an EV Camaro or Corvette model in the years ahead? No matter what happens, we cannot wait to see it.
The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV is Chevy's bridge to an electric future. Drivers of previous decades often complained about the limited range and pep provided by electric motors, and the Bolt EV corrects those weaknesses. Able to zoom from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds thanks to its 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and able to travel up to 259 miles on a single full charge, the Bolt EV has the power and range to get drivers where they need to be.
Further, keeping the Bolt EV charged is an incredibly simple process, with three options. First is the standard 120V portable charge option. If you can find a 3-prong household outlet, you can charge your Bolt EV at a rate of approximately 4 miles per hour of charge. This is good for overnight charging or maintaining a charge. The available 240V charging unit requires professional installation but allows drivers to get around 25 miles of range per hour right at home. Lastly, DC Fast Charging is available for drivers on the go. While this does require a public charging system, drivers are able to renew up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
Unlike previous EVs, which lost significant passenger or cargo room due to the huge batteries taking up space, the Bolt EV can seat up to 5 passengers and includes 56.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, with 60/40 split flat-folding seats and an available false cargo floor.
The Bolt EV's comfort and convenience features are familiar as well, including compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and driver assistance features. These consist of HD rear vision and surround vision cameras, LED daytime running lamps, OnStar, and rear traffic alert with rear park assist. All in all, the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV is no different from a gasoline-powered hatchback, with the exception of the money you'll save by never again visiting the gas station.
Although the Chevy Bolt EV has been around for a while, the 2022 model has been redesigned with an all-new look inside and out to really showcase the future of the Chevy EV lineup. It features a sleek, beautiful design that is definitely going to turn some heads and ensures it will stay on a lot of people’s wishlists. While the Bolt EUV might be getting most of the attention this year, the hatchback design of the Bolt EV remains a great choice for a lot of drivers.
Although much of the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV has been updated, the power system remains essentially the same as last year’s model. That is not a bad thing, however, since the 2021 Bolt EV had been updated for better range and a nicer overall driving experience. So keeping this intact certainly does not detract from the impressive features of the Bolt EV.
The Bolt EV features an electric motor that delivers 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. It offers instantaneous acceleration, so driving it is incredibly fun as it zips right off the line when the light turns green. It also makes it easy to get up to speed when getting onto the highway, and people will definitely notice the bold style of the 2022 model as you pass them. You can get up to 259 miles of driving range from a full charge, and charging the Bolt EV is easier than ever with improved Level 2 charging that lets you get a full charge in about seven hours.
If you want some of the functionality of an SUV, without committing to all that size, then the hatchback design of the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV is a great choice. It offers about 17 cu. ft. in the rear area and up to 57 cu. ft. of total cargo space with the rear seats down. The hatchback lets you easily get to anything you load up into the rear of the Bolt EV, plus it has seating for up to five passengers.
Inside the 2022 Chevy Bolt, you will find an 8-inch digital driver cluster and a 10-inch Infotainment display to provide you with all of the information you need. There is an available wireless charging pad and wireless support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bolt EV also features a one-pedal driving mode that enhances the regenerative braking to optimize your electric range and let you drive more easily using a single pedal for accelerating and slowing down.
One of the vehicles getting the most attention this year is the all-new 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV, an amazing new addition to the lineup of Chevy EV models. As Chevy’s first all-electric SUV, the Bolt EUV certainly has a lot to prove, but it does it easily with excellent range, impressive performance, and a spacious interior. It was built on the Bolt EV’s platform for easy design and development, and it is clear Chevy has used everything they have learned from the standard Bolt to make it.
The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV uses the same power system as the hatchback Bolt EV model, with an electric motor that delivers 200 hp to the front wheels. At launch, only front-wheel drive will be available, though future models with all-wheel drive could be in the works. The instantaneous acceleration still makes the Bolt EUV very responsive and incredibly fun to drive, plus it offers about 250 miles of range from a full charge.
Much like the standard Bolt EV, charging the EUV model is simple and a home charging station will keep recharges quite fast. It has support for DC fast charging to get you back on the road even faster at commercial charging stations. And one-pedal drive offers improved regenerative braking for optimal range.
Inside the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV, you will find plenty of space for friends, family, and everything you need to take with you. It offers comfortable seating for up to five people, and since it is larger than the standard Bolt EV hatchback, you get a lot more room for your passengers. Cargo space is pretty comparable with the Bolt EV, so the larger size is really there to ensure your friends and family are even more comfortable.
There is plenty of impressive technology to be found with the Bolt EUV, including a large digital driver display and a 10-inch infotainment display. Wireless support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as is a wireless charging pad for compatible devices, so the only thing you will need to plug in is the vehicle itself. There is an available rear camera mirror, which helps provide you with a wider and less obstructed view than a standard rearview mirror, and a Sport Mode that you can activate at the push of a button for improved performance.
Safety technology is also at the forefront with the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV, which features automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and front pedestrian braking, all standard. The Bolt EUV will also be the first Chevy model to have GM’s Super Cruise system available. This is GM’s semi-autonomous driving technology that offers hands-free driving assistance on more than 200,000 miles of roads in the US and Canada. With more roads being added every year, there is no easier way to enjoy a road trip and stay safe behind the wheel than with the bold performance and features of the Chevy Bolt EUV.
As we’ve seen with models the Bolt and the Bolt EUV, Chevy’s commitment to raising the bar of innovation and ingenuity is steadfast and strong. The announcement of the 2023 Chevy Silverado EV proves this point even further, with the all-new electric truck set to change the American landscape courtesy of its capability, power, and efficiency. But how did we get from the Silverado as a luxury trim to an electric model? Well, you could say that the Silverado EV has been a century in the making.
As mentioned, Chevy’s story started in the early 1900s and flourished over the next several decades as models like the 3100 Series and the 3124 Series paved the way for more capable models like the C/K10. The C/K10 Series truck was marketed as Chevy’s “Action Line” and offered a variety of engine choices to satisfy the diverse needs of Chevy customers. This multi-engine selection quickly became a new standard for Chevy’s truck lineup and reflects what we’ll likely see on the 2023 Silverado EV, but more on that in a moment.
By the 1970s, the C/K10 lineup saw the addition of a new top-tier trim known as the Silverado. The Silverado’s popularity over the next two decades inspired Chevy to make a huge change in its truck selection in 1999 when it discontinued the C/K10 and replaced it with the all-new Silverado. This transition was remarkable considering the Silverado offered a new suite of innovative features like its hydroformed frame and powerful Vortec V8 engines, which set yet another new standard in the truck segment - optimal power and capability.
The Silverado’s immediate success once again sealed Chevy’s place in the American automotive landscape and inspired the automaker to raise the bar once more. For 2007, Chevy completely redesigned the Silverado to improve its aerodynamics, boost its efficiency, and deliver a more modern aesthetic that attracted drivers of all ages. These exterior improvements, along with new interior features and its new high-strength GMT900 platform, earned the Silverado numerous awards as well as the honor of being named the 2007 North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show. It’s this legacy that paved the way for future models like the 2023 Chevy Silverado EV.
So, the big question now is, “What do we know about the 2023 Chevy Silverado EV?” Details are scarce as Chevy keeps a tight lid on the Silverado EV’s design and specs. However, what we do know is enough to keep us on the hunt for more details and to add to our excitement for its 2023 debut.
For starters, the Silverado EV won’t be available to only one segment of customers. True to Chevy’s reputation for designing capable workhorses that meet a variety of needs, the Silverado EV will be available to small businesses and individuals who prefer the bowtie’s work-oriented fleet or to customers who are looking for more luxurious trims that match the Silverado’s more retail-oriented trims. The EV’s inclusion in the work fleet will likely impact businesses who rely on transportation to provide their services, transport goods, etc. The EV will allow businesses to invest in a truck that is incredibly more efficient than gas-powered models and could potentially save them thousands of dollars in transportation and fuel costs each year.
Another great thing about the Silverado EV is that it will likely offer several powertrain configurations and battery-pack sizes. As we saw with the debut of the Chevy C/K10 decades ago, Chevy set a new standard in the truck industry by giving drivers a variety of engine and transmission options to further customize the truck’s capability and power. This doesn’t change with the electric Silverado, which will roll out of the same factory as GMC’s Hummer EV and will share GM’s exclusive Ultium battery technology.
GM is changing the EV landscape with its Ultium battery by making batteries more efficient and more affordable. Since these battery packs are modular, we expect the Silverado EV will offer up to three electric motor configurations depending on trim. The Ultium battery, which offers a 200.0-kWh capacity, is set to make the Silverado EV one of the most capable trucks ever built, with a combined horsepower rating projected as high as 1,000 horsepower and an estimated driving range of up to 400 miles on a single charge.
Chevy hasn’t yet released details about the Silverado EV’s projected towing and payload capacity or how towing a heavy load will impact the EV’s efficiency and range. Details about the Silverado EV’s technology, safety, and driver-assist features, as well as its interior design and warranty coverage, are also scarce. This leaves a lot of speculation, but it also allows us to focus on what we do know and what the Silverado EV means for the truck segment.
The Silverado EV is setting the stage for fierce competition in the electric truck market as automakers like Ford and Tesla rush to finalize the designs of the F-150 Electric and the Cybertruck, respectively. Competition like this is great for American drivers. Why? It means automakers like Chevy, Ford, and Tesla are constantly looking to gain the upper hand in the industry and deliver the most innovative technology at the best price.
Along with this competition, we also know about Chevrolet’s exceptional warranty coverage and how the automaker goes to great lengths to give consumers confidence in their purchases. We expect this to be the same, if not better, when the Silverado EV makes its debut in 2023. Currently, Chevy’s electric lineup comes with a Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty as well as an Electric and Hybrid Warranty. The Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty covers eligible components and repairs for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, while the Electric and Hybrid Warranty covers the electrical components for 8 years or 100,000 miles. This coverage is one of the best in the industry and can save you a lot of money on otherwise costly repairs.
Chevy’s current coverage doesn’t stop with these two warranties. Every EV also comes with Chevrolet’s 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program. Chevy knows that accidents happen, keys get locked in a car, you have a flat tire, or your battery dies. To give you more confidence when you’re on the road, Chevy’s roadside assistance program covers these minor situations. The program includes emergency towing from a public road or highway to the nearest Chevy dealer, lockout service, flat tire change or tire inflator kit service, emergency fuel delivery, jump starts, and mobile EV charging, the latter of which we expect will see more use as Chevy’s EV lineup grows with models like the Silverado EV.
While we don’t have all the details about the 2023 Silverado EV that we’d like, we do know that the Silverado EV will lead the way for electric trucks. For over a century, Chevrolet has proven its commitment to innovation time and time again in every model that rolls off the assembly line. We’ve seen this innovation in models like the C/K10 Series and the first-generation Silverado. We also see it in the 2023 Silverado EV, a legend in the making.
Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick is a leader in sales in the Lexington, KY area. As a leader, it's important to stay on top of the cutting edge in automobile excellence. That's why we partner with Chevrolet to provide drivers like you with the latest and greatest automobiles in the industry. Between now and 2023, Chevrolet will be releasing some truly exciting new EVs, and we're thrilled to share the experience with you here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick.
Dan Cummins is committed to providing you with the best automobile ownership experience possible, from the moment you open our website or step on our lot to many miles down the road, as you continue to trust us with maintenance and tune-ups on your Chevrolet vehicle. We're excited to see what the future of electric vehicles holds for us all, and we invite you to join us in the coming years to test drive and take home a new Chevy EV of your own.