GM engineers designed the Bolt EV’s propulsion system to offer a range of more than an estimated 200 miles on a single charge. The drive system uses a single high capacity electric motor to power the car.
Constructed from steel and aluminum, the front-wheel drive, five-passenger, five-door and all-electric crossover utility vehicle has a maximum speed of 91mph (145kph).
The electric motor has an offset gear and shaft configuration to meet the 200mi estimate and is capable of producing up to 266lbs-ft (360Nm) of torque and 200hp (150kW).
With a final drive ratio of 7.05:1, the Bolt EV can go from 0-60mph in under seven seconds.
Bolt EV’s Battery Offers over 200 miles of Range
The engineers behind the Bolt EV battery teamed up with strategic partner LG Electronics to develop the vehicle’s new cell and battery pack.
Preliminary specifications detail a 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 288 lithium ion cells. The cells are arrayed in five sections with 10 modules and 96 cell groups (three cells per group). The battery pack weighs 906lbs (435kg) total.
“You usually have a battery cell that delivers either the desired levels of energy or power, but not traditionally both,” said Gregory Smith, Bolt EV battery pack engineering group manager. “With this cell design and chemistry we were able to deliver a battery system with 160 kilowatts of peak power and 60 kilowatt hours of energy.”
The Bolt EV’s battery, similar to the Chevrolet Volt’s, uses active thermal conditioning to keep the battery at optimum temperature.
Cells are arranged in a “landscape” format, similar to Faraday Future’s FFZERO1. Each cell measures 3.9in (100mm) high and 13.1in (338mm) wide. Lower profile cell design allows for additional interior space.
However, outside temperatures may effect charging times.
Bolt EV utilizes Regenerative Braking for One Pedal Driving
The Bolt EV features a new regenerative braking system to allow for one pedal driving.
Increased regenerative deceleration and software controls allow the vehicle to slow down and come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal in certain driving conditions. Drivers can bring the Bolt EV to a stop when driving in “Low” mode or by holding the Regen on Demand paddle located on the back of the steering wheel and lifting their foot off the accelerator.
However, wise drivers won’t rely on the technology in heavy rain or during particular bad winter days. This is a technology best used cautiously – the brake pedal will not be eliminated any time soon.
With key competitors in the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Ford Focus Electric, Kia Soul EV, VW eGolf and Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric, it’s looking certain that the big auto names are ready for a market turning electric.
For those wondering what this may mean for Tesla, follow the link to find out Why Tesla May Not be the Future of Electric Cars.
For more information on the Chevrolet Bolt EV, visit www.chevrolet.com.