DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Holden input for Bolt
Holden's design studio undertakes 'homeroom' role for Chevrolet Bolt EV conceptToday, in Detroit, Chevrolet revealed its all-electric concept, the Bolt.
It's far removed from the Buick Avenir unveiled yesterday, but while the two cars may differ vastly in size, proportions, drivetrains and intended purpose, they do share one important quality.
Both concepts were designed in Australia at the Holden Design Studio in Melbourne, and in fact, the Bolt was being secretly assembled there when Australian journalists visited in April last year. Both concepts convey the confidence and competence of Australian designers at Holden.
Although still a design study, the Bolt is the product of a business strategy that quite clearly suggests GM will pursue electrification globally. The all-electric Bolt is a global vehicle and if production approved will likely be sold in North America, Asia, Australia and Europe. "It is an all-electric vehicle for the real world," said Stefan Jacoby, Executive VP Consolidated International Operations at GM.
Beyond that, Jacoby would not comment on when or where we may next see the Bolt. It is a B- sized crossover utility vehicle (what we would call a light segment SUV) and the lithium-ion battery pack is located within a sandwich floor.
Packaging is critical, says Richard Ferlazzo, GM Australia Design Director. "For far too long electric vehicles looked like a science project. They had to look green and electric. Now it is more about optimising the package. The Bolt is a stylish small car that happens to be electric."
He's talking about interior space and that's where the Bolt plays bigger beyond its compact size.
The concept began as design renderings done at GM's studio in South Korea. The project then moved to Holden for refinement and production as a full-scale concept. The concept's interior plays with the idea of efficiency and uses open space to its advantage. Uncluttered and flowing, it does feel big and large.
GM claims it is committed to building an all-electric car like the Bolt concept, an EV that would sell for $30,000 and deliver a 300km driving range from a fully charged lithium-ion battery pack.
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