“Electric cars aren’t just the future—they’re the present,” says automotive guru Jay Leno, and we think he’s spot on. Chevrolet is not only keeping up with the electric revolution; they’re leading the charge with style, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability that’s hard to beat.
So, whether you’re a die-hard Chevy fan or just curious about all the buzz, join us as we explore how Chevy electric cars are changing the game, one step at a time. From the sporty Bolt EV to the Silverado EV, there’s something here to spark everyone’s interest. Let’s begin the journey and see what makes these cars truly electrifying!
History of Chevy Electric Cars
Chevrolet was founded by the Swiss race car driver Louis Chevrolet and American entrepreneur William C. Durant in 1911. The brand quickly established itself as a prominent player in the automotive industry with its first model, the Series C “Classic Six.” Soon, General Motors (GM) acquired Chevrolet in 1918. It became a cornerstone of GM’s portfolio, introducing iconic models like the Corvette and Camaro.
Throughout the decades, Chevrolet adapted to changing markets and consumer preferences, from muscle cars in the 1960s to fuel-efficient and electric vehicles in recent years. Let’s take a journey through the critical milestones in the history of Chevy electric cars.
The EV1 (1996-1999)
The journey began with the Chevrolet EV1, an electric car produced by GM and marketed under the Chevrolet brand. It was a two-seater designed for optimal aerodynamic efficiency and featured a unique teardrop shape.
The Chevy Volt (2010-2019)
In 2010, Chevrolet re-entered the EV market with the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Chevy’s Volt featured a petrol engine that acted as a range extender, providing a total range of up to 379 miles with both electric and petrol power combined.
Chevy Spark EV (2013-2016)
Chevrolet launched the Spark EV, an all-electric version of the compact Spark hatchback, in 2013. The Spark EV featured a range of about 82 miles on a full charge and offered impressive torque, making it a fun-to-drive urban electric vehicle. This vehicle was sold primarily in California and Oregon.
Chevy Electric Car Models
Let’s have a look at some of the existing electric Chevy car models:
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV, launched in 2017, represents a significant leap in electric vehicle technology. The Bolt EV features a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 66.9 kWh. This size is standard for its class and offers a good balance between range and affordability. With a full charge, the Bolt EV boasts an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles, making it suitable for most daily commutes without needing to search for charging stations constantly.
This vehicle supports both Level 2 and DC fast charging. Level 2 charging allows for a full charge in around 7 hours using a 240-volt outlet at home, while DC fast charging can add up to 100 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes.
The Bolt EV is equipped with a single electric motor that delivers a decent 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a responsive driving experience, particularly in city environments. The Bolt EV provides good acceleration for city driving, going from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds. The Bolt EV prioritizes a comfortable ride with a well-tuned suspension system that ensures stability and maneuverability for everyday commutes.This Chevy electric car price starts from US$27,495.
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Launched in 2021, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV extends the Bolt family’s prowess into the realm of electric SUVs, offering a spacious and versatile alternative to the Bolt EV.OH! Do not forget to read our article on The Truth Behind Toyota & Suzuki Cars.
The Bolt EUV utilizes a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 66.9 kWh. Built on the same Ultium platform, the Bolt EUV delivers a commendable range of approximately 247 miles on a full charge, supported by a robust electric drivetrain. This makes it suitable for daily commutes along with some longer trips without needing to search for charging stations constantly. The Bolt EUV supports both Level 2 and DC fast charging. Level 2 charging allows for a full charge in around 7 hours using a 240-volt outlet at home, while DC fast charging can add up to 100 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes – perfect for quick top-ups on longer journeys.
The Bolt EUV comes with a single electric motor that delivers 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It provides good acceleration for city driving, going from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds. This vehicle prioritizes a comfortable ride with a well-tuned suspension system that ensures stability and maneuverability for everyday commutes. The starting price of this EV from Chevrolet is US$33,000.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV
The Chevrolet Silverado EV boasts a muscular electric drivetrain that delivers instant torque and horsepower, making for a thrilling driving experience. Chevy utilizes their Ultium battery platform, which allows for a large and scalable pack. The Silverado EV boasts an impressive GM-estimated range of up to 450 miles on a single charge, putting it ahead of the competition. DC fast charging capability is standard, allowing you to add 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
The dual electric motors of the Silverado EV deliver a whopping 754 horsepower and an instant torque of 785 lb-ft, providing severe pulling power for hauling and towing. The Silverado EV can handle up to 10,000 pounds of towing capacity, making it a capable work truck despite its electric nature. This Chevy electric car price starts from US$41,000.
- Chevrolet Blazer EV
The Chevrolet Blazer EV offers a compelling blend of long-range cruising and energetic performance. Built on GM’s Ultium platform, the Blazer EV comes in two battery pack sizes- a standard 85 kWh unit for all-wheel-drive models and a larger 102 kWh pack for rear-wheel drive. This translates to an EPA-estimated range of up to 279 miles for AWD variants and a stellar 324 miles for the RWD configuration, making it an excellent choice for longer trips. This vehicle supports DC fast charging, allowing you to replenish up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes on the larger battery pack. Blazer EV SS boasts a thrilling 557 horsepower with the “Wide Open Watts” system. The Blazer EV SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, surprising many with its electric muscle. The starting price of this EV from Chevrolet is US$43,000.
- Chevrolet Equinox EV
The Chevrolet Equinox EV offers a solid balance between efficiency and capability, thanks to its well-sized battery and well-tuned electric motors. Like its Chevrolet siblings, the Equinox EV leverages GM’s Ultium battery architecture.
This vehicle comes with a single battery pack option and a usable capacity of around 85 kWh. This translates to an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles on a full charge for the front-wheel-drive model, making it suitable for most daily commutes. The Equinox EV supports DC fast charging, allowing you to add up to 77 miles of range in roughly 10 minutes, which is handy for extending your trip on the go.
The Equinox EV comes in two electric motor configurations depending on the drivetrain (FWD or AWD). Both offer sufficient power for everyday driving, with the AWD variant boasting a slight increase in horsepower and torque. The Equinox EV provides a smooth and responsive driving experience. The starting price of the Chevrolet Equinox EV is US$34,995.
Chevy Electric Cars are not just a glimpse into the future; they lead the way toward a greener, more exciting automotive world. If you have enjoyed reading this article, keep us followed for more.
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