Chevrolet has changed the cell chemistry in its Bolt EV battery for the 2020 model year giving the electric vehicle 259 miles of range. This is a 21-mile improvement over the 2019 model year’s range.
By reconfiguring just the cells’ chemistry, Chevrolet engineers were able to keep the battery pack the same size allowing the automaker to not have to change the way the battery is housed within the vehicle’s structure.
“The Chevrolet Bolt EV has been changing consumer perceptions of electric vehicles since its launch in 2016,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Passenger Car and Crossover Marketing. “Great range — now even more — is the foundation of the Bolt EV’s success, and when paired with features like one-pedal driving, Regen on Demand and the instant torque of the EV motor, the vehicle delivers an exceptional driving experience. Chevrolet also is helping to encourage EV adoption by providing customers the necessary tools and services to make EV ownership more convenient.”
There are 288 cells in the Bolt’s 66kWh lithium-ion battery. Each Bolt comes with a 8-year/100,000 mile warranty on its battery and EV components.
Chevorlet advises that the Bolt gains 6 km of range for every hour it is plugged into a 120-volt outlet. On a 240-volt outlet the car can fully charge in 10 hours. Via a DC Fast Charge connection, the Bolt can add 90 miles of range in 30 minutes.
The added range of the Bolt EV does not lessen or increase the car’s horsepower and torque. It will continue to achieve 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.
The change in battery chemistry also does not increase nor decrease the car’s curb weight over the 2019 model.
The Detroit-based automaker has not announced any further changes to the Bolt for the 2020 model year outside of two new paint jobs: Cayenne Orange Metallic and Oasis Blue.
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV will arrive at dealerships in late 2019 with a starting MSRP of $37,495 (including destination and handling charges). All Bolt models have the same range.
Want to maximize the range in your Bolt? Chevrolet has some tips.
Bolt EV: Maximizing Your Range | Chevrolet
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