In a day and age when it seems like so many vehicle manufacturers are going in the direction of electric vehicles, what manufacturers will stand up above the rest? Chevrolet. While the brand currently only has two EVs available, it’s poised to make a thrilling dash for the frontrunner position in EV technology. In fact, it should be long before the lot of your local Chevrolet dealer is all-electric.
Chevy has been building up a system for its electric vehicles called the Ultium platform. This may be the single biggest reason that Chevy is gaining success in the EV market. They have completely redesigned how electric vehicles are put together. Their ground-up design makes the vehicles easier, cheaper, and faster to manufacture, all while being more environmentally friendly than the EVs of the past. Chevy’s ability to produce top-quality EVs faster and with fewer materials will allow them to join the leaders in EV manufacturers within a few years.
The EV Vehicle Lineup
The Chevy electric vehicle lineup is ever-growing. Currently, Chevy sells the Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV, their electric SUV alternative. The upcoming vehicles that will be hitting the market in the next couple of years include the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Silverado EV, and Corvette E-Ray. Buying an EV these days can get you a $7,500 clean vehicle Federal Tax Credit, depending on eligibility and other factors. Not only can you save money on gas, but you can also get money back in the tax credit.
Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt EV has been dubbed “America’s most affordable EV.” The Bolt EV can take care of all your daily commute driving and more, with an estimated mileage of 259 miles on a full charge. The 57 cu.ft. of cargo space will give you plenty of space to pick up groceries, drop off soccer gear for the kids’ practice, and a ton of other stuff as well. With a starting price in the range of $26,000, the Chevy Bolt EV is actually an affordable alternative-energy option for many buyers.
Bolt EUV
The Chevy Bolt EUV proves that there is no need to sacrifice function to get an EV that is a good fit for your family. The spacious seating, ample cargo space, and compact size make this EUV a great balance of functionality and fun. The estimated 247 miles on a full charge allows a decent range of travel. Bolt EUV owners can head out into the wilderness to take on their favorite outdoor recreation activity.
Equinox EV
The Equinox EV combines sporty aesthetics and refined functionality to provide an excellent SUV experience for those who don’t want to compromise to get an EV. The estimated range of 300 miles on a single charge will get you where you need to go without the need to constantly recharge. The Equinox EV is sure to impress when it releases in the Fall of 2023.
Blazer EV
The Blazer EV is both powerful and fast. The estimated 557 hp can take the Blazer from 0-60 in under four seconds. This midsize SUV is sure to provide great value when it is released starting in the summer of 2023. The aggressive-looking styling complements the power of the Ultium Platform.
Silverado EV
Speaking of power, the Chevy Silverado HD is shaping up to be a game-changer in the EV truck market. 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque will allow towing up to 10,000 lbs, and the brand plans to release a version that can handle up to 20,000 lbs in the future. Not only that, but the four-wheel steering allows you to make incredibly tight turns while parking or navigating a crowded job site. Oh yeah, it also has an estimated 400 miles of range on a full charge. Also, when you open up the front hood, you may be surprised to see a trunk, not an engine. Because the engine, batteries, and wheels are all built into the Ultium platform, there is room in the front of the truck for more storage. This is certainly going to be one truck to watch over the next couple of years.
Corvette E-Ray
Since we’ve covered all the full EVs, it is time to discuss the most fun hybrid model Chevy is developing: the Corvette E-Ray. Utilizing a combination of a V8 engine and an e-AWD system, the E-Ray is a one of a kind hybrid sports car. The sleek Corvette body makes the vehicle stand out as one of the best-looking EVs to date. Its powerful design boasts 655 hp, a 10.5-second quarter mile, and it can go 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. While not a full EV, this is a big step towards a full EV Corvette. Until that day comes, the E-Ray will provide better fuel efficiency than traditional V8 models.
Ultium Platform
The Ultium platform is the basis for the next generation of EVs from Chevy. The new Ultium batteries are being produced in Ohio, Tennessee, and Michigan. The engineers have devised a way to cut down costs by reducing the amount of necessary cobalt by 70%, allowing for more affordable batteries produced cheaper and more environmentally friendly. They are also working on systems for the efficient recycling of used batteries, which has always been a concern for EVs of the past.
These large batteries are put together in a grid system and encased in a specially designed chassis system, providing numerous benefits. The system is scalable, allowing applications for many vehicle designs. The system has also allowed 80% of the wiring to be eliminated, saving a great deal on costly wires. The Ultium platform has been designed from the ground in order to provide the most utility and simplicity possible. The simplicity of the design allows it to be manufactured quickly and easily, and it can be dropped into almost any body style with ease. This will help Chevy broaden its line of EV models fast. This truly game-changing design will allow more people than ever to get their first EV car, truck, or SUV. The customizability, material savings, and simplicity of design are sure to shake up the EV market.
Charging Technology and Options
One of the main concerns with EV technology is where to charge it, how fast does it charge, and how long does a charge last? Thanks to the increasing popularity of EVs, these questions are becoming simpler to answer. Many cities are adding charging stations, and with a simple app, you can find out where the nearest charging station is. You can also easily charge your vehicle at home.
With a standard 120-Volt standard house outlet, you can get four miles of range per hour of charge. This may not sound like that much, but with an overnight charge of eight hours, you could have 32 miles of range, which covers most people’s daily commute. If you have a 240-Volt garage outlet, you can charge your EV much faster, getting about 26 miles per hour of charge, giving you 208 miles in eight hours of charging.
The best home charging option Chevy offers is a 240-Volt up to 80-amp charging station. This charger can be mounted in your garage and allows for 39 miles per hour of charge, giving you approximately 312 miles in an eight-hour overnight charge.
The Future Looks Bright for Chevy EVs
The coming years will likely mark Chevy as a strong contender in the EV market. With the Ultium platform and exciting new vehicle options on the docket, Chevrolet is ready to show the world what they have been working on for years. Those in the market for eco-friendly, affordable, and revolutionary electric vehicles will be closely watching Chevy as they unveil new EV after new EV. The combination of the game-changing EV Ultium system, along with Chevy’s experience in the automotive space, will provide a ride that is both comfortable and extremely functional. From the small Bolt EV to the large Silverado EV, Chevy will provide options for every need without compromising quality, design, and aesthetics.
