2017 Chevy Bolt EV Release Date and Updates: $37k, LT & Premium Trim Levels

Sep 27, 2016 06:10 AM EDT

Are you stoked with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV? This is a plug-in electric vehicle with an asking price of $37,495 onward. This is not a surprise at all, as there have been rumors and leaks of the pricing in that region earlier this January before the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt hit the market. In fact, when you take into consideration the maximum federal tax credit of $7,500, then it would be $30k a pop -- making it pretty affordable. Of course, you can always pick up a hot rod like the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro for a few grand less, but that ride won't do much to heal our planet, let alone stop the rot.

No doubt the relatively attractive price point for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is going to see that point being played up by many advertisements down the road. General Motors (GM) has not shown off their complete hand just yet by giving details on the different kinds of trim levels for the Chevy Bolt EV, but it did state that the base LT model will arrive with the Regen on Demand steering wheel paddles, a rear vision camera for those who find it difficult when parking in reverse, as well as a 10.2-inch color touch screen.

If you feel that the base LT model is not you cup of tea, then there will be a Premier trim level which will include both front and back heated seats (handy during those cold winter months), leather-appointed seats, a surround camera and a rear camera mirror which lets you check out the rear camera's view in your rear view mirror itself. The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV is slated to feature an official EPA range of 238 miles per charge.

There will be some point in time when the federal tax credit offer will be stopped. Until the end of last month, GM managed to sell 103,045 Volts to date. Throw in some Cadillac ELRs and Chevy Spark EVs here and there, and it will still take quite a huge shift before GM arrives at the 200,000 vehicle limit. When that limit is reached, then the tax credit will begin to decline for GM plug-in vehicle buyers, and it would not be surprising to see the Chevrolet Bolt experience a price drop when that happens.

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is set to debut at showrooms not too far down the road, and the $37,495 which includes destination charge would mean GM has delivered on their promise to roll out the first electric vehicle in the market that does not break the $40,000 barrier, and yet is able to go beyond the 200 mile range on a full charge.

In addition, those who love the environment will be pleased to know that the 2017 Chevy Bolt will obtain an Environmental Protection Agency estimated range of 238 miles on a single charge of its 60-kWh battery, making it a direct rival to Tesla’s Model 3 that has yet to go on sale for at least one more year.