2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV wins Green Car of the Year
File this one under, "Things most people saw coming."
Even though EVs lost to other types of cars in the past, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV just won Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an all-electric offering that promises 238 miles of range on a single charge. That was one of the driving (groan) factors in its victory, alongside its connected technology, advanced brake regeneration features and driving dynamics. Chevrolet claims to be on track to start deliveries later this year.
The Bolt faced some steep competition. It was up against a multitude of hybrid vehicles, including BMW's 330e iPerformance, Chrysler's Pacifica Hybrid, Kia's Optima and Toyota's Prius Prime.
This is the second time an electric vehicle won this award. The battery-electric BMW i3 won back in 2015. The Chevrolet Volt won twice, once for each generation, but it's not a pure EV, as it possesses a gas-powered range extender. The i3 has a range extender, as well, but it's optional. EVs have lost in the past, as well -- the Nissan Leaf lost to the Volt in 2011, and both the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Ford Focus Electric lost to the natural-gas-powered Honda Civic in 2012.
We've had the privilege of driving the Bolt EV several times already, and it impressed us for the same reason it impressed the judges at Green Car Journal. It's packing solid range, good in-car tech and a price tag that's within the reach of many buyers.
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