GM unveils new Chevrolet Bolt EV at CES

Chevrolet has unveiled the new Bolt electric vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, ahead of a start to US sales for the compact five-door hatchback in October. 

Previewed by an earlier concept of the same name in February 2015, the Bolt is based around a unique front-wheel drive platform structure and uses the same lithium ion battery technology as the second-generation Chevrolet Volt, providing it with a claimed zero-emission range of “more than 200 miles (320km)”.

"The Bolt EV is capable of using the latest mobile app technology to enable car sharing, advanced GPS routing and gamification, all designed to enhance the ownership experience, now and into the future," said General Motors boss Mary Barra at the car's unveiling.

Chevrolet is remaining coy on further details on the Bolt until next week’s Detroit Motor Show, although officials have confirmed Chevrolet is developing an advanced navigation system for the car to maximise range and provide information on the location of nearby charging stations.

Further features include 4G OnStar LTE connectivity, which turns the Bolt into a WiFi hotspot.

The Bolt will be produced at parent company General Motors’ Orion manufacturing plant in Michigan alongside the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano. The plant is currently undergoing a $160 million upgrade to handle production of the new hatchback.

The Bolt, which will be priced at around $30,000 in the US after electric car incentives are taken into account, is the first dedicated production electric car from General Motors since the pioneering EV1 ceased production in 1999. Chevrolet officials have previously confirmed the new car won't be coming to the UK.

Key among the rivals for the new car is the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 and the upcoming Tesla Model 3.