[aphextron]

GM is killing it right now. Bolt is the first truly great EV ever built at an "affordable" price. Model 3 is getting all the hype now, but when it's all said and done GM will have beaten them to market by a year with an equally comparable or better product at the same price point.

[bogomipz]

>"Bolt is the first truly great EV ever built at an "affordable" price."

I would curious to hear your opinion on what things specifically makes the Bolt a great EV - features, comparative specs etc.

[aphextron]

>I would curious to hear your opinion on what things specifically makes the Bolt a great EV - features, comparative specs etc.

It's the first mass produced, purpose designed, non-luxury EV available in the US with:

- Greater than 200 miles range

- Active thermal management for the battery (essential for battery longevity and extended use with quick charging).

- Full seating for 5

- Top IIHS safety rating

- Standard level 2 autonomy

- Cargo capacity comparable to a regular hatchback

At a price that just barely starts to make sense for the average driver when you factor in fuel savings and tax subsidies.

[bogomipz]

Thanks, that certainly is impressive. I didn't understand your last comment:

>"At a price that just barely starts to make sense for the average driver when you factor in fuel savings and tax subsidies."

At $36K and just using $5K as an arbitrary tax subsidy number isn't it the same price as most US mini SUV style cars?

[vkou]

Hatchbacks are not mini-SUVs, and many people can't afford to own a mini-SUV. $36,000 with no trims is pricy for a new car.

I've been adamant that owning an EV would be a non-starter for me, but having seen the Bolt, if I were shopping for a new car, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[bogomipz]

I didn't say that hatchbacks were SUVs, it was simply a comp as the sedan market is giving way to the compact SUV in the US.

$36K is pretty close to average car price in the US now:

https://www.edmunds.com/about/press/average-vehicle-transact...

I think you are right that there are many people who can't afford a $35K car which is why leasing is seeing such an uptick:

https://www.edmunds.com/about/press/automotive-lease-volume-...

A compact SUV is one of the best selling card this year in the US and at ~20K its not actually that pricey compared the average car price in the USA of $34K.

And the compact SUV is looking like it it will dislodge the sedan's long dominance. See:

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4064632-new-u-s-car-sales-k...

and

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/05/01/why-nis...

[aphextron]

>$36K is pretty close to average car price in the US now:

You have to keep in mind that $36k 'average' number is highly inflated by luxury purchases. Most people end up spending closer to $20k. I think when they hit below that magical $19,995 number we will see massive adoption.