Breaking News

Chevy to Update the Bolt EV into a Crossover SUV

General Motors has just unveiled a Bolt electric utility vehicle, at least according to leaked reports.  The Chevrolet Menlo EV is slated to be GM’s new shining star in the realm of electric vehicles and is likely to stir up interest in GM’s electrification plans once more.

Chevrolet Menlo EV

According to a Chinese source, the Chevrolet Menlo EV is slated to be the Chinese version of the Bolt EUV.  This five-seater is expected to have a maximum output of 174 hp, giving drivers about 93 mph (150 kph) for a top speed.  While there are no concrete numbers that have been provided regarding the vehicle’s range, it is estimated that the Menlo EV might have a range of about 187 miles (301 km).

In terms of size, the Menlo EV measures 183 inches long (4.65 m), 71.7 inches (1.82 m) wide, and 60.6 inches (1.54 m) in height.  The overall wheelbase comes to 104.7 inches (2.66 m).  This makes the car much longer than the Bolt EV, though a few inches shorter. 

Of course, all of these specs are specific to the Chinese market, which has its own set of government regulations and consumer expectations.  If we are to see a similar vehicle hit the market in North America, it seems likely that we would see an increased range and performance specs to tempt buyers who prefer beefier cars.

It is expected that we will learn more about the Chevrolet Menlo EV next month after it has been launched at the Chengdu Motor Show in China.

GM Slow in Producing New Electric Vehicles

Back in 2017, GM announced its plans to have 20 new all-electric vehicles on the market by 2023 in its “All-Electric Path to Zero Emissions.”  Most notably, the company claimed that it would launch two new electric cars based on the Bolt EV within the next 18 months. 

Did they follow through with this promise?  Sort of, but not really.  They released two all-electric cars in the Chinese market (the Buick Velite 6 EV and Baojun E200), but neither are based on the Bolt EV in any way. 

Regardless, GM has a lot to do in the next three years if they hope to release 20 new electric vehicle models.  Since the release of the Chevy Bolt EV in 2016, the legacy auto manufacturer has not really had much to offer in terms of improvements to the car or any solid news of other models being released anytime soon.  It risks giving up a potential lead in the electric vehicle market if it does not show some action soon, which will only continue to hurt it down the road.

One comment

  1. This new EV Bolt euv actually looks like the new Chevy Blazer??? Leave it to GM to give the same looking car two different name tags? Also, that spy video of the supposed EUV Bolt, looks nothing like the still pic you showed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *