With 238-Mile Battery Range on Forthcoming Chevy Bolt, General Motors Eyes Tesla

Tesla’s Model 3 isn’t even on sale yet and already a competitor is trying to suck the wind from its sails.

Elon Musk’s next electric car model, slated to ship next year for $35,000, is designed to go 215 miles on a single battery charge. General Motors this week said its Chevrolet Bolt will be able to push 238 miles with a price tag under $40,000.

Tesla’s more expensive Model S 60, at $66,000, gets up to 219 miles.

“Chevrolet showed the world the production version Bolt EV earlier this year and in a few short months we’ve moved from that vision to a reality,” said GM North America President Alan Batey. “The Bolt EV is a game changer for the electric car segment and it will start to become available at Chevrolet dealerships later this year.”

GM also says the Bolt will offer more cargo space than a Tesla with its practical hatchback design, and points out that there are more than 3,000 dealers at which a Bolt can be repaired, compared with barely 200 Tesla stores.

“While range is important, we knew Bolt EV owners would want more — more space and more power — and the Bolt EV delivers,” said Bolt EV Chief Engineer Josh Tavel. “Our team took special pride in optimizing every aspect of this vehicle, especially its impressive range and ride dynamics.”

Regardless of which car is better, let’s appreciate how far we have come. Just a couple of years ago, entry-level electric vehicles had ranges of 100 miles or less.