GM confirms plans to build electric car

Chicago, Illinois – Chevrolet has confirmed that it will build its next generation pure electric vehicle, based on the Bolt EV concept, at General Motors’ Orion Assembly facility near Detroit.

GM North America President Alan Batey says the Bolt EV concept, introduced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, was a clear hit.

“The message from consumers about the Bolt EV concept was clear and unequivocal: Build it,” says Batey. “We are moving quickly because of its potential to completely shake up the status quo for electric vehicles.”

Leveraging battery technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept was developed as a game-changing, long-range, pure electric for all 50 states, designed to offer more than 200 miles of range at a target price of around $30,000.

Start of production and additional details will be announced later.

GM’s Orion Assembly, home of the Chevrolet Sonic sub-compact and Buick Verano luxury compact, and Pontiac Metal Center facilities are receiving a $200-million investment to support production of the next-generation electric vehicle. Orion will receive $160 million for tooling and equipment, and Pontiac will receive $40 million for new dies.

Located approximately 30 miles north of Detroit, Orion Assembly is powered by gas from two nearby landfills, which saves more than 6,300 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere annually. It is also home to a 350kW solar array that produces the energy equivalent to power 165 homes and sends enough energy back to the grid to power about 45 homes.

Source: General Motors