Automotive

2018 Nissan Kicks Arrives: A Brief Walk Around

2018 Nissan Kicks Arrives: A Brief Walk Around The Nissan Kicks was unveiled last year during the Los Angeles Auto Show as the sixth member of the company’s SUV and crossover lineup. Nissan’s sales in these segments are at an all-time high and the automaker hopes the Kicks will generate additional growth.
“The new Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality, and advanced safety features at an affordable price starting under $18,000,” explained Michael Bunce, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Nissan Kicks will pack a little punch with its standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder. Complete with a Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System, the engine generates 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft. of torque. With an Xtronic transmission, the front-wheel drive Kicks achieves 33 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is not available.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Design Language
We’ve come to expect the V-Motion grille, a signature found on every Nissan today. The 2018 Kicks also features unique wheel arches, boomerang headlights and taillights, and a “floating” roof for a “wrap-around visor” look. There are seven different exterior colors and five two-tone schemes on offer, three of which utilize a black roof and contrasting body colors (white, orange, or red). An orange roof with a gray body, or a white roof with a blue body can also be had.
Interior Treatments
Nissan notes the “Gliding Wing” design of the dashboard, anchored by a seven-inch color display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Those who enjoy tunes while they navigate will appreciate the Bose premium stereo with UltraNearfield neodymium speakers, located inside the driver’s headrest.
Nissan says the new Kicks has one of the largest load areas in its class.
“With its good ground clearance, high eye point, electric power steering, and small turning radius, Kicks is a great vehicle for both everyday and weekend adventures,” Bunce added.

Safety & Security
The 2018 Nissan Kicks comes standard with Automatic Emergency Braking, RearView Monitor, and seven air bags. SV and SR grades add Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Nissan Kicks will be offered in three grades: S, SV, and SR. The S begins at $17,990, the SV at $19,690, and the SR at $20,290. Expect the 2018 Nissan Kicks at dealerships later this spring.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
2018 Nissan Kicks Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Audi Vehicles Can “Talk” With Traffic Lights In Phoenix & Kansas City

Audi Vehicles Can “Talk” With Traffic Lights In Phoenix & Kansas City Traffic Light Information is now available in two more cities – Phoenix and areas of Kansas City, Kansas, Audi of America has announced. As of March, more than 600 intersections in the District of Columbia support Audi’s “time-to-green” feature of Traffic Light Information. The system falls under the category of “vehicle-to-infrastructure” technology, sometimes abbreviated as V2I. Traffic Light Information, an Audi connect PRIME feature available on certain late models, enables the vehicle to communicate with the infrastructure in metropolitan areas.
Expanding Network
In 2016, Audi, in collaboration with Traffic Technology Services launched Traffic Light Information in Las Vegas, later expanding it to the Dallas and Houston metros, along with Palo Alto and Arcadia, California, Portland, and Denver. With the addition of Washington D.C. earlier this year and now Phoenix and Kansas City, over 2,250 intersections across the United States support Traffic Light Information.
“Audi continues to be an industry leader in connectivity and mobility solutions,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Not only do V2I technologies like Traffic Light Information help to reduce driver stress, they are also essential infrastructure developments as we continue toward an automated future.”
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
How It Works
Vehicles equipped with the technology will receive real-time signals from connected traffic lights via the on-board 4G LTE data connection. When the light is red, the time remaining until the signal changes to green is displayed in the instrument cluster or heads-up display. The automaker says future iterations of this and other V2I technologies will be used to further enhance mobility and reduce congestion.
Audi’s Connect PRIME services are optional and may require an additional subscription with separate terms and conditions.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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Most Common Road Accidents & What to Do After a Crash

Most Common Road Accidents & What to Do After a Crash Similar to death and taxes, road accidents are an unfortunate part of life, especially on today’s highly-congested roads. Our buddies at Your Legal Friend came up with a unique infographic to explain the most common road accidents in the UK, which are surprisingly similar to the crash rates in the United States.
Your Legal Friend recently conducted a study on the dynamics and circumstances surrounding road crashes. The firm leveraged their experience in personal injury law to analyze more than 25,000 incident reports. Their findings are something we should all pay attention to, regardless of where we live.
For example, from the Your Legal Friend study, we see a trend between the most common types of road accidents and the types of people most likely to be involved in a crash. We even see how some parts of the year are worse than others. Did you know road accidents are most likely to occur on a Friday in July? Here are the highlights of the study Your Legal Friend conducted.

It Doesn’t Matter Where You Live
If you previously thought our British neighbors were better and safer drivers, think again. The specific correlation between vehicular accidents in the U.S. and UK are strikingly similar.
The USA ranks as one of the busiest countries in terms of road traffic. There were approximately 6.3 million fatal injuries and property damage crashes in 2015 alone. In fact, the U.S. ranks first in crash deaths per 100,000 people and per 10,000 registered vehicles.
The U.S. also ranks second-highest in deaths involving alcohol at 31 percent, which is next to Canada.
Things aren’t as rosy in the United Kingdom, either. There were 1,792 road deaths in 2016. This is a jump of four percent compared to 2015. There were a total of 181,384 casualties of all severities in 2016, which was probably caused by the increase of motor traffic (2.2 percent) between 2015 and 2016.

The Most Common Road Accidents
According the Your Legal Friend study, 70 percent of drivers who cause road accidents are male and between the ages of 30 and 32. In fact, the study revealed you are most likely to be on the receiving end of a crash by the age of 32.
If you happen to be in Bradford or Birmingham in the UK, it is best to keep an eye on your rearview mirror. The study found the most common type of crash is being hit in the rear. This accounts for 38 percent of all collisions on the road.
Junction and roundabout collisions, and accidents while changing lanes account for 13 percent, six percent, and five percent respectively. It is reported that a startling 59 percent of victims in car accidents are also male. I guess we can all blame excess testosterone for that.

What You Drive Could Matter
I previously mentioned that road accidents are most likely to occur on all Fridays in July. It might have something to do with the freak UK weather and people rushing to the nearest pub. Also interesting is the list of top vehicles involved in causing accidents. It includes the Ford Fiesta (which is a best-selling car in the UK), the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van (which happens to be a top-seller behind the Ford Transit), the Ford Focus, and the Vauxhall Corsa.
The Ford Fiesta is also among the top vehicles most likely to fall victim to a crash, along with the Ford Focus, Audi A3 (because Audi owners reputably drive too close to the car in front?), and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
I guess the lesson here is safety should be a top priority. Don’t drive a Ford Fiesta and stay away from Mercedes vans on the road.
Oh, and drink your lager on a Saturday instead.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Photo: MBUSA.
Things To Remember After An Accident
Stop the vehicle. It doesn’t matter if the crash is mild or severe. Stop the car and don’t even think about leaving the scene of the accident. You could get charged with a criminal offense.
Try to remain calm. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but a calm mind will allow you to quickly assess the situation.
Take notes and take photographs. Snap some images depicting the damage and the scene of the accident. This holds true no matter who is at fault.
Call the police immediately. After making sure that you and your passengers are safe and sound, it is best to call the police for immediate assistance.
Avoid saying sorry or taking blame. Even if you happen to be at fault, it is best to analyze the situation further. It is better to simply ask how the other driver is doing and if they suffered any injuries.
Conclusion
If you were the victim of a car accident and would like to seek compensation, Your Legal Friend, who conducted this study, can advise you. In the meantime, please avoid distracted driving to keep the roads safer for each and every person.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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2018 Ford Explorer: Blue Oval’s Anchor For Promising SUV Projections?

2018 Ford Explorer: Blue Oval’s Anchor For Promising SUV Projections?

From the “Water is Wet/Pope is Catholic” file, Ford says to expect continued growth in SUV sales. They also announced what the updates for the Ford Explorer will be in 2018, but first let’s talk about these sales projections. Look, every company on the planet says the future looks great. We’re going to be making money by the train car load next fiscal year, yadda-yadda-yadda.
But in Ford’s case, they might be right.
Trending Data
For starters, check this out: According to Ford, not only will the SUV segment continue to grow, but it will actually account for more than 45 percent of the non-premium U.S. retail industry in the next five to seven years. 45 percent. That’s nearly half of the non-premium (i.e. rich folks cars) segment being populated by truck like SUV things.
It seems this trend, as 90% of the trends these days, are being driven by millennials. 35- to 44-year-olds buy more mid and large SUVs than any other given demographic, and millennials are anticipated to join this SUV-loving group even more as they age. Baby boomers (the first millenials in a way, if you care to think about it) are already buying nearly 30 percent of small SUVs as is. And boomers are projected to lean even more heavily into SUVs as they march on up the population pyramid. Even Generation X is getting in on the SUV action.
These numbers make Ford happy. They already sell a ton of trucks and SUVs, so a bigger pie means more sales for Ford. Dearborn is so psyched about what lies ahead for SUVs, they have plans to add five all-new ones to their North American lineup by 2020.
“In the 1990s, SUVs defined the unstoppable American spirit, and once again, we’re seeing a utility boom take hold with a whole new generation of customers,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales, and Service. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Cornerstone Connectivity
Ford is planning on the upcoming 2018 Explorer to champion this segue into even more SUVs on the road. The 2018 Explorer has a freshened front, new rear styling details, and even better technology. So the transitional model year gets slathered in tech goodies and gee-gaws such as an available 4G modem with a new standard Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten devices, plus Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system.
SYNC Connect also allows owners to “connect” with the Explorer remotely using FordPass. Drivers can start, lock, unlock, and locate their vehicle from almost anywhere. I know that sounds superfluous in a lot of ways, but consider living in up-state New York or Mobile, Alabama. Sounds like being able to fire up your Explorer and get the interior heated in February or chilled in August via your smartphone is a good idea, no? Oh, and FordPass also stores important vehicle diagnostic information which is also handy.
All of this stuff on the 2018 Explorer joins existing high tech perks such as enhanced active park assist and electric power-assisted steering. These features help drivers with parallel and perpendicular parking but there is also park-out assist, which helps drivers pull out of parallel parking spots; and intelligent all-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System that sends power where needed. And yeah, I don’t know why on Earth you’d need something to help you pull out of parallel parking spots (isn’t that just reverse gear?) but hey, the new Explorer’s got it.
Safety tidbits? Oh my yes!
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Safety & Security
The 2018 Ford Explorer offers a newly available Safe and Smart Package that combines a whole bunch of stuff you should be able to do for yourself, but Americans seem to thrive on having these days. There is adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support that uses the onboard radar to sense any moving vehicles immediately ahead, and change cruising speed if necessary. A Blind Spot Information System also uses radar to trigger a warning when another vehicle is in your blind spot. Cross-traffic alert is almost the same thing as the blind spot deal. It also uses radar to alert you to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space.
The lane-keeping system automatically detects left- and right-hand lane markers using the front camera system. A vibration in the steering wheel alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of their lane. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed. I’m sorry, but isn’t that what the Bott’s dots on the highway are already there for? How many warnings do you need?
In a blast from the past, the 2018 Ford Explorer also has auto high-beams. It uses windshield-mounted cameras to automatically switch between high and low beams when oncoming traffic is detected. Which is cool and all that, but I remember my grandfather’s 1970s era Caddy having the same thing, so yay for automatically not blinding oncoming traffic, but this ain’t exactly new.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Power & Performance
You get your choice of three different engines with the 2018 Explorer: the 2.3-liter, 280 horsepower EcoBoost four-cylinder with 310 lb-ft. of torque, or the 365 horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 with 350 lb-ft of torque. The latter is for the Explorer Sport and Platinum which have new quad exhaust tips. For some reason Ford doesn’t say what the third engine choice is. I’m sincerely hoping it’s a secret quad turbo V16 plant cranking out over 2,000 horsepower at the wheels.
I also sincerely hope that Angelina Jolie left Brad Pitt because she could sense my raw masculine sexuality, but somehow I feel that isn’t true either.
Exterior Colors & Availability
And not to leave out the truly goofy options, customers have four new exterior color choices with the 2018 Ford Explorer: Burgundy Velvet Tinted Clearcoat, Cinnamon Glaze, Platinum Dune Tricoat, and Blue Metallic. What is goofy there is, of course, the “Cinnamon Glaze” option. Dunno, maybe Ford is going for the off-duty cop market or the Cinnabon manager market but Cinnamon Glaze, really?
The built at Chicago Assembly Plant 2018 Ford Explorer arrives at dealerships this fall.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volvo XC60 Production Underway

2018 Volvo XC60 Production Underway

It won’t be long before the 2018 Volvo XC60 arrives in the showroom. Production of the vehicle is underway at Volvo’s Torslanda plant in Sweden. The first customer-bound XC60 that rolled off the line was a T5 Inscription AWD in Crystal White. The new XC60 replaces a prior model that held its own for nine years, becoming the top premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with nearly a million units sold globally.
The XC60 today represents around 30 percent of Volvo’s total global sales.
Solid Foundations
The XC60 is the fourth Volvo based on the automaker’s patented SPA vehicle architecture. Volvo developed it in-house and introduced it with the 2016 XC90. SPA allows Vovlo’s engineers to seamlessly integrate a wide range of vehicle systems and technology, be it performance or safety related. The latter is a huge part of Volvo’s reputation and SPA utilizes its high-strength steel construction accordingly.
Furthermore, SPA-related investments in Sweden have provided thousands of new jobs in production and research and development.
The first new XC60 rolls off the production line in Torslanda, Sweden. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Performance Tech
Building on their safety legacy, Volvo added Steer Assist to the 2018 XC60’s City Safety system. Steer Assist literally “assists” the other vehicle safety systems. Oncoming Lane Mitigation, for example, uses Steer Assist to help prevent head-on collisions. The Blind Spot Indication system also uses Steer Assist to help prevent lane-changing collisions. Other available safety features include Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous program that handles steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph.
A T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid tops the new XC60’s powertrain range, delivering 407 horsepower and hitting 62 mph in a mere 5.3 seconds. Inside, the new CleanZone four-zone climate system removes pollutants, dust, and particles – a necessity if you are like me and have allergies. Expect the latest infotainment and connectivity too, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Pricing & Availability
No word on pricing yet for the 2018 Volvo XC60, although the vehicle is gradually becoming available for order as production increases.
“This is a proud day for everyone at the plant,” said Magnus Nilsson, Vice President of the Torslanda plant. “We have worked hard in recent weeks and months to prepare Torslanda for this latest new Volvo model, and now we are ready to start delivering new XC60s to customers.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Volvo XC60 Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group

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Waymo Expands Self-Driving Program With FCA, Seeking Applicants

Waymo Expands Self-Driving Program With FCA, Seeking Applicants

FCA US LLC is delivering 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to boost the tech company’s autonomous driving program. The announcement follows the already 100 Pacifica minivans sent to Waymo in the second half of last year. Production for these additional 500 will begin next month and upon delivery, Waymo will install their self-driving technology.
Proponents say autonomous driving can prevent many of the 1.2 million traffic-related deaths recorded yearly worldwide. 94 percent of these are caused by human error.
Powerful Partnership
As autonomous vehicles loom on the horizon with some concern and scrutiny, the relationship between FCA and Waymo has proven beneficial.
“The collaboration between FCA and Waymo has been advantageous for both companies as we continue to work together to fully understand the steps needed to bring self-driving vehicles to market,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
John Krafcik, Waymo’s Chief Executive Officer, commented specifically on the vehicle of choice.
“The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is a versatile vehicle for our early rider program, which will give people access to our self-driving fleet to use every day, at any time,” he said.
Through the early rider program, Waymo is expanding on the software and sensor technology originally developed by Google in 2009. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Community Efforts
Waymo’s early rider program in Phoenix, Arizona gives area residents a chance to experience a self-driving vehicle on their daily commutes. Waymo plans on using the feedback to enhance how they design future self-driving technology.
“This collaboration is helping both companies learn how to bring self-driving cars to market, and realize the safety and mobility benefits of this technology,” Krafcik said.
The Pacifica’s electrical, powertrain, chassis, and structural components were modified to accommodate Waymo’s self-driving technology. The programs Waymo uses were refined through nearly 3 million miles of on-road testing and billions of miles in simulation. Waymo and FCA co-located a select group of engineers at a facility in southeastern Michigan to oversee development. Extensive testing was carried out at FCA’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, and Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, Arizona, as well as Waymo test sites in California.
“The addition of 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans is a further acknowledgement of the hard work put forth by both engineering teams,” Marchionne said.
The early rider application window is open now for those in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert. There is no cost to apply.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2018 Honda Odyssey Production Begins

2018 Honda Odyssey Production Begins

The Honda Odyssey is the most popular minivan in the United States. Retail sales data from Urban Science shows Honda has lead the minivan segment for the last seven years, and they show no signs of slowing down. This week, more than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) kicked off 2018 Odyssey production.
“This is a celebration for our entire Honda team of associates who have been committed to bringing an all-new, high tech, family-friendly Odyssey to our customers,” said Jeff Tomko, President of HMA.
Exclusive Rights
HMA opened on November 14th 2001 in Lincoln, Alabama, assembling what was then the second generation Odyssey. Today, HMA has built more than 4 million vehicles and engines as the sole production outlet of the Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline. The 2018 Odyssey is the fourth all-new model to emerge from HMA in the past five years. HMA also builds the Acura MDX and its corresponding V6 engine.
The facility has undergone various upgrades to boost performance and quality assurance. With regard to the 2018 Odyssey, this includes a new and refined process for the acoustic spray foam. The material is installed in 14 different locations within the Odyssey’s body to enhance cabin quietness and reduce road noise.
“I congratulate all of our associates for their commitment to quality for this new vehicle, which ushers in a new level of features and functionality with the goal of creating new value for our customers,” Tomko said.
All 2018 Odysseys in EX and above trims will have Honda Sensing as standard equipment. The package includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Photo: Honda North America.
Performance Tech
The 2018 Honda Odyssey, in its higher trims, features a new i-VTEC V6 with 280 horsepower – an increase of 32 horsepower over the outgoing model. The engine is paired to a new 10-speed automatic, the first of its kind for a front-wheel drive minivan. The transmission is produced at Honda Precision Parts Georgia (HPPG) in Tallapoosa, Georgia.
Honda is specific in their design approach with the Odyssey, focusing on beneficial features for growing families. The 2018 Odyssey’s Magic Slide second-row seating system, for example, offers a reconfigurable array for more passenger comfort, easier cargo hauling, and smoother access to the third row. Other features families will find useful are the CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems. CabinWatch lets Mom and Dad keep tabs on the kids via an infrared camera (don’t act up kids!) while CabinTalk allows them to chat with rear passengers through the speakers and rear entertainment headphones.
On the daily commute, drivers can keep passengers comfortable with the Odyssey’s CabinControl app. Through smartphone integration, the app controls entertainment, navigation, and rear climate settings. CabinControl also links to the Social Playlist, a virtual jukebox spinning the preferred music of up to seven family members.
Expect the 2018 Honda Odyssey before long at Honda dealerships nationwide – if you are interested in a 2017 model, see our product and performance overview on the vehicle. Americans have purchased more than 2.5 million Odyssey minivans since its 1994 debut.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Honda North America.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Nissan To Expand NISMO Road Car Business

Nissan To Expand NISMO Road Car Business

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is developing a new operation aimed at expanding its NISMO road car business. NISMO Cars Business Department is part of Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan group company that makes converted vehicles. The division intends to build a greater range of models available to customers in more markets, according to Nissan.
NISMO Cars Business Department will recruit enterprising talent from Nissan, Autech, Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. and other Nissan ventures to develop the vehicles.
Prospects & Performance
The idea is to introduce NISMO road cars to new global segments and market them accordingly. At the same time, Nissan will look to boost their NISMO presence in existing markets like Japan, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The performance aspects and styling cues of NISMO’s road cars are derived through NISMO motorsports. The focus of the brand revolves around offering drivers a quality and reliability that matches the performance.
“As a Nissan sub-brand, NISMO further builds upon the core values of Nissan cars,” said Takao Katagiri, President and CEO, Autech Japan and Nissan Motorsports International.
Joint Efforts
Nissan unveiled the NISMO brand in 2013; NISMO cars account for about 15,000 units per year in sales. Models so far include the GT-R, 370Z, JUKE, and Sentra in the United States. The Note and Patrol are also on the NISMO roster but are sold outside the American market. In addition to shortening the development process, Nissan plans to raise the bar with regard to marketing and promoting the vehicles. NISMO Cars Business Department will team with Nissan Motorsports International on a range of projects, including showing the cars at Nissan dealerships and holding events for NISMO car owners.
“With the combined expertise of Nissan group companies, NISMO road cars will make customers enjoy Nissan cars more than ever,” Katagiri said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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Chevy Bolt EV Owners Hit Record Miles As EV Demand Increases

Chevy Bolt EV Owners Hit Record Miles As EV Demand Increases

The Chevy Bolt EV appears to be gaining traction – literally that is. The automaker reports that nearly 3,500 Bolt EV owners in the United States have driven a cumulative 4,570,300 miles as of April 2nd, 2017. The vehicle went on sale recently too – in December 2016 – but the figures are solid for a vehicle only four months on the market, and for one not sold nationwide just yet.
The miles driven by Bolt EV owners added up to more than 175,000 gallons of fuel saved, based on figures from the EPA.
Record Breaking
The Chevy Bolt EV is EPA-estimated at 238 miles of range, although one owner pushed that threshold substantially, traveling 310 miles on a single charge. While these numbers are not typical it is still a feather in Chevy’s cap, especially as younger adults show a remarkable interest in electric vehicles – up to 50 percent according to an extensive study by the Consumer Federation of America.
The study also found the more consumers are educated about EVs, the more they desire to own one.
Accessible Capability
Still, some surveys show mixed emotions on electric vehicles. A fall 2013 study by Navigant Research called the Electric Vehicle Consumer Survey shows consumers like the idea of EVs but might be hesitant to purchase one based on available features. It would appear, however, Chevrolet designed the Bolt EV accordingly. The vehicle comes with a 10.2-inch MyLink color display, Bluetooth compatibility, and a surround vision camera that provides a bird’s-eye view for the driver. An EV-specific navigation feature shows the best routes for range and nearby charging stations.
“Our early Bolt EV customers are proving the crossover’s functionality, flexibility, and long-range capabilities on a daily basis,” said Steve Majoros, Director of Marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Nationwide Release
The average Bolt EV owner drives approximately 53 miles per day and with an estimated range of 238 miles, it’s more than enough for most commutes. Currently, the Bolt EV is only available in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Virginia, but will see a nationwide release this summer.
“Chevrolet committed to delivering a game-changing vehicle and we’ve done just that,” Majoros added. “As we continue our national rollout of the Bolt EV, we’re making electric driving accessible to even more drivers.”
The Chevy Bolt EV is assembled at GM’s Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Michigan.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet, Consumer Federation of America, Navigant Research.

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