How Serious Is Competition Between Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3: Similarities and Differences

There are more differences between Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 than similarities between these two electric vehicles.

Chevy Bolt Size vs Tesla Model 3 Size

Other publications have been well, kind of foaming at the mouth, eager to topple Tesla from its pinnacle atop the high-tech/EV mountain. As Euripides said, roughly translated, “Those whom the gods would destroy they first raise up.” It makes a much more readable story to say that the great are about to be brought low by a new entrant in the EV car race only if you have built him up before hand.

That seems to be happening here. That same publication touts its epa range as being 238 and that this clearly outclasses the announced range of the Tesla 3 of 215. Wow, 13 more miles per charge. The author neglects to mention that Musk stated the range would be at least 215 miles per charge. Do we expect the man who created the P100D Series S so that it would do 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds, making it the fastest production car in the world to take that lying down? I would expect to see a range at least in the range of 250 miles per charge at introduction. But really. All this fuss over 13 miles per charge? Advantage: draw.

Bolt vs Model 3 Acceleration

Speaking of acceleration, we can confidently expect that Tesla Model 3 will be in the range of 4 seconds to 60 when introduced. Even the first Model S with a 40 kwh battery managed that. So how does the Bolt compare? 7 seconds. That’s right 7 seconds. That puts it in family sedan territory, not the rarified air of the Tesla. Not even worth talking about any longer. Advantage: Tesla

Tesla Model 3 vs Chevy Bolt Comfort

Tesla Model S is classified as a large car. We have yet to see the ratings on the Model 3, but indications that it might still be classified as a large car, certainly no less than medium. The Bolt is small. It is a small hatchback. Small. Granted the inside is quite roomy compared to other small cars, but comparable? I don’t think so. Advantage: Tsla

Superchargers

Now, my home stomping grounds are the capital district of New York. For us to get down to NYC takes about 155 miles. That will probably leave about 100 miles of useful range. That’s not enough to make it home without sticking out my thumb. With either car. With the Bolt, I can sit around patiently for about eight hours waiting to get enough of a charge. With the 3 I have my choice of Superchargers to top off in less than 30 minutes and be on my way, or I could choose one of the many hotels with destination Tesla chargers to stay if I’m staying overnight. Where? Well, there’s one in Edison, NJ if I want to visit my alma mater Rutgers, or East Brunswick if I want to charge up right in the same town as Rutgers, or Paramus in NJ if I want to charge up on the way home, or if I want to go farther, why not stop in Newburgh, half way up the Thruway?

So, not the same. Not the same. Quick recharge? Advantage: Tesla

Autopilot?

I don’t see anything, anywhere about the Bolt featuring any Autonomous features in their car. I am panting, drooling over the day when I will be able to turn over the driving function to the car. The cost of this equipment is not insubstantial, yet it will be included in the 3 to the best of our knowledge. This pushes the 3’s price advantage even further. Advantage: Tesla

Source of Car Parts

One of the guys on one of my favorite Tesla podcasts said they really ought to call the Chevy Bolt the LG Bolt since they are supplying everything on the Bolt but the seats and the chassis. That all comes out Korea. Motor, electronics, batteries, controls, dashboard...well, you get the idea.

Tesla Model 3 will be made in Fremont, California with batteries made in Nevada in the Gigafactory with lithium mined here. By American workers! Advantage: Tesla.

Bottom Line

The Chevy Bolt is a small, untested, hatchback that costs about ten percent more, is slower, doesn’t really have long range capabilities and, quite frankly, won’t turn any heads as it goes down the road. It’s nice, but it ain’t no Tesla. Look at the pictures.