General Motors has achieved an impressive feat with the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, setting a new range record during an efficiency challenge held in Brazil. The event served as the market launch for the Bolt EUV in the country, where only a limited batch of this electric crossover will be sold.

Covering a staggering distance of 901.8 kilometers (560 miles) on a single battery charge, the Bolt EUV surpassed the WLTP range for the Brazilian market by almost double and exceeded the EPA-estimated range of 247 miles by more than double. 

Over 70 participants, including journalists, influencers, customers, dealers, partners, and GM employees, took turns behind the wheel of three Bolt EUV vehicles during the 28-hour and 30-minute challenge. The test took place at GM Brazil's Proving Grounds in Indaiatuba, Sao Paulo state, on a round track spanning 4.3 kilometers (2.7 miles).

The objective was to determine how far the Chevy Bolt EUV could travel using its entire 66-kilowatt-hour battery capacity while maintaining maximum energy efficiency. Achieving this required driving at low speeds and employing techniques that minimize energy consumption.

Participants were advised to avoid sudden acceleration and braking, as well as refrain from using air conditioning and other energy-demanding features such as seat and steering wheel heating. General Motors Brazil ensured favorable climate and geographic conditions for the test, avoiding extreme temperatures that could lead to increased energy consumption for cooling or heating the battery pack.

With an average speed of approximately 35 km/h (22 mph), it took more than a day to fully deplete the battery, with the vehicles making only brief stops for driver changes. The most enduring Bolt EUV achieved an average efficiency of 7.2 kWh/100 kilometers.

Production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV will end at the end of this year. Therefore, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV will be sold in a single batch in Brazil. After the discontinuation of the Bolt EV and EUV, General Motors plans to introduce its next-generation electric vehicles to the Brazilian market, starting with the Blazer EV and Equinox EV in mid-2024.

Source: GM Brazil