Bolt pricing announced

The base trim Chevrolet Bolt will carry a $42,795-price tag when it hits Canadian dealerships early next year.

That MSRP, which excludes a $1,600 freight charge, could be dropped to $31,434 depending on whether buyers purchase the car in Ontario, Quebec or B.C., each of which offer various provincial incentives on electric vehicles.

General Motors had routinely touted the vehicle as the “first affordable electric vehicle.” A release from the automaker last week confirmed it would have an EPA-estimated range of 383 km on a full charge.

Given the rhetoric on price from GM, some in the industry assumed Bolt’s MSRP would start near $29,000, given that the all-electric Nissan LEAF starts at $32,698 without the provincial incentives.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV, with current OEM incentive programs, costs $29,183 before provincial incentives are added.

Both the Mitsubishi and Nissan nameplates have shorter ranges than Bolt.

“Value is a hallmark for Chevrolet and the pricing of the Bolt EV proves we’re serious about delivering the first affordable EV with plenty of range for our customers,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America and head of Chevrolet.

“We have kept on our promise yet again, first on range and now on price.”

In Canada, the DC fast charging provision and the tire inflator kit are provided as part of the standard equipment. The base LT trim comes with standard features like a rear vision camera, 10.2-inch colour touch-screen and Michelin self-sealing tires.

The top trim includes all LT equipment plus leather-appointed seats, front and rear heated seats, surround camera and rear camera mirror.