GM’s New SUV Has Better Range And Is $9,000 Cheaper Than The Tesla Model Y

GM has finally taken the wraps off their new all-electric crossover SUV, the Bolt EUV (electric utility vehicle). This is the company’s most important electric vehicle launch since the original Bolt launched to much fanfare back in 2017.

The base, Bolt EUV starts at $34,000 but it could go as low as $27,000 in the US. However, that is if the $7000 federal EV tax rebate is extended for further 400,000 vehicles. According to GM, the price includes destination fee and home charger installation which could cost a further $2000.

The price was a surprise, starting $9,000 below Tesla’s comparable Model Y crossover. The Model Y starts at $43,200, after adding the mandatory delivery and doc fees. And that is even compared to the newly introduced cheapest Standard Range Plus Model Y.

The specs of the Bolt EUV are, 250 miles EPA estimated range, supports DC fast charging, 65 KWh battery, 200hp, and 266lb-ft of torque. But unfortunately, there isn’t an all-wheel-drive version of the SUV.

Related news: Tesla Adding 4680 Batteries To Its Model Y EV Crossover

The first version of the Bolt EUV to come to market in the summer of 2021 is the Launch Edition. This version standard will have a panoramic roof, Super Cruise driver assistance, unique wheel, and badging, and illuminated charging port.

The other versions to launch in the summer are the LT and the Premier. The LT is the base version and doesn’t come with any of the bells and whistles. The Premier on the other hand starts at 38,500 and has adaptive cruise control, a camera for the rearview mirror and HD surround vision standard. The owners of the Premier version can also upgrade to the GM Super Cruise hands-free driving system.

Going just by the specs the Bolt EUV is somewhat comparable to the Tesla’s Model Y even though the former might not have the same performance numbers. The Standard Range Plus Model Y has a 244 mile EPA range, does 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds, and has 250KW DC fast charging. For people who just want a compelling crossover EV, and are not interested in Tesla technology features, the $9000 saving might be enough to make them go with the Bolt EUV over the Model Y.

For people living in the handful of US states which offer some kind of EV rebate, the Bolt EUV might even be had for below $25,000. This puts it in the same price range as other popular gas crossover SUVs from Honda, Toyota, Volvo, and the likes. Related news: Dispute Between Battery Companies Could Impact 2022 Ford F-150 EV

The compact crossover SUV is the biggest car segment in the US. It accounts for 24 percent of the market, and 4 million cars are sold every year. And in this segment, which has an average selling price of $33,000, the Bolt EUV comes in just at the average price even before any incentives.

So what do you think? Are you excited about the Bolt EUV? Do you think it is a better buy than the Tesla Model Y? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below.

For more information check out: Tela Chooses Karnataka India For The Company’s 6th Gigafactory. Also, see Tesla May Make Solar Vans, Elon Musk Says

Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and The evolution of the EV space on a daily basis for several years. He covers everything about Tesla from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.