The News Wheel
No Comments

Can the Chevy Bolt EV Continue to Outsell Tesla?

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier Roof Rails

Will the Bolt continue to dominate the EV market?

Step aside, Elon Musk; there’s a new top-selling electric vehicle this fall and its name is the Chevrolet Bolt. In both October and November, GM experienced an outstanding number of sales for the Chevy Bolt EV, with 2,781 units delivered in October and 2,987 in November. Comparatively, there were just 1,120 Tesla Model S units sold in October and 1,335 in November, according to InsideEVs.

Although the Bolt wasn’t able to repeat its success of outselling all Tesla models combined, as it did in October, it still outsold each individual Tesla model, with the Model X closest at 1,875 units compared to the Bolt’s 2,987.

 

This is just the beginning

This trend is fairly new, as Tesla has mostly dominated the electric vehicle market, selling upwards of 22,000 Model S units this year. However, with a much more appealing price point of $37,495 MSRP (along with up to $7,500 in federal incentives) compared to the Tesla Model S starting at $68,000, the Bolt is projected to continue to outsell the Model S. Although the upcoming Model 3 has a much more competitive price point in regards to the Bolt, it unfortunately won’t be available until the end of 2018. *womp womp*

2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier Garage Charging

It’s easier to get behind the wheel of a Chevrolet

Convenience plays a big part in the Bolt’s success. With the electric vehicle being sold at many Chevrolet dealerships nationwide, customers have more financing opportunities available and the ability to drive off the lot in their new EV on the same day of purchase. Not to mention, there are multiple locations to visit for certified maintenance. (It’s not every day you drive by a Tesla store, unless you live in a major city.)

 

The truth is in the numbers

If you take a look at the Bolt’s sales since initial production in December 2016 (see chart below), you’ll notice a steady increase month-to-month, even though the Bolt wasn’t available nationwide until August of this year.

While it’s unsure how long this lead will last, this is just the beginning of Chevrolet’s EV endeavors. GM CEO Mary Barra recently stated the company’s plans to have at least 20 new all-electric vehicles by 2023, with speculations that there will be Buick and Cadillac crossover SUV options that will share technology with the Bolt.