4 Electric Cars from General Motors: Start Your (Green) Engines!

Start Your Engines: 4 Electric Cars from General Motors

General Motors is making noticeable efforts to break away from the “your-grandpa’s-car” notion previously attached to its name. It has done so, in part, with its production of 4 electric cars, which will totally redefine how you think of clean fuel vehicles.

GM recently unveiled two new models of electric cars at the 2015 North American International Auto Show: The 2016 Chevrolet Volt and the Chevrolet Bolt EV concept, joining the Chevrolet Spark EV and Cadillac ELR Coupe on GM’s roster of such vehicles. Ranging from superbly practical to downright sexy, it seems that GM’s rebranding and forward-thinking efforts have created something for everyone concerned with fuel efficiency.

Start Your Engines: 4 Electric Cars from General Motors

Image: Steve Fecht

1. 2016 Chevrolet Volt

Simply put, the Volt is “fun to drive,” according to Alan Batey, president of GM North America. He’s not alone, though, since Volt owners are some of the most satisfied drivers around, creating a bit of a cult-like culture among them. After all, this electric car is a three-time consecutive winner of the JD Power APEAL award. Owners report using the first generation of the Volt’s electric capacity roughly 80 percent of the time, but voiced an eagerness to increase that usage to 100 percent, which the 2016 model looks to achieve. Since fewer trips to the gas station is one step toward reduced oil dependence, this car is a well-suited match to we, as the brand has nicknamed us, “greenies.”

Start Your Engines: 4 Electric Cars from General Motors

Image: Steve Fecht

2. Chevrolet Bolt EV concept

Many are curious to know if the Bolt is simply a replacement for the Volt, to which Batey responds,“The answer is no.” Instead, the Bolt is looking to fill an affordability gap in the electric car market, which has been criticized for a sense of elitism among its options. With its $30,000 price tag, the Bolt is accessible to broader populations and won’t leave buyers won’t be short-changed. Given its 200-mile range, drivers can almost travel the distance between New York and Boston; that is, once all the snow melts.

Start Your Engines: 4 Electric Cars from General Motors

Image: chevrolet.com

3. 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV

A new set of eyes is on the Spark EV: East Coasters. In January, GM announced that the Spark EV will be available in the state of Maryland in the spring of 2015, expanding its presence to a bicoastal status (previously, according the model was only available in Oregon and California). The Spark EV offers yet another affordable option; after federal and state tax credits, the car will go for $17,845. The newer model is priced modestly higher, $19,185, but with its 82-mile range, it’s sure to make Beltway Bandits smile.

Start Your Engines: 4 Electric Cars from General Motors

Image: gm.com

4. Cadillac ELR Coupe

The ELR, it seems, is GM’s response to the high-end Tesla, advertising a 300-mile range to match its $75,000 starting price tag. With the Tesla’s highest-end Model X currently going for $80,000, the ELR is beyond comparable, especially when considering that it beats Tesla’s 230-mile range. Also on our appreciation checklist is the efforts of GM to make an environmental appeal by a brand formerly known for an impressively geriatric customer base. Pink Cadillac? No, thanks. We’re more inclined to check out this green Cadillac.

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Top Image: Steve Fecht