Chevy’s Bolt Named 2023 Fleet Car of the Year, as Historic First EV to Win the Award

The 20th Annual Fleet Car of the Year award witnessed a momentous occasion as the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV won the prestigious title for 2023. This is the first instance where an electric vehicle has won this competition, marking a pivotal milestone in the advancement of sustainable electric fleet vehicles. The voting process was steered by professional fleet managers. Their decision hinged on the criterion of fit and function. The Chevrolet Bolt EV first emerged in January 2016 when it was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Fast forward seven years, and it has carved a niche for itself in commercial fleet operations, proving its worth and effectiveness in the sector.

Domino’s Pizza Announced the Largest Electric Pizza Delivery Fleet in the U.S.

The compact dimensions of the Chevrolet Bolt EV make it an ideal choice for delivery fleets, necessitating easy navigation through busy city streets and accommodating tight parking spaces. In November 2022, Domino’s made a significant announcement for EV adoption in fleets. The company stated that it would be operating the country’s largest electric pizza delivery fleet, with over 1,100 Chevrolet Bolt EVs being introduced across their various stores in North America. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is now officially the designated vehicle of Domino’s electric delivery fleet. This move signals a strong commitment to sustainability and hints at a transformative era in the realm of food delivery services.

Russell Weiner, Domino’s chief executive officer, said, “Domino’s has always been on the cutting edge of pizza delivery, and electric delivery cars make sense as vehicle technology continues to evolve. We’ve made a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this is one way we can begin reducing our environmental impact, one delivery at a time.”

Why the Bolt is a Great Choice for Fleets

Technology is at the heart of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, powered by an advanced 65+ kWh lithium-ion battery pack capable of covering up to 259 miles on a full charge. Its robust performance stats reveal a power output of 200 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. The car is equipped with versatile charging options, accommodating DC Fast Charge systems.

The car’s interior is surprisingly spacious for a compact model, offering 57 cu.ft. of cargo room with the rear seat folded. This space is ample for carrying sales supplies, small delivery items, and more. The Bolt EV model line also includes a small crossover version, the EUV, which boasts a longer wheelbase and added rear legroom.

In a move that defies the usual trend of escalating vehicle prices, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV saw a significant price reduction. The 1LT model now costs $26,595, down from its previous price, and the 2LT model dipped to $29,795. This decrease of $5,990 per model proves to be a boon for commercial fleets during times when vehicle-related costs are usually on the rise. Furthermore, purchases of the Bolt EV may be eligible for a Clean Vehicle Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500, further incentivizing the transition to electric vehicles.

“At GM, we strive to create an electric vehicle for every purpose and work together with our customers as their business needs evolve,” said Sandor Piszar, Vice President of GM Envolve. “We are honored to be awarded the Automotive Fleet Car of the Year award for our Chevrolet Bolt EV. We have said before the Bolt EV has led the charge in putting more drivers in electric vehicles. It is a popular choice among our customers, including our fleet customers, due to quality and forward-thinking technology as well as the customer-first service our team offers to help them excel in their respective industries.”

Technical Advancements for the Bolt

The Chevrolet Bolt EV boasts an innovative, updated accelerator pedal. The traditional use of this pedal for merely accelerating has been superseded by the One-Pedal driving feature. This novel functionality enables the driver to slow down and even stop the vehicle, enhancing driving convenience by reducing the need for constant pedal switching. The feature promotes efficient use of the electric driving range.

Unlike conventional vehicles that ‘coast’ upon lifting the foot off the accelerator pedal, the Bolt EV employs its electric motor to harness energy from the vehicle’s motion. This captured energy, used for recharging the battery, promptly decelerates the car. However, in the event of emergency stops, the traditional brake pedal is still required.

Chevrolet has also implemented a Regen on Demand feature, which further contributes to energy efficiency. By pulling a conveniently located paddle on the steering wheel, the driver can convert kinetic energy and store it in the battery for future use. This innovative approach allows the Bolt EV to maximize its use of power, conserving energy for when it is most needed.

Bolt Offers Enhanced Safety

To ensure the safety and attention of drivers, Chevrolet has incorporated a variety of standard safety features through Chevy Safety Assist. This suite of safety technologies includes Automatic Emergency Braking, designed to apply brakes in the event of an imminent collision; Front Pedestrian Braking, which can detect pedestrians and brake automatically; and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, which provides alerts and subtle steering assistance to keep the vehicle in its lane.

The Following Distance Indicator shows the gap time in seconds between your vehicle and a detected vehicle you’re following, aiding with safe tailgating practices. Forward Collision Alert is a further safety measure that provides visual and auditory alerts if you’re approaching a vehicle too quickly. IntelliBeam auto high beams automatically adjust to traffic conditions, enhancing nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers. For those opting for 2LT models, the added benefit of Adaptive Cruise Control is available, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead.

EVs are a Viable Fleet Option; GM Envolve Assists Fleet Managers

GM Envolve, recognizing the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), has developed a comprehensive suite of products and services to facilitate this transition for its customers. At the forefront is their expansive network of 3,000 Chevy dealerships spanning coast-to-coast, primed to provide efficient service to fleet and commercial customers, thereby maximizing uptime. In addition to this, EV consultant managers are readily available to fleet customers, enabling them to find the best EV product and charging infrastructure to suit their business needs.

Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach may not always be the most effective solution, GM Envolve has created a Fleet Charging Program. This program is designed to help customers connect with EV infrastructure providers, thus enabling them to customize the best charging solution for their company, whether that involves a centralized charging depot at their facility or chargers installed at their driver’s homes.

The Virtual EV Live Studio is another innovative tool available to customers. This platform offers product walkarounds for fleet drivers to familiarize themselves with the Bolt EV. AstraZeneca, for example, utilized this service for product training. The drivers had the opportunity to participate in real-time interactive learning about a variety of topics, such as range anxiety, battery optimization, and how to use a mobile app to locate charging stations along their route.