It may hit North American showrooms by 2017 but it looks like the Chevrolet Bolt EV may not be destined for the UK.
Citing GM sources at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the UK's Autocar reported that the Bolt EV won't be offered across the pond. Reportedly, the vehicle "won't be made in the right-hand drive" configuration.
But it's not like GM never intended to sell the Bolt to Europe. As GreenCarReports pointed out, the EV is expected to be sold in the continent under its German Opel nameplate.
Will UK buyers and those in RHD markets really miss out on the Bolt EV? GCR reached out to the American automaker for confirmation.
"The Bolt EV will be a global vehicle," Chevrolet Communications' Michelle Malcho said.
"We have not disclosed which markets and therefore the configurations available at this time."
Leaving out the UK "seems like a missed opportunity," according to GM Authority. With its 200-mile range and relatively compact dimensions, the website thinks the Chevrolet Bolt EV would be "well suited" for the country's narrow roads and small landmass.
Not to mention the fact that EV sales are going up in the UK, according to Charged EVs.
Unfortunately, the possibility of the Bolt, dubbed the car "for everyone," not reaching the UK comes as GM President Dan Ammann tweeted from Frankfurt a remark about Porsche's Mission E and Audi's e-Tron Quattro Concept being "EVs for the elite."
Ammann's tweet drew criticism from British EV advocate Chelsea Sexton. In a blog post, Sexton noted that it's only normal for automakers to make EVs for their usual markets.
"The loftier GM's claims and the deeper its digs, the more the company will have to live up to via the Bolt," she said.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is targeting 200 miles of range and a $30,000 price although prototypes have reportedly went past this target. Reports suggest production will begin later this year in time for the 2017 model year.
