After the new bill introducing nationwide EV charging infrastructure was signed in November 2021, a win for electric vehicles (EVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) happened that day. EVs and BEVs are starting to take over the auto industry, but the main reason consumers shy away from them is because of their (increasing) practicality. Years ago, electric charging stations were hard to find, and consumers relied on the quick and easy gasoline station. Now that more EV charging stations and options have opened up, automakers like Chevrolet are starting to find more ways to integrate electric power into their lineup.

Charging is Easy

Taking the guess work out of where to charge up an EV is one way to give consumers peace of mind. Sure, there are apps like Plug n Share, but simplifying the process by having all EV-related services in one app, that’s where Ultium Charge 360 comes in. Integrating the myChevrolet Mobile App and charging networks to give the owner access to more than 100,000 charge points. Making charging while on-the-go a simple task, Ultium Charge 360 also comes with EVgo technology – no need to double check if the car is charging. Just plug-it in into in EVgo station, and it will charge.

While automakers continue to try to change the roads with charging stations, owners can also take charge of their EV power with a home installation. Level 2 home installation has been available for years, and its popularity has grown amongst plug-in hybrid and EV owners. The standard installation of a 240-volt Level 2 charging outlet is a service provided from many different providers, and eligible customers who purchase or lease a 2022 or 2023 Bolt EV or Bolt EUV will be entitled to installation if applicable. With Level 2 charging, a PHEV or EV can charge up within five hours on average. Just plug-it in at night and the next morning, the battery is charged.

A New Platform

With EV battery packs becoming the new setup, automakers are finding a lot of space is left to tinker with once the gasoline engine and transmission are removed. More on that later, but now that we have a new powertrain to work with, building a platform that integrates it and makes the best use of it would be a smart move. The Chevrolet Ultium Platform is a new design for the battery pack, how it’s configured, and how flexible it is, able to be installed in anything from pickup trucks to high-performance vehicles. Depending on the vehicle, an Ultium battery pack could consist of 6, 8, 12, modules in a single layer, even 24 modules when stacked. With various configurations also available for the motor, range and charging speeds have also been improved when the Ultium Platform captures heat produced by the batteries and keep them performing well.

Turning Old and New Vehicles into EVs

With the new wave of automobiles going electric, finding a plug-in hybrid or EV won’t be the challenge. It’s finding vehicles that still feel natural to the automaker. Without the hardware of the internal combustion system, no engine, no transmission hump, the interior cabin is also improved. Storage space opened up where once unavailable, and legroom for the driver, front passenger, and rear can be expanded with a flat battery back installed beneath the floor versus an engine block in front of the driver under the hood. With a larger focus on the owner and turning the inside of an EV into a mobile living space, the power and range of EVs is not undermined when taking a classic name and turning into an EV, such as the Silverado EV, with a GM-estimated 400 miles of range on a full charge.

Not just classic names, but classic cars are also starting to see the power of going electric. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, Michigan is a shop dedicated to legendary high-performance vehicles and known for installation crate engines into the mighty Corvette. In 2021, Chevrolet Performance contacted Lingenfelter to do a commercial eCrate installation. A double-whammy, not only would this show how practical the Connect and Cruise eCrate was, applicable to traditional cars and modern models, but it would certify Lingenfelter as the first aftermarket shop approved for installing such systems. Aftermarket modification is all about taking what’s there and customizing it to meet an owner’s needs, and hot rodders and racers are starting to see EV performance as the next step when turning their classic cruiser into an energy efficient EV that’s still fast and provides plenty of torque.

Chevrolet continues to expand its reach with all-electric power, and the automaker gave consumers a great first-look at upcoming EV models during National Drive Week. Chevrolet introduced the Bolt EUV, Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV and invited consumers to drive them for the first time. As they become available, we expect classic nameplates like these will speak to an all new generation of car buyer and go fast. Find out when new Chevy electric vehicles become available when you follow us on NowCar social media. The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are already available when you buy an EV online with NowCar.

Photo Source/Copyright: Chevrolet