Chevrolet launches Menlo as brand's first EV for China

Chevrolet has launched the Menlo, the bowtie brand’s first fully electric vehicle for China, initially limiting sales to Beijing. Aside from having the misfortune of arriving in showrooms amid a nationwide coronavirus outbreak that is cratering auto sales, we’ve got some new details about the car itself.They start with price, which ranges from the U.S. equivalent of around $22,754 to $25,600, after factoring in the generous subsidies available in China’s capital city for new energy vehicles. That compares favorably to the Chevy Bolt, the brand's American EV, which starts at $35,620 after the federal tax credit for electric vehicles, which is now down to $1,875 for GM electric vehicles. There will be four trim levels offered.Chevy says the Menlo offers 110 kW of maximum output, or 147 horsepower, and 258 pound-feet of torque. For reference, the Bolt EV's motor makes 150 kW, or 200 horsepower with 266 pound-feet of torque. It reportedly shares the same new-generation electric drive system as the all-electric Buick Velite 6, with a 52.5 kWh battery pack. Chevy says it consumes 13.1 kWh of electricity per 62 miles, good for a range of 410 kilometers (254 miles) on the New European Driving Cycle. The battery can be charged to 80% of capacity in 40 minutes with a DC fast charger, and there driving modes and three energy recovery modes.Based on the FNR-X concept from 2017, Chevy describes the Menlo as a “sporty-looking sedan” with “crossover and sporty coupe styling.” It comes equipped with 28 storage spaces and a little up to 38 cubic feet of storage space, plus a panoramic sunroof, 10.1-inch ultra thin LCD touchscreen and 8-inch full-color LCD instrument panel.Safety technologies include a Bosch electronic stability program, forward collision alert, lane departure warning and automatic parking assist. It has LED tail- and running lights and 17-inch two-color wheels.GM has said it planned to introduce at least 20 new electric and fuel-cell vehicle models in the U.S. and China by 2023, with a new EV platform and advanced battery system due in 2021.Related Video: Filed under: Green,Chevrolet,Crossover,Hatchback,ElectricChevrolet launches Menlo as brand's first EV for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Feb 2020 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments