Chevy Bolt's head start could rival Model 3's hype
Chevy’s Bolt EV is a strong rival for Tesla’s Model 3, with both able to go more than 200 miles per charge, and priced in the circa-$30k bracket. However, the Bolt has a significant head start, with deliveries scheduled to begin in Q4 2016 and 3.1k North American dealers ready to sell upon delivery. The Model 3 however, despite achieving at least 276k pre-orders since Thursday, will not achieve deliveries until at least 2017, with some reports today stating that many owners will not receive their vehicle until 2019 or even 2020. Chevy seems to keen to capitalise on this delay, tweeting: “Long range, short wait. From concept to pre-production, the all-electric 2017 Bolt EV is staying ahead of the curve.” However, Auto News does note that there is no underestimating a potentially huge benefit that Tesla may have over Chevy: the "cool" factor.

LAS VEGAS -- On paper, Tesla’s Model 3 and Chevrolet’s Bolt EV are closely matched rivals. Both should go more than 200 miles on a single charge, offer head-snapping acceleration and cost around $30,000 after tax credits.

But when sizing up their market potential, there is one clear advantage for each.

For Chevy, it’s a considerable head start. Brian Sweeney, Chevy’s U.S. vice president, said in an interview here that the Bolt should go on sale in the fourth quarter. And he reminded me of the power of Chevy’s vast retail network to move all that innovative metal, a tacit dig at Tesla’s nearly nonexistent retail presence.

“We’ve got 3,100 dealers that we’re going to be able to turn on right away to sell the Bolt EV,” he said.