When the Chevrolet Bolt EV was offered on the market at the end of last year it did so with the laughable statement of being “more than just a car” which had been stated by the GM CEO Mary Barra. This statement that was made at the 216 Consumer Electronics Show felt like a grandiose statement form a skilled salesperson that was trying to convince those in attendance they should choose this new model as the one they will want to drive once it makes its way to the market to be a car that we would love.

Over the past several months, we’ve thought and enjoyed the Chevrolet Bolt EV as the vehicle that offers us the long range from a single charge at a price that’s easier for us to admire and enjoy for the drive. While we might think the Bolt was only expected to be a long range EV to give us what we want on the road, Mary Barra had more in mind and there is certainly more for the drive that we want to enjoy. There’s a reason this car is one that will give you a lot for the drive you want and it can be more than what you see.

What will the Bolt EV become?

While the long range of 238 miles on a single charge is extremely impressive and gives us a lot of what we want for the drive, the fact is that GM is looking for us to have more with this car. The large battery offered in this car is perfect for the additional electronics that are needed in order to make sure you can have the benefits of self-driving technology that can be developed and offered in the future for the drive desired in the Bolt EV.

The evidence of what the Bolt can offer is even stronger when you think about the fact this car is already one of the most popular models in the Maven ridesharing program for those that choose to have a car for the purpose of offering rides for Uber and Lyft customers. Those that drive to get paid have found the benefit of driving the Bolt in order to provide rides to customers and enjoy the low cost of recharging the car for the enjoyment of the drive on the roads they travel and pick up different customers.

As the Bolt EV fulfills the predictions of Mary Barra by being the platform that will be used to test and develop the EV and self-driving technology needed, this car is on that has what we want on the road and is the first of nearly twenty models that will come from GM. Expect more EV Chevrolet models to be offered in the near future so that we can have the drive we’re looking for as the industry moves toward the future of driving while leaving gasoline behind when it’s time for us to drive what we will be offered, until GM is able to give us a self-driving car of the future.

Looking for something a little different? Opt for the Chevrolet Impala.