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.