GM first to deliver mid-priced, all-electric car

[NEW YORK] General Motors began deliveries on Tuesday of the first all-electric car model aimed at the middle market, getting a head start on Tesla Motors and other competitors.

GM delivered the Chevrolet Bolt EV to three customers in California, including one in Fremont, where Tesla has a big factory.

The Bolt can travel up to 238 miles on a full charge. It lists for US$37,495, but consumers are eligible for clean fuel tax credits of up to US$7,500, GM said.

GM plans to accelerate deliveries of the Bolt next year as part of its campaign to reposition itself as a mobility company of the 21st century.

Tesla also is working on an all-electric Model 3 aimed at the middle market, but it is not expected to hit the market until the end of 2017.

Tesla's higher-end Model S already is available but the price starts at US$68,000.

Other manufacturers also are working on comparable all-electric models, including Ford, whose sedan is called the "Model E" and Fisker, led by Henrik Fisker, who previously designed cars for BMW and Aston Martin.

AFP