NWAPA Drive Revolution Winners Announced
Photos Courtesy Doug Berger/NWAPA
June 22, 2017
Portland, Ore. – Members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) and journalists from across the nation recently tested 19 of the most energy-efficient and technologically advanced vehicles that are on the road today – or soon will be.
“The market for hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles has matured to the point that consumers aren’t just looking for one car that can go farther than another,” said NWAPA President John Vincent. “To stand out, they need to provide great driving experiences, excellent quality, advanced safety features, and technology that keeps drivers connected to their digital lives.”
The NWAPA Drive Revolution field included gasoline-electric hybrid models, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles and a hydrogen fuel cell car.
Following a full day of testing on the streets of downtown Portland, Oregon, the journalists selected the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV as the Northwest Green Vehicle of the Year. Members felt that the Bolt EV’s exceptional range, reasonable price tag, and generous interior room provide Northwest consumers with an excellent blend of the attributes that they’re looking for in an electrified vehicle.
“The Bolt EV more than doubles the range of other affordably priced battery-electric vehicles,” said event co-chair Sarah Shelton of U.S. News & World Report. “With the ability to travel up to 238 miles on a single charge, the Bolt EV is a game-changer in the green vehicle market and a glimpse of things to come.”
Pricing for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV starts at $36,620, and many Bolt EV buyers will qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. The Bolt EV Premier model tested had a price tag of $43,510.
Using a secret ballot, the attendees also selected the following category winners:
Northwest Battery-Electric or Fuel Cell Vehicle of the Year: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Northwest Family Green Vehicle of the Year: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Northwest Plug-In Hybrid of the Year: 2017 Chevrolet Volt
Northwest Alternative Fuel Sports Car of the Year: 2017 BMW i8
As one of the leading cities in the nation for the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and vehicle charging infrastructure, Portland provided an exceptional backdrop for the fifth annual event. Drive Revolution followed on the heels of one of the country’s premier future mobility conferences – EV Roadmap.