Inside the Bolt EV

While the new battery deserves credit for the car's +200-mile range, systems optimization, careful motor design and proprietary CAE tools were equally important.

Cutaway propulsion systems displayed at motor shows attract engineers faster than free beer and pizza. So perhaps it wasn't surprising when Matthias Mueller, the newly-promoted chairman of Volkswagen Group, and his five-man entourage charged into the Chevrolet stand during the 2016 Detroit auto show.

“Hier ist es,” (here it is) said Mueller's assistant, pointing to the 2017 Bolt EV propulsion module unveiled earlier that day. The dark-suited VW execs huddled closely around the cutaway property, its traction motor and large helical gearset in full view through the artfully milled aluminum case. One of Mueller's lieutenants-who may have studied the Chevy module already-listed some design highlights while Mueller listened attentively. A fellow carrying a notepad made a technical sketch while another snapped close-up photos.