The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV doesn't go as far as the 2017 Cadillac CT6 and its mixed-material usage, but the Bolt EV's use of aluminum should have body shops taking pause and studying how to repair Chevrolet's affordable EV properly.
Repairer Driven News recently gathered the latest information on what body shops should look for if and when a 2017 Bolt EV enters the shop after a collision. Specifically, shops should note the majority of the Bolt EV's exterior construction is indeed aluminum, which we already knew.
"The hood, front fenders, doors, and liftgate outer are made of aluminum," GM Spokesperson Fred Ligouri wrote. "The roof and rear quarter panel are steel. Body structure is a mixture of mild, high-strength and advanced high-strength steel."
However, the Bolt EV's body is made with traditional steel, ranging from mild to ultra-high-strength types. As the steel becomes more complex, GM issues tighter restrictions on how to properly repair vehicles like the Bolt EV.
The extensive use of aluminum will also affect how shops choose tools to repair the vehicle, as aluminum requires different care from steel components, much like the Ford F-150.
But, don't expect a certified network of Bolt EV collision shops, like the Cadillac CT6. Ligouri went on to say the only certified network for the Bolt EV will be for dealerships to mechanically repair and service the vehicle.
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/01...ll-require-special-attention-from-body-shops/
