Photo of the Chevrolet Bolt EV concept courtesy of GM.

Photo of the Chevrolet Bolt EV concept courtesy of GM.

General Motors has launched a shot across the bow toward Tesla Motors by unveiling a concept battery-electric car with a range of 200 miles that will start at $30,000, the automaker has announced.

GM envisions the Bolt EV concept, which is being shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as a global vehicle that would support various driving styles and support DC fast charging.

General Motors is upping the technology ante with the Bolt, offering greater smartphone connectivity. Drivers can use a Bolt EV Connect app to turn their smartphone into a key fob. The vehicle will provide ride-sharing management, a concierge function, vehicle location, digital key, and payment processing.

The Bolt EV will also allow smartphone users to use new technology known as "automatic park and retrieval." A driver can exit the Bolt EV and give a command for the vehicle to park itself. The technology will also allow an owner to summon the vehicle to their location.

The Bolt EV will come with a 10-inch diagonal capacitive-touch display that will allow users to project smartphone data onto the screen.

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