General Motors CEO Mary Barra told CNBC on Monday that Chevy's new Bolt was years in the making and is "an affordable solution" in the electric car market.
GM is introducing the Bolt at the Detroit Auto Show. It has a projected range of up to 200 miles—all electric—and a price of $30,000.
"The Bolt EV concept is really a natural flow from the work that we've done, the expertise we have in electrification, and listening to our customers," Barra said.
Barra said she's confident in that range and sticker price. "If consumers are looking for it, that's what we're going to do."
The introduction of the Bolt sets up a showdown with Silicon Valley's Tesla Motors, which plans to deliver a by 2017 that also goes 200 miles per charge.
Currently, the Model S sedan—starting at just under $70,000—is the only vehicle in the Tesla lineup, with the Model X crossover expected to ship next year.
GM is also unveiling the next generation of its plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt.