After five years and 113,000 miles behind the wheel of my 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Ev LT, I finally gave in to the allure of a newer model. Tempted by generous rebates, I traded my trusty 2019 Bolt for a low-mileage 2020 version, gaining a few extra features in the process. Having purchased my 2019 Chevy Bolt EV brand new in March 2019, this review reflects a long-term ownership experience.
Initially, I envisioned the Bolt EV as a practical commuter and local errand runner. However, it quickly proved to be much more versatile. With a bit of planning and a flexible mindset, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV became capable of tackling long-distance journeys. I embarked on numerous road trips, including memorable drives from San Francisco to Vancouver, BC, and San Francisco to Laramie, WY. Looking back, there were very few trips over those five years where the Bolt EV wasn’t my vehicle of choice.
Alt text: The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV in blue driving on a sunny highway, showcasing its suitability for long-distance travel.
One of the most compelling aspects of owning a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV was its remarkably low running costs. The initial purchase price, after rebates and including all taxes and fees, came to a reasonable $22,500. Over 113,000 miles, maintenance expenses were minimal. I replaced two sets of tires, each lasting around 45,000 miles with replacement costs of approximately $1,000 per set. An unfortunate encounter with a pebble necessitated a windshield replacement at $400. A front-end alignment, costing $80, was needed after an encounter with a rock in the Tetons, and a TPMS sensor replacement set me back $65, mostly for labor. Beyond these items, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV required absolutely no other repairs. This highlights the inherent reliability and low maintenance nature of electric vehicles, especially the 2019 Chevy Bolt EV.
Alt text: A silver 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV being charged at a public charging station, emphasizing the convenient charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Charging costs for my 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV were also incredibly low, despite residing in California with its higher electricity prices. Free workplace charging was a significant perk, although my commute distance has increased to 80 miles roundtrip, reducing my frequency of office visits. Crucially, my home is equipped with rooftop solar panels and an older, more favorable Net Electric Metering agreement. This meant that home charging was essentially free. Averaging around 1,800 miles per month, I estimate that at least 80% of my charging has been covered by free workplace or home solar power. Even considering current Electrify America (EA) pricing at $0.50/kWh, the out-of-pocket charging expenses have been minimal, further solidifying the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV as an economical choice.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive experience, there were a few minor unrepaired issues I encountered with my 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV:
- Infotainment System Crashes: The infotainment system would crash every couple of weeks, requiring a hard reboot. This was a persistent issue without a known solution.
- Fast Charging Latch Issue: Fast charging at newer, faster stations (100kW+ from EA and EVGo) sometimes required manually holding down the silver latching pin to initiate charging. A chopstick proved to be a useful tool for this workaround.
- iBooster Clicking: The iBooster clicking noise gradually became more noticeable over time. I did receive a repair quote of $180 to address this but never scheduled the service.
- Sticky Brake Caliper: Occasionally, one of the brake calipers seemed to stick, likely due to infrequent use of the mechanical brakes in favor of regenerative braking.
These minor issues were easily manageable and did not significantly detract from the overall positive ownership experience of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Alt text: Interior view of a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV dashboard, highlighting the odometer reading of over 100,000 miles, demonstrating the vehicle’s durability.
My primary complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV are centered around two common EV limitations:
- Slow DC Fast Charging: While the battery replacement program improved the charging curve somewhat, fast charging speeds, especially above 60% state of charge, remained slow compared to newer EVs.
- Cold Weather Performance: The combination of reduced fast charging speeds in colder temperatures (below 70F battery temp) and the less efficient cabin heater (lacking a heat pump) impacted range and travel times during winter, even in California’s mild winters.
Despite these drawbacks, my positive experience with the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV was undeniable. So much so, that I chose to replace it with a nearly identical 2020 LT model with just 25,000 miles on the clock. While this 2020 model currently has a battery with a reduced capacity due to the recall, it is slated to receive a full-capacity battery replacement within the next 6,000 miles (hopefully less than 3 months). The battery warranty provides peace of mind for at least another 4 years of affordable and reliable electric driving. My experience with the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV proves it to be a fantastic, economical, and surprisingly capable electric vehicle.
