The Chevy Bolt Ev has been a significant player in the electric vehicle (EV) market since its debut. For those in the EV community and followers of sites like Electrek, the Bolt EV is a familiar name. Many remember the original electric blue “Micro-SUV” that offered an accessible entry point into EV ownership. We even previously explored its sibling, the Bolt EUV, highlighting features like Super Cruise. However, the landscape has shifted. With GM addressing past battery concerns, significantly reducing the price by $6,000, and launching the 2023 model year alongside potential tax incentives, it’s time for a fresh look at the sub-$30,000 Bolt EV and assess its current standing.
A Look Back at the Bolt EV Legacy
My personal history with the Bolt EV stretches back to its prototype days at CES 2016. Even in a limited parking lot test drive, the impressive engineering and packaging were evident. It was clear Chevy was onto something special.
Chevrolet Bolt Prototype at CES 2016
Alt text: A generic logo image used as a placeholder, representing the early days of the Chevrolet Bolt EV prototype testing at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2016.
The production Bolt EV arrived in late 2016, and I acquired one in early 2017. Its compact “Micro Crossover” form factor was immediately appealing. My appreciation even led to a somewhat controversial piece comparing the Bolt EV favorably to the Tesla Model S. When the lease concluded, attempts to purchase the Bolt were thwarted by surprisingly high buyout costs, leading me to move on.
A retrospective piece followed as I transitioned away from Bolt ownership. However, the Bolt saga wasn’t over. Battery fire incidents led to recalls and production halts, a fortunate escape in hindsight.
The Bolt EUV Enters the Scene
The Chevy Bolt EUV was introduced in February 2021, and we took an initial test drive shortly after. Extending the Bolt EV by six inches, the EUV offers enhanced interior space, particularly noticeable in the rear legroom with an additional three inches. This dimensional change also gives the Bolt EUV a more crossover SUV-like appearance compared to the hatchback-esque Bolt EV. While the powertrain remains consistent, the slightly larger EUV experiences a minor dip in acceleration and range.
- Bolt EV Range: 259 miles on a full charge
- Bolt EUV Range: 247 miles on a full charge
A key differentiator for the Bolt EUV is the optional Super Cruise autonomous driving system. This feature requires initial configuration at purchase due to integrated cameras and hardware, unlike Tesla’s Autopilot/FSD which can be added later.
Beyond Super Cruise, the Bolt EUV stands out as a compellingly priced EV, especially in a market where affordable options are increasingly rare. Its 0-60 mph time of around 6 seconds is respectable, if not blistering. Interior improvements across both Bolt EV and EUV models in 2022, particularly the seats, are significant. Even as someone who found the original Bolt seats acceptable, the enhanced interior is a welcome upgrade.
Driving Dynamics and Practicality of the Bolt EV and EUV
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Bolt ownership is the sheer enjoyment and ease it brings to daily driving. Its nimble handling makes navigating turns and accelerating from traffic lights genuinely fun, and parking is a breeze in urban environments. The hatchback design provides practical cargo space, surprisingly generous for its size, easily accommodating luggage or groceries. Both the Bolt EV and EUV comfortably seat four adults or a family of three children in the back.
An added benefit during my three-year Bolt EV ownership was the minimal maintenance required. Beyond the expected lack of oil changes, there were no needs for brake service, tune-ups, or even tire replacements within that period.
Chevy Bolt EV transporting an ebike
Alt text: A silver Chevy Bolt EV is shown carrying a fat tire electric bike in the rear cargo area, with the rear seats in an upright position, demonstrating the vehicle’s practical cargo capacity.
Lingering 2023 Bolt EUV Issues
Despite the advancements, the 2023 Bolt EUV inherits some drawbacks familiar from the 2017 Bolt EV model, most notably:
- DC Fast Charging Speed: Limited to 54kW, translating to approximately 100 miles of range added in 30 minutes or 160 miles in an hour. While adequate in 2017 when 50kW charging was common, it feels slow by today’s standards.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Tires: The combination of FWD and low-resistance tires can lead to wheel spin in wet conditions, snow, or gravel.
- No All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option: The absence of AWD is a missed opportunity. Adding a rear electric motor, even a modest 50hp unit, would significantly enhance traction and broaden the Bolt’s appeal, especially in regions with snow or inclement weather.
- Gear Shifting Buttons: The traditional gear shifter has been replaced with buttons in the Bolt EUV. Drive and Reverse are pull buttons, while Park and Neutral are push buttons. While not intuitive initially, acclimation is possible. A positive aspect for one-pedal driving enthusiasts is the dedicated button that retains the one-pedal setting even after restarting the car.
Bolt EUV Gear Shifter Buttons
Alt text: Close-up view of the gear selector buttons in the Chevy Bolt EUV, highlighting the push and pull button design for Drive, Reverse, Park, and Neutral, along with the one-pedal drive mode button.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto: A Major Enhancement
A significant improvement in the Bolt EUV is the wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The 10.2-inch display is not only larger but also brighter and more responsive, enhancing the visual experience for navigation and apps. The touchscreen accuracy is also noticeably improved.
The wireless functionality is a game-changer, allowing seamless smartphone integration without cable clutter. Simply place your phone in the wireless charging tray, and CarPlay or Android Auto connects automatically. During testing, wireless CarPlay performance was nearly flawless, with only minor lag when switching audio tracks.
The Bolt retains steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and volume adjustments, albeit with some button redesigns. Once familiar, the Bolt’s ergonomics remain excellent.
Bolt EUV vs. Bolt EV: Key Differences
Beyond the previously mentioned size increase and Super Cruise availability, there are other distinctions between the Bolt EV and EUV.
Base Price:
- Bolt EV: $25,600
- Bolt EUV: $27,200
Despite the EUV’s added length, cargo space remains surprisingly similar between the two models. Interestingly, the slightly taller Bolt EV actually offers marginally more volumetric cargo capacity.
- Bolt EUV: 16.3 ft³, 56.9 ft³ with seat area
- Bolt EV: 16.6 ft³, 57 ft³ with seat area
Bolt EV and EUV cargo comparison
Alt text: A side-by-side comparison image showcasing the rear cargo space of both the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, emphasizing the surprisingly similar cargo volumes despite the difference in vehicle length.
Electrek’s Verdict: Still a Top Pick?
The Chevy Bolt EV remains highly recommendable for anyone seeking an EV in the sub-$30,000 price range. In the current US market, direct competitors are limited. The Nissan Leaf, while similarly priced, offers less range, outdated Chademo fast charging, and slower performance. The Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona EVs, while comparable in 0-60 times, are more expensive and, while they offer faster charging, lack the Bolt’s zippy feel. Alternative options include older used Teslas (which may show their age) and less practical early EVs like the Jaguar I-Pace or Audi e-tron, or compliance cars with limited range like Mazda’s MX-30EV which is even more expensive despite only offering 100 miles of range.
The critical decision for potential buyers often boils down to Bolt EV versus Bolt EUV. Surprisingly, the recommendation leans towards the Bolt EV unless the extra rear legroom or Super Cruise is essential. The Bolt EV is remarkably spacious for its compact footprint and actually offers slightly more cargo volume.
Furthermore, the Bolt EV carries a lower base price by $1600. Adding to its appeal, pending legislative developments in the US Congress could potentially bring the Bolt EV price down to below $20,000 with new tax credits. While final details are pending and GM may adjust pricing accordingly, the Bolt EV currently presents an exceptional value proposition.
Verdict: You can’t go wrong with a Bolt EV purchase in today’s EV market.
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