Chevrolet’s Bolt EV, introduced as the industry’s first affordable long-range electric vehicle as a 2017 model, expanded its focus for the 2022 model year to include the Bolt EUV (electric utility vehicle). This was a strategic move for the automaker as it provided buyers an additional choice for its popular Bolt electric vehicle, even as it was developing new models based on GM’s Ultium electric vehicle platform. Then disaster hit.
There were Bolt battery fires and the potential for others, so GM halted production and recalled each and every Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV sold to fix the problem. This was no easy thing and the process has taken time, a significant hit to GM’s electric vehicle program and, no doubt, its pride. The fact that the battery defect was the fault of the Bolt’s battery supplier and not Chevrolet was small comfort, no doubt. Now that some 50 percent of the recalled Bolt battery packs have been replaced with the balance underway, there’s positive news: the Bolt is back in production.
Further good news is that with the 2023 model year, Chevy is stepping up the Bolt EUV’s sportiness with an available Redline Edition sport package. This Bolt EUV iteration is offered in black, white, and silver exterior choices accented with black and red Bolt EUV badging at the rear and red accents on the side mirrors. Gloss black 17-inch aluminum wheels with red accents complete the package. Those opting for the EUV with LT or Premier trims can also add black leather upholstery with red accent stitching.
While Chevy aimed to categorize its Bolt EV a crossover back at its launch five years ago, we said then that its dimensions and style really made it a five-door hatchback from our perspective. Strategically, the automaker ventured further into the crossover space with its bigger EUV sibling. The Bolt EUV features somewhat larger dimensions compared to the original Bolt with six inches greater length and three inches of additional legroom, in a package that remains easy to maneuver and park in crowded urban spaces.
While there is an extremely close family resemblance between the Bolt and Bolt EUV and they do share the same architecture, there are no sheetmetal panels common between the two. A close look shows Chevy SUV styling cues like a crease line running up the center of the front fascia and along the hood. Subtle but distinct design elements that differentiate the Bolt EUV from the Bolt EV include a larger opening below the closed grille area on the Bolt EUV along with more pronounced sculpting along the wheel well arches, plus angular lines and a slightly beefier look at the rear to support the EUV’s sport utility persona.
Power in both models is provided by a 200 horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels, which delivers 0-60 acceleration in an estimated 7.0 seconds. Energy comes from a 65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with thermal management to keep it at optimum operating temperature. This combination allows the Bolt EUV to deliver an EPA estimated 247 miles of range. The EUV is fast-charge capable and can add 95 miles of range in a half-hour at a public fast charge station.
The Bolt EUV’s interior, like that of the Bolt EV, is a bit more refined and high tech than that of the previous model year Bolt. Along with the 8-inch configurable gauge cluster at the driver’s position, there’s a 10.2-inch color infotainment touchscreen neatly integrated into the center of the instrument panel. Shifting is now done through electronic gearshift controls located at the lower left of the center console that use pushbuttons and pull toggles. The car’s Regen on Demand function, which controls the degree of energy regeneration and drag during coast-down, is literally at the driver’s fingertips with a convenient steering wheel paddle. Adjusting to a higher level of regen makes ‘one pedal driving’ possible, with little use of the brakes under certain driving conditions.
Bolt EUV features Chevy Safety Assist as standard equipment. Among the desired driver assist technologies included are Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Front Pedestrian Braking. Other systems like Adaptive Cruise Control are also available. No doubt, the biggest news in the way of advanced electronics is the Bolt EUV’s availability of GM’s vaunted Super Cruise. Initially offered in GM’s luxury Cadillac brand, Bolt EUV features the first use of this highly-acclaimed, hands-free driving assistance technology in a Chevrolet model. Base price for the current year Bolt EV is $32,495 with the EUV coming in at $34,495. Pricing for 2023 models has not yet been announced.
General Motors has been at work electrifying cars for decades, from the EV1, Spark EV, and an array of ‘mild’ hybrids to the acclaimed Volt extended-range electric that’s seen on highways across America. Volt owners interviewed universally respond with positive accolades, which means GM has done this car right. Now, the automaker’s 5-door, crossover-like Bolt EV hatchback aims to deliver a similarly satisfying ownership experience while providing even greater battery electric driving range.
The measurably fun-to-drive, imagination expanding Bolt EV features an EPA estimated 238 miles between charge cycles. That’s a groundbreaking figure in the realm of affordable electric cars for the masses, at an MSRP starting at $37,495 (before federal and state incentives). And that’s cool, but not what this gearhead finds most compelling when considering the purchase of a very viable, full-drive-time electric.
In short, the all-new Chevy Bolt EV is the first stand-alone electric plug-in that I could justify purchasing as my sole mode of transportation. The price is right and proven component and battery module reliability is a given, backed by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. Importantly, I discovered the Chevy Bolt to drive, ride, and handle well during our travels on country roads and city streets in the San Francisco Bay Area’s urban expanse.
Dropping into the driver’s seat of the Bolt EV not only leaves an impression of a comfortable and spacious cabin, but also proof of how effectively GM has ‘normalized’ the EV experience. Truthfully, one forgets it’s an electric vehicle being driven within minutes of taking the wheel. And that’s precisely what GM engineers had in mind when designing the Bolt EV – it’s that good.
Driving the Bolt EV is enlightening. The car’s low center of gravity delivers minimal side roll, excellent hill-climbing, on-tap torque, and quick sprint speeds. Satisfying power is delivered by a 200 horsepower electric motor powered by a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Chevy specs peg 0 to 60 mph acceleration at 6.8 seconds, and that seems about right. Steering response is better than anticipated and the regenerative braking system offers a familiar hydraulic-like feel.
Transitioning from driving the environs of Half Moon Bay to the more urban streets of San Francisco, the Bolt EV’s in-city maneuverability and ease of parking proved to be exceptional. Little to no electric motor noise was noted while wind and tire-to-pavement noise transmitted to the cabin was minimal, all thanks to advanced glass and considerable noise damping provisions. Keep in mind that these sounds are normally masked by the background sound of internal combustion in conventionally-powered cars, and thus magnified in vehicles with silent electric propulsion. Delivering a quiet driving experience in a battery electric vehicle is no small accomplishment, and the Bolt EV does this well.
The Bolt EV’s compact gel foam front seats are unusually comfortable for a subcompact car, providing ease of adjustment and good driver-to-control positioning. Rear seats accommodate taller passengers without compromises in comfort or position due to the car’s relatively high bodyline.
It took just a few minutes for the learning curve in operating the Bolt EV’s center stack and segmented digital instrument cluster. Features are near-intuitive to operate and driver-to-car personal electronics connectivity is straightforward. In dash navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and your preferred personal entertainment device will all pair and display effortlessly through Bolt’s easy-to-view and manipulate 10.2 inch, center stack color touchscreen monitor.
Pushing the Bolt EV to levels that would be considered near-redline in a conventionally-powered car was no problem. After 2 1/2 hours of speeds up to 75 mph over variable terrain and road conditions, our test car still showed 130 miles remaining on the range-minder. That’s just a bit of a mind blower! In fact, real-world driving indicates understated range and we have no doubt the Bolt EV could do better than its rated 238 mile battery electric driving range, given a more reasonable pressure on the accelerator pedal.
With its impressive driving range, driver and passenger convenience features, comfort, quality of construction, and available electronic active safety features. Chevy’s 2017 Bolt EV requires no sacrifices to drive electric. It effectively “normalizes” the electric car while firing a warning shot across the bow of the auto industry. The future of personal transportation seems ever more likely to be an electric one and the tech-rich Bolt EV delivers this message in the strongest way possible, at a price affordable to the masses.
