One of the most persistent, and understandable complaints about all-electric vehicles is their price, with many EV models costing thousands more than their internal combustion counterparts. But the Chevrolet Bolt, a compact hatchback introduced for the 2017 model year, aims to be a small, affordable option for those looking to make the switch to all-electric power.
Consider the Chevrolet Bolt an economy car in the world of EVs. And in delivering on Chevy’s intentions to provide an EV for all, the Bolt’s asking price has fallen dramatically since it was introduced, and it now holds the title of being the cheapest all-electric offering on sale in the U.S.
However, the Bolt is not a bargain-basement EV. It provides reasonable practicality, a nice list of amenities, standard DC Fast Charging, and a driving range that fits the needs of most buyers. While a slightly larger and taller-riding Bolt EUV is also available, the standard Bolt continues to be among the most appealing EVs for buyers with a limited budget.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Leather Seats
- 10.2-Inch Touchscreen
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Digital Display
- DC Fast Charging
- One-Pedal Drive Mode
- Model: 2023 Bolt EV
- Engine:: Permanent-Magnet Synchronous AC Electric
- Power Output: 200 HP
- Torque: 266 LB.-FT.
- Range: 259 Miles
- Transmission: Single-Speed
- Driveline: FWD
- Most Affordable EV Available
- Spacious Interior
- Generous Standard Features
- Interior Material Quality
- Not Very Nimble
- History Of Reliability Issues
2023 Chevrolet Bolt Performance And Capability
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is powered exclusively by a single electric motor with an output of 200 horsepower at 4,750 rpm and a peak of 266 pound-feet of torque that pairs with a 65-kWh lithium-ion battery. The permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor delivers its power exclusively to the front wheels and pairs with a single-speed transmission.
The Bolt EV is rated for 120 MPGe by the EPA with a total driving range of 259 miles, putting it among the top players for range for a model of its size and power. For those who are gentle on the throttle, the Bolt EV can even surpass its EPA driving range. A one-pedal driving feature and regenerative braking can also aid in maximizing the distance traveled on a single charge.
With near-instantaneous acceleration from its all-electric powertrain, the Bolt EV will run from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Though that isn’t a particularly impressive figure among EVs, it is far ahead of most subcompact, economy-focused ICE models and its sprightly acceleration under initial throttle tip-in is certainly respectable given its segment and price point.
The Bolt EV is fitted with an 11.5kW onboard charger, and DC Fast Charging capability is standard. According to Chevrolet, the Bolt EV’s range can be extended by 100 miles with 30 minutes of charging with a DC Fast Charging connection. According to the automaker, at 120V, it will re-juice its batteries at a rate of approximately four miles per hour, while at 240V it can fully replenish its batteries in seven hours.
Exterior Design
The Bolt EV is far from the most visually arresting all-electric models on sale with its slightly boxy overall design aimed to provide practicality over sharp looks. That’s not to say the Bolt EV is completely mundane, either. It features boomerang-like running lights underneath ultra-slim headlights, and its blocked-off “grille” is suggesting of an internal combustion engine.
A rising, pronounced character line runs upward starting at the A-pillar to the hatchback, following the upward trajectory of the beltline. At its rear, rounded, rectangular headlights are fitted below the rear glass, and the hatchback curves upward from the rear bumper before turning back inward. All Bolt EVs ride on 17-inch wheels and roof rails are standard in the 2LT trim.
Though the Bolt EV looks like its sibling, the Bolt EUV crossover, the EUV is 6.3 inches longer overall and has a three-inch longer wheelbase, providing three added inches of rear legroom. However, the Bolt EV still holds a slight advantage in some interior categories — it provides nearly an inch more shoulder room — and both all-electrics can haul up to 16 cubic feet of stuff in the cargo area.
Length | 163.2 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 80.3 in. |
Height | 63.4 in. |
Wheelbase | 102.4 in. |
Ground Clearance | 5.6 in. |
Curb Weight | 3,589 lbs. |
Exterior Colors |
|---|
Silver Flare |
Radiant Red |
Bright Blue |
Ice Blue |
Gray Ghost |
Summit White |
Mosaic Black |
Interior Quality And Technology
The Bolt EV may have a small footprint, but the electric hatchback maximizes interior space for a surprisingly accommodating cabin. Though narrow, the Bolt EV provides adequate leg and headroom for adults in the front row, and average-sized adults won’t feel like they’re being squeezed into a sardine can in the rear seats.
While some of the interior materials are cheap-feeling hard plastics, the cabin is intuitively arranged. A row of buttons replaces a traditional gear lever and a flat-bottom steering wheel increases the Bolt EV’s airy cabin. The digital display is configurable, and the infotainment screen, which resides next to some traditional dial controls, is easily reached by the driver.
Considering its budget-friendly price point, the Bolt EV doesn’t skimp on standard features and tech. All models are fitted with a 10.2-inch touchscreen operating GM’s intuitive infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard, along with single-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry with push-button start.
Creature comforts like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel is optional in the 1LT and standard in the 2LT, along with leather seats (cloth seats are standard). The 2LT is also available with an infotainment package that includes a seven-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, and additional USB ports.
For storage, the Bolt EV has slim but still accommodating door pockets, and the center console is narrow but fairly deep. The Bolt EV manages 16.6 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 57 cubes behind the front row, figures that are slightly more than what’s offered in the larger Bolt EUV.
Seating Capacity | 5 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 40.1 in. |
Headroom (rear) | 37.9 in. |
Legroom (front) | 41.6 in. |
Legroom (rear) | 36.5 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 54.7 in. |
Shoulder room (rear) | 52.8 in. |
Cargo Room | 16.6 cubic-feet |
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Price And Availability
The 2023 Bolt EV is available now with prices starting at $27,495, including destination, which makes the Chevy the most affordable all-electric model on the U.S. market. Chevy has continually dropped the price of the Bolt EV, which is now about $11,000 cheaper than the 2021 model despite no loss in quality or features. Better still for bargain hunters, the Bolt EV is available with the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit dependent on buyer eligibility, which puts it among the cheapest new cars you can buy in 2023 even against traditionally more affordable internal combustion economy cars.
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
1LT | $27,495 |
2LT | $30,695 |
Safety
The 2023 Bolt EV received 5/5 stars for its overall safety rating from the NHTSA. As standard, the Bolt EV is equipped with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, while blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors are available for 1LT models and standard in 2LT trim. The top-trim Bolt EV is also equipped with a surround-view camera and is available with adaptive cruise control. Meanwhile, GM’s semi-autonomous Super Cruise function is only available in the Bolt EUV.
Main Competition
The Bolt’s 259 miles of driving range puts it far ahead of the other bargain options in the subcompact EV segment — the Nissan Leaf — which has a driving range of just 149 miles in its most affordable spec. The Chevy is also rated for one more mile overall versus the Hyundai Kona Electric, which starts at nearly $35,000. The even more expensive Volkswagen ID.4, which costs nearly $13,000 more than a standard Bolt, manages 209 miles of range in its base trim.
The Kona Electric and Bolt EV are sized similarly, but the Chevy offers slightly more passenger space , while the Hyundai delivers two more cubic feet of storage behind the rear row. The Kona Electric is slightly faster from 0-60 mph and feels somewhat nimbler from behind the wheel, but the Bolt EV is faster at re-juicing its batteries with its 11.5kW onboard charger versus the Kona’s 7.2kW unit.
While some other compact all-electric models can offer better performance, driving range, features, or practicality — including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model 3, VW ID.4, Kia EV6, or Hyundai Ioniq 5 — all command a significantly higher asking price, solidifying the overall value of the Bolt EV. The 2023 Bolt EV is not only a bargain in price, but it also offers plenty of bang for the buck and should be on the short-list for those seeking a well-rounded, compact electric vehicle.
FAQ
Q: How long does a Chevy Bolt battery last?
The battery in the Chevy Bolt EV or Bolt EUV is guaranteed to get at least 8 years or 100,000 miles out of a new battery, according to Chevrolet.
Q: How much will the 2023 Bolt cost?
The Bolt EV starts at $27,495, including destination charge.
Q: Will there be a 2023 Bolt EV?
Yes, the 2023 Bolt EV is on sale now.
Q: Is the 2023 Chevy Bolt worth buying?
The 2023 Bolt EV is the most affordable EV on the U.S. market, and it comes with respectable driving range, charging capabilities, features, and practicality.
Q: How much does a new Bolt battery cost?
A replacement battery for the Bolt EV is estimated to be about $16,000.