The Bolt is Chevy’s first attempt at mass-producing an all-electric car. Although only produced for seven years, it drew a loyal following. At the time of its production, the Bolt had two advantages: price and range. Capable of covering nearly 240 miles, the 5-door Bolt hatchback offers plenty of room for passengers and luggage, can be charged at home or using a DC fast charging station, and can zip from zero to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Near the end of its production run, a subcompact SUV version appears, dubbed the Chevrolet Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle). A recall to fix an issue concerning fires caused by fully charging the battery is the only blemish on an otherwise near-flawless history.
Chevrolet Bolt Generations
Chevrolet Bolt (1st Generation: 2017 - 2023)
The Bolt is an efficient, mainstream electric vehicle (EV) with a 238-mile range, lots of high-tech features, and a roomy interior. Its 60-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery provides plenty of power for quick bursts and can be charged at home using a Level 2 (240-volt) charger in about nine hours. Hook up to a DC fast charging station, and you’ll add about 90 miles in 30 minutes. Chevrolet offers two trims: LT and Premier. The LT features Keyless Entry and Start, cloth seats, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Optional on the LT and standard on the Premier are advanced driver aids such as a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. Upgrades include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Premiere adds leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and front seats, and a rear camera mirror. Optional upgrades include Bose audio, built-in navigation, and a wireless charging pad.
Model Updates: For 2018, an automatic heated steering wheel is standard on the Premiere, while in 2019, there are more optional driver-assists for LT. For 2020, the Bolt's range increases to 259 miles, and the rear-vision camera gets upgraded to high-definition. 2021 sees the DC fast charging option made standard on the Premiere. For 2022, the Bolt gets a new look, more features, and a new stablemate: the Bolt EUV. 2023 marks the last year for both models.
Chevrolet Bolt Buying Tips
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