2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Pros: Generous driving range; reasonable price for an electric car; surprisingly peppy acceleration; useful high-tech features

Cons: Expensive compared to conventional subcompacts; so-so interior materials; some desirable safety features are restricted to top-line model

CG Says: The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is little changed. An automatic heated steering wheel is now part of the Comfort and Convenience Package for the LT model. Also, there are now extendable sun visors that provide better coverage when the visors are swung to the side. Chevrolet introduced its first mass-market pure-electric car last year. The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a subcompact-sized 4-door, 5-passenger hatchback that has an estimated driving range of 238 miles—more than double the range of some electric cars. The only other pure-electric vehicle that currently boasts that kind of range and is similarly priced to the Bolt is the Tesla Model 3. Though supply of more affordable Model 3s is likely to be limited for the foreseeable future. The Bolt EV’s base price is around $30,000 when the maximum federal tax incentive is deducted. The Bolt EV’s 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides the power for a 200-horsepower electric motor. Charging the battery from empty takes roughly nine hours on a Level 2 charger, and more than 60 hours on a Level 1 charger. Chevrolet says that charging via the Bolt’s optional Level 3 charging port can replenish 90 miles of range in about 30 minutes. Base LT and top-line Premier trim levels are offered. The nicely equipped LT comes standard with Chevrolet’s MyLink touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, rearview camera, keyless access and starting, and GM’s Teen Driver Mode monitoring system. LT options include heated front seats and steering wheel, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear obstacle detection. The Premier comes standard with most of the above and adds automatic high-beam headlights, heated rear seats, wireless device charging, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, forward collision alert with automatic braking, forward pedestrian detection, and a novel rearview-camera mirror. The Chevrolet Bolt EV’s segment-topping driving range and accessible price point are its headline-grabbing features, but its virtues don’t end there. It’s also surprisingly quick, space-efficient, and available with a fine selection of state-of-the-art technology features. The Bolt EV is a big step in electric-vehicle technology, and for some, it may be the first truly practical electric car.