2019 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

CG Says: A 240-volt onboard charger in now standard on the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Chevy claims the charger is capable of delivering 50 miles of driving range in less than two hours. Plus, a Driver Confidence II Package (forward collision alert with low-speed automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights) is now optional on the base LT model. Previously, those features were exclusive to the top Premier trim. Chevrolet introduced its first mass-market pure-electric car for 2017. The 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 currently limited. The Bolt EV’s base price is around $30,000 when the maximum federal tax incentive is deducted. (However, that incentive could be reduced during 2019.) 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 leather upholstery, heated rear seats, lane-departure warning, and a novel rearview-camera mirror. The 2019 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.