Chevrolet Bolt EV
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Chevrolet Bolt EV

2021 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

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV

CG Says: The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV makes DC, Level 3 fast charging standard on the topline Premier model, but is otherwise unchanged. 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 259-mile driving range that is more than double the range of some electric cars. The only other pure-electric vehicles that currently boast that kind of range and are similarly priced to the Bolt are the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf. 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 available Level 3 charging port can replenish 100 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 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.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Facts
Class Subcompact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door hatchback
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Chevrolet
Nation of Manufacture USA
Base Prices LT: $37,890
Premier: $43,090

Base Engine
electric motor
Horsepower
200
Std. Transmission
single speed
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (MPGe)
127
EPA Hwy Range (MPGe)
108

Chevrolet Bolt EV
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 5
100%

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