2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Pros: Aggressive pricing; includes home installation of Level-2 charging capability

Cons: Semi-autonomous hands-free driver-assistance system is only offered on larger Bolt EUV

CG Says: Chevrolet for 2022 introduces a heavily revamped version of its Bolt EV electric vehicle, with fresh styling, new features, and an aggressive price cut. The Bolt EV also gets a slightly larger, SUV-like sibling named Bolt EUV (see separate report). Like the previous Bolt EV, the ’22 model has a 200-hp electric motor with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive isn’t offered. A 65 kWh lithium-ion battery provides power, and it gives the Bolt EV an EPA-estimated driving range of 259 miles. Standard DC fast-charging capability allows a 100-mile range from a 30-minute charge. A Dual Level Charge Cord is standard; it has a changeable plug for a standard 120-volt three-prong outlet or a 240-volt outlet. Also included is home installation of Level-2 charging capability for eligible buyers/leasers, through a partnership with EV home-charging company Qmerit. On the flipside, General Motors vehicles are no longer eligible for the $7500 federal EV tax credit.

Front seat occupants in the Bolt EV get a standard digital gauge display and a 10.2-inch touchscreen. Accessible through the touchscreen are an assortment of infotainment features, including 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and wireless charging. Complementing these are safety tech features such as standard rearview-mirror camera display and 360-degree surround-view monitor. Also standard is a new driver-selectable one-pedal driving mode that allows the driver to use only the accelerator pedal to speed up, slow down, or come to a complete stop. Chevrolet isn’t reinventing the electric vehicle with the ‘22 Bolt EV; it’s a revamp, not a ground-up redesign. However, the new Bolt EV is priced some $5000 less than the previous model. That, coupled with its pleasing design and appealing features, should make it a compelling option for many new electric-vehicle shoppers.