The Chevy Bolt tends to have a bad rap because of the bow-tie emblem; it's quirky DNA mashup between MPV and hatchback, and the fact that it's not a Tesla. But, we managed to spend some one-on-one time with the Chevy Bolt and, well, let's just say that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Despite the general consensus surrounding GM's compact EV, and all the hype generated by Tesla, the Bolt has found a place in our hearts. Here's our story of a simple yet enjoyable getaway with none other than the 2019 Chevy Bolt.
2019 Chevrolet Bolt
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- Model: 2019 Chevrolet Bolt
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Exterior
The Chevrolet Bolt Premium trim shows off its good looks: attractive, modern, hatchback design, fun colors, premium wheels, aluminum roof rails, and premium looking head/tail lights. Remove the badge stigma, and it is pretty cool.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt exterior dimensions
Wheelbase (in. / mm): |
102.4 / 2,601 |
Overall Length (in. / mm): |
164 / 4,166 |
Overall Width (in. / mm): |
69.5 / 1,765 |
Overall Height (in. / mm): |
62.8 / 1,595 |
Track (in. mm): |
59.1 / 1,501 (front) |
Interior
Just press the button when you don't want to waste your deceleration energy on brake pad wear. The electric motor will turn into an alternator and recharge your EV batteries instead. It's gimmicky, sure, but feels good to save the planet one stop sign at a time.
Splilled something in the trunk? The carpet just pulls out...cheap? I call it practical. Classic GM stuff.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt interior dimensions
Headroom (in / mm): |
39.7 / 1,008 (front) |
Legroom (in. / mm): |
41.6 / 1,057 (front) |
Shoulder Room (in. / mm): |
54.6 / 1387 (front) |
Hip Room (in. / mm): |
51.6 / 1,311 (front) |
EPA Passenger Volume (cu. ft. / L): |
94.4 / 2,673 |
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row Seat (cu. ft. / L): |
16.9 / 478.6 |
Max Cargo volume (cu. ft. / L): |
56.6 / 1,603 |
EV Stuff
While charging, a cowl light tells you if you are charging (green blink) or fully charged (green steady). It's, suffice it to say, simple and effective. Hipsters move along - There's no fancy glowing light around the EV plug :(.
Bolt charging speed
Charging via a 110-volt outlet will get you a mere 5 miles per hour of charging but, with a 238 miles range, I think it works for most people. Charging via a 240-volt outlet will give you 25 miles per hour of charging and fast DC charging will give you 90 miles in 30 minutes. Not bad.
Electric Vehicle tax credit stuff
You can still claim the full EV tax credit of $7,500 on new models until March 31st 2019, after that it will be cut in half six months later, than down to zero six month after that. So, if you're considering an EV, there's no time like the present to dive in.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt drivetrain specifications
Driving Range: |
EPA-estimated 238 miles on a full charge |
BATTERY SYSTEM |
|
Type: |
Rechargeable energy storage system comprising multiple linked modules |
Mass (lb / kg): |
947 / 429.5 |
Battery chemistry: |
Lithium-ion |
Cells: |
288 |
Energy: |
60 kWh |
ELECTRIC DRIVE |
|
Type: |
Single motor and gearset |
Motor: |
Permanent magnetic drive motor |
Power: |
200 hp / 150 kW |
Torque: (lb-ft / Nm): |
266 / 360 |
Final drive ratio (:1): |
7.05:1 |
CHARGING TIMES3 |
|
120 V: |
5 miles range per hour |
240 V: |
Full charge in 9.5 hours |
DC Fast Charge: |
Up to 90 miles in 30 minutes |
Driving the Bolt
If you floor it from a stand still you will get wheel spin and torque steer. Very controllable and, at the very least, it's sure to entertain your passengers.
The Bolt just drives as expected. It is pleasant, and you get your usual, one-gear EV feel. There's plenty of torque, all the time, in absolute silence. The suspension offers a good balance of firm and comfort. The steering is enjoyable, and tossing the car around is tons of fun, as it should be.
CONCLUSION
You get all the cool EV perks like instant torque, quiet cabin, geekiness, and fuel economy, but you also get a good deal! (see more below)
I am a big Tesla fanboy, but I was happily surprised with the Bolt. I got all the EV goodness I was craving without the hipster tax!
... Actually, there is one thing you don’t get in the Bolt, and that’s the “Hooning.” Punching the accelerator on the Tesla Model 3 is super fun, and, with its all-wheel-drive system, it is the coolest thing everyone is talking about.
... But let’s be honest, after a few days of ownership, I am not sure that ‘feature’ is worth a $10-30k premium over the Bolt.
! CHEVY BOLT DEALS !
What makes the Chevrolet Bolt a real winner is how cheap you can buy one right now (2019) at GM dealerships.
Check out your Chevrolet local dealer because, while our tester car is listed at $37,000, I looked on cars.com and found brand new 2019 cars with a $10,000 discount! Add to that the $7,500 tax credit and this is too cheap to pass up!
Once you put these $10,000 in your pocket, I think you can look at the Tesla Model 3 owner and smile everyday to the bank.
The arch nemesis
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