2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Pros:

• Low-cost functional technological capabilities.
• It’s easy and relaxing to drive.

Cons:

• There is little space to put things.
• You can’t choose to have all-wheel drive.
• Slow-charging DC charges quickly.

The mechanism that makes the Bolt EUV move. We used our test track and the Bolt EUV to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Even though it’s a little slower than the standard Bolt, this EV is still fast for a car that costs as much as it does. It’s easy to drive at freeway speeds or get around town quickly. Smooth braking is available, and regenerative braking takes care of most of your daily slowing when you use the “one-pedal drive” mode. There is even an extra paddle for regenerative braking on the steering wheel to get the most energy back.

The bigger Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6 feel more playful and agile than the Bolt EUV, which isn’t as elegant as some smaller EVs. Since it has front-wheel drive, the front tires will likely be more stressed. Most people will not notice or care, though, because it’s so straightforward to use a EUV daily. Most of the time, we choose “easy” over “exciting.”

How well does the Bolt EUV fit? The front seats could use more thigh support but are soft enough. The EUV rides better than the Bolt, which sometimes has trouble getting over cracks in the road and potholes with sharp edges. Even though the EU’s ride isn’t comfortable, it’s good enough, and the cabin is quiet.

The climate controls are easy to use, and both the touchscreen and the buttons below the screen do the same things. Even though the single-zone system works quickly, there are no air vents for the back seats.

How does the inside look? The controls on the EUV are well thought out. To the left of the touch screen are knobs for tuning and volume. Even though you have to get used to the gear selector buttons, they are easy to use and save space in the cabin. The digital instrument panel can show important information like the battery level, how well the driver is doing, and how much power is being used. We could get comfortable behind the wheel thanks to a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a steering wheel with a lot of telescoping. However, the car needs more adjustments for total comfort, like an extendable thigh cushion.

The roof isn’t too low, and the doors open pretty wide. Most adults must bend slightly to get into the back seat because the cushion is a little high. The Bolt EUV has more legroom than you might think, but the cabin is small, and taller passengers may have trouble with headroom in the back (6 feet or taller). The optional 360-degree camera system and digital rearview mirror make it easy to see everything around you.

How good is the tech? In our tests, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked perfectly to connect phones. The EUV can come with a navigation system (unlike the standard Bolt). The touchscreen is giant, works well, and is simple to use. On the Bolt EUV we tested, there were two USB ports up front (one standard and one USB-C), a wireless charger, and two more USB ports for people in the back.

Our EUV with the Premier trim level also came with GM’s Super Cruise package, which lets us drive on many highways without using our hands. Even though it’s interesting to see this level of driving technology at this price, we’re still determining if we’d pay $25 per month for Super Cruise after the three-year trial period.

What about putting things away? Even though the Bolt EUV is small, it has plenty of room for small items. The glovebox, center console, and door pockets on the front of the car are more than enough. Also, the center console has a space for a handbag or something else about the same size, as well as a cubby in front of the gear selector for a large phone that can be charged wirelessly.

Behind the back seats, there are only 16.3 cubic feet of space, which is less than what other cars offer. It is, however, valuable because it has a floor panel with hidden storage or a drop-down function for carrying heavier items. The discussion on the floor is out, and the seats are split and folded flat. The EUV is also an excellent way to get around with a family. There are top tethers in all three rear seat positions, and it’s easy to get to the child safety seat anchors. The EUV has more room for your legs, and the back doors open wide enough to fit big seats facing backward.

How is the range, and how well does it work? The EPA says the Bolt can go 247 miles on a single charge. Also, it is expected to travel 100 miles for every 29 kWh of electricity it uses. In real-world EV range testing, the Bolt EUV went 265 miles on a single charge, with an Invoice Pricing of 26.7 kWh per 100 miles, which is slightly more efficient. Even though many other electric vehicles can go farther, this is still a good result.

With the upgraded, two-level charge cord that comes with the Bolt, you can switch between charging at Level 1 (120 volts) and Level 2 (240 volts) (240 volts). The included cord can only deliver up to 7.2 kW, so you’ll need special wall-charging hardware to get the most out of the new Bolt’s 11-kW onboard charger (previously, it was 7.7 kW). It has a maximum DC fast-charging rate of only 55 kW, which is much lower than most new EVs. On a road trip, your phone will take longer to charge, which is inconvenient.

Is the price of the Bolt EUV fair? When Chevrolet showed off the Bolt EUV in 2022, it also updated the Bolt. Both cars now feel much more high-end than they did before. The Bolt line feels more modern because the materials used inside are better, the padding is softer, and there are more features. Since Chevy’s electric vehicles can now get the $7,500 tax credit, the EUV could be a good investment.

The basic warranty for the EUV is for three years or 36,000 miles, and the contract for the battery is for eight years or 100,000 miles. Complimentary maintenance is good for 24 hours, and roadside assistance is good for five years or 60,000 miles. The Bolt doesn’t have free public DC fast-charging like most other new EVs.

There are two trim levels for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV: LT and Premier. The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is marketed as a five-seat crossover SUV, but it only has 5.6 inches of ground clearance and can’t be bought with all-wheel drive. Instead, an electric motor with 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque is powered by a 65 kWh lithium-ion battery under the car’s floor.

We recommend keeping the Bolt EUV at the base LT trim level to keep its value, which is an excellent mix of price, driving range, and usability. The Driver Confidence package has blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert systems. The Comfort package has heated front seats, and the Redline Edition gives the car a stylish look.