A Review of Chevrolet Bolt EV 2023

Chevrolet has made improvements to the Bolt since it first came out in 2016. It’s now a cool small electric car with a unique look, and it offers good value for the price. The Bolt EV is the cheapest electric car you can buy in the US right now. It’s a more affordable option compared to other small electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. The Bolt has a motor that gives it 200 horsepower and powers the front wheels. With a full charge, it can go an estimated 259 miles according to the EPA. The Bolt also has fast charging capability, which means you can add up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes. Inside, the Bolt has more space than you might expect, and if you fold down the rear seatback, it has almost as much cargo space as a Chevy Equinox.

What’s New for 2023?

The 2023 Chevy Bolt has a major change: its price has been reduced by $5,900 compared to the 2022 model. This brings the starting price down by a whopping $10,900 from the 2021 model for essentially the same car. Chevy made this big price cut to make sure the Bolt remains competitive in cost. The reason behind this is that the company has made enough electric vehicles now, which means it is no longer eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit that could be applied to its electric cars. This price drop is also meant to improve the Bolt’s reputation. The Bolt had a setback when the company had to recall all the Bolts produced in the fourth quarter of 2020 due to a battery issue that could potentially cause a fire. As a result, production of both the Bolt EV and EUV was stopped in November 2021 until the issue was resolved. Production resumed in April 2022. However, General Motors has announced that the 2023 model year will be the last one for the Bolt EV and its crossover sibling, the Bolt EUV.

Check: Crush Quotes

Also read: A Review of the Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle 2023

Price and Selection

The Bolt comes in two trims: 1LT and 2LT. Both trims can go approximately 259 miles on a full charge, according to the EPA. They also have the ability to charge quickly using DC fast charging. The 2LT trim offers some additional features that make it even more appealing. It includes heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera for better visibility, and extra safety features for the driver. Considering all these extra benefits, it’s worth spending a little more money on the 2LT trim of this already very affordable electric hatchback.

Bolt EV Motor, Power, and Performance

While we haven’t had the chance to drive the 2023 Bolt EV yet, we can tell you that its powertrain and chassis are exactly the same as older models we’ve tested. The electric motor still delivers 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, which is sent exclusively to the front wheels. This setup gives the car a quick response when you press the accelerator and plenty of power right from the start. It’s great for zipping off the line when the traffic light turns green.

At higher speeds, the response might not be as immediate, but we expect the new electric Chevy to still offer enough power for passing and merging on the highway without any trouble. The ride should be smooth and comfortable, just like before, and the car should have enough power to challenge any negative assumptions you might have about electric vehicles. Additionally, there’s a one-pedal-driving mode that you can activate by pressing a button on the center console. This mode increases the regenerative braking, meaning the car slows down when you release the accelerator pedal, and you’ll rarely need to use the brakes to slow down.

Check: MBA Student Result

Also read: Tesla Model S 2023: What’s New and Worth Your Money?

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

According to the EPA, the 2023 Bolt EV can go approximately 259 miles on a full charge. That’s the same range as the previous generation Bolt and is comparable to other electric vehicles in the same price range, like the Hyundai Kona Electric. While the Tesla Model 3 Long Range can go up to 353 miles on one charge, it comes with a higher price tag. The Bolt EV comes with a dual-level charging cord that can be plugged into both regular 120-volt outlets (Level 1) and higher-powered 240-volt outlets (Level 2). Chevy says this eliminates the need for many owners to purchase a separate home charger. The maximum charging speed for Level 2 charging has also been increased to 11 kW, which means the battery can be fully charged in about seven hours. The Bolt still offers DC fast charging, allowing you to add around 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes when using a Level 3 connection.

Real-World MPGe and Fuel Efficiency

The 2023 Bolt EV has an EPA rating of 120 MPGe when you combine both city and highway driving. In our own test of a previous Bolt EV model, we achieved 102 MPGe in real-world driving, which means we were able to travel around 180 miles on the highway. If you drive at lower speeds in town, you can expect even better range. In fact, during a special test we conducted in Death Valley, California, we were able to go even farther than the EPA’s estimated range of 259 miles. We exceeded that distance in real-world driving conditions. For more detailed information about the Bolt EV’s efficiency, you can visit the EPA’s website.

Interior of Bolt EV

Chevy has given the Bolt EV’s interior a makeover with a more luxurious design. The company claims that the materials used are of higher quality than before, and there are more soft-touch surfaces throughout. The steering wheel now has a sporty flat bottom, and the driver gets a new 8.0-inch fully digital gauge cluster. The old electronic shifter has been replaced with a set of toggles and buttons. While the updated Bolt EV has the same amount of space for passengers as before, including a roomy back seat that can comfortably fit two adults, the front seats have been redesigned to be more comfortable. The hatchback’s cargo space in the rear remains the same, with 17 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a total of 57 cubic feet when the rear seatbacks are folded down flat.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Bolt EV comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes some great standard features. These include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily connect your phone without any cords. You can also get a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging if you choose. The touchscreen controls are supported by physical knobs for adjusting the volume and tuning, and there’s a handy shortcut button to quickly access the home screen. The Chevy’s infotainment system allows for over-the-air updates, meaning you can keep it up to date without any hassle. It also has built-in apps that work with Amazon Alexa and Spotify, so you can enjoy your favorite music while driving.

Safety Features

The 2023 Bolt EV comes with many safety features, both standard and optional. It has automatic high-beams and front pedestrian detection as standard. You can also choose to add a 360-degree camera system and rear cross-traffic alert.

To learn more about how the Bolt EV performs in crash tests, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. The Bolt EV also has key safety features like forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, as well as lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is available as an option.

Check: Attractive Pictures

Also read: Comparison of the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2023

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Chevrolet offers standard coverage for the Bolt’s electric-powertrain components. This coverage lasts for three years or up to 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty, which specifically covers the important components of the car’s engine and transmission, lasts for eight years or up to 100,000 miles. Additionally, Chevrolet provides one complimentary maintenance visit. However, it’s worth noting that when it comes to overall coverage, Chevrolet falls short compared to Hyundai, which offers more extensive warranty coverage.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bolt EV

Advantages of Bolt EV:

1. Environmental Friendliness: One of the biggest advantages of the Bolt EV is its eco-friendly nature. Being an electric vehicle, it produces zero tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
2. Cost Savings: Electric vehicles typically have lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. With the Bolt EV, you can save money on fuel since electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline. Additionally, electric vehicles require less maintenance as they have fewer moving parts that can wear out.
3. Range: The Bolt EV offers a decent range for an electric vehicle. With an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles, it provides enough range for most daily commutes and even some longer trips without needing to recharge.
4. Quick Acceleration: Electric vehicles are known for their instant torque delivery, and the Bolt EV is no exception. It provides quick acceleration, making it fun and zippy to drive, especially in urban environments.
5. Tax Incentives: Depending on your location, purchasing a Bolt EV may make you eligible for federal and state tax incentives, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of the vehicle.

Disadvantages of Bolt EV:

1. Charging Infrastructure: One of the main challenges for electric vehicles is the availability of charging stations. While the charging network is expanding, it may still be less convenient to find charging stations compared to traditional gasoline stations, especially in certain areas.
2. Charging Time: Charging an electric vehicle takes longer than refueling a gasoline car. Even with fast-charging options, it still requires more time to recharge the battery fully compared to a quick stop at a gas station.
3. Limited Range for Long Trips: Although the Bolt EV offers a decent range, it may still pose limitations for long-distance travel, especially in regions where charging infrastructure is not well-developed. Planning longer trips may require more careful consideration of available charging stations along the route.
4. Upfront Cost: Electric vehicles, including the Bolt EV, generally have a higher upfront cost compared to their gasoline counterparts. However, it’s worth considering that the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs can offset this initial investment.
5. Battery Degradation: Over time, the Bolt EV’s battery capacity may degrade, resulting in a reduced range. While battery technology is continually improving, this potential loss of range should be taken into account when considering an electric vehicle.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to the future of electric mobility, this vehicle stands as a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. It serves as a practical and accessible option for those seeking an electric vehicle that delivers on both efficiency and affordability.

Check: MCA Student Syllabus

Also read: Experience Luxury and Safety in the Volvo XC40 Subcompact 2023