Chevrolet updated its all-electric Bolt hatchback for 2022, and in the process created an additional version called the EUV (electric utility vehicle). The freshening brings a nicer interior, more comfortable front seats, and an easier-to-use infotainment system.
The EUV version we tested also benefits from a comfortable ride, a roomier rear seat, and easy access. Some might find that the Bolt EUV falls short of its promise because it lacks key SUV attributes, such as increased ground clearance, extra cargo space compared to the standard Bolt, and available all-wheel drive.
The front wheels are powered by the same 200-hp electric motor that made the original Bolt feel so lively, but the EUV isn’t quite as quick because it’s heavier. Its 0 to 60 mph time was 7.2 seconds, almost a half-second slower than the original Bolt. It still feels snappy and responsive off the line, though, to the point that drivers may find it rather easy to spin the front tires when accelerating from a stop out onto a fast-moving road. As is typical of EVs, the Bolt’s power is delivered in a smooth, linear, and quiet fashion.
The EUV has a 247-mile EPA-rated driving range (12 miles less than the regular Bolt), but unlike some EVs the car’s displayed range prediction routinely proved to be nearly spot on. Charging its 65-kWh battery took more than eight hours from near-empty on a 240-volt connection, typical for an EV.
Compared with the regular Bolt, the EUV is noticeably more comfortable and less choppy over bumps, though the ride is still fairly firm. While we appreciated the suspension’s extra compliance during regular driving, the EUV’s increased body roll through turns—along with overly-light steering—contribute to a feeling of diminished agility vs. the regular model.
The Bolt EUV has an SUV-like elevated driving position that gives a fairly commanding view of the road ahead. Headroom is decent and the low, slim center console proved to be only a minor intrusion for most drivers. The driver’s seat in our tested Premier trim is a big step up over the original Bolt’s uncomfortable perch. It has an initial plushness to it, along with two-way adjustable lumbar, but it’s relatively narrow and could still use more thigh support. The rear seat is comfortable enough for shorter drives, benefitting from decent legroom, but the headroom is surprisingly tight and the upright seatback isn’t a recipe for long-haul comfort.
The EUV is the first non-Cadillac product to come with General Motors’ Super Cruise active driving assistance system, which can automatically adjust the Bolt’s speed according to traffic and steer for the driver on pre-mapped divided highways. But it’s not as sophisticated as the version we tested on the new Escalade. The version in the Bolt is trickier to engage, and it gives too many small steering corrections, which becomes annoying.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance come standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning don’t come standard on the base LT trim, but are available optionally.