It used to be that admirers of electric cars who wanted a 200-miles-plus range had to get in line for a Tesla and spend upward of $70,000. The Chevrolet Bolt changed all that.
Don't let the Bolt's mundane appearance deceive you and mask the car's advanced technology. Like a Tesla, the Bolt is able to go well over 200 miles on a single charge, is quick, quiet and can be a viable option for those ready to embrace a fully electric car.
Take a turn behind the wheel and you immediately feel the Bolt's silent, instant electric torque when you tap the throttle. With the equivalent of 200-electrified horses on tap, this small hatchback accelerates with gusto and at 6.8 seconds from zero to 60 mph, it's as quick as some sports sedans.
As a result of a recent battery enlargement, the Bolt has an EPA-rated range of 259 miles, on par with its peers from Hyundai and Kia. When we originally tested it, it had an EPA estimated range of 238 miles and we measured a range of 250 miles. A full charge takes 10 hours on a 240-volt connector but with the Bolt's range, you rarely find yourself dipping to total empty. That's likely to be longer for the 2020 model with its larger 66 kWh battery. There's also an optional DC fast-charging capability that promises up to 90 miles of range with 30 minutes of charging.
The heavy, low-mounted battery contributes to the Bolt's planted feel despite its tall stance. The car is eager to tackle a curvy road and is actually fun to drive -- virtues that most EVs can't claim.
The Bolt is very quiet and for the most part the ride is steady but it tends to get choppy when it encounters dips and swells. The driver's seat is short on support -- you can actually feel the seat's frame poking at your back. Interior quality is on the cheap side as well, clearly unbefitting the Bolt's price.
Typically equipped vehicle are priced between $37,000 and $45,000, before the available federal tax incentive. Note that GM's tax credits phase out in April 2020.
Controls take some getting used to which is compounded by the unintuitive gear selector that's particularly frustrating. Unlike some EVs, there's decent cargo room in back with an uninterrupted load floor. A removable panel can create a two-tiered floor to allow for concealed items.
No question, GM has accomplished a commendable feat with the Bolt's long cruising range and fairly affordable price. Styling notwithstanding, the Bolt delivers on how EVs are judged the most -- namely range.