GM recently announced a next-generation for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, dispelling rumors that the most affordable EV would become extinct.
The Bolt EV was the first affordable, long-range EV to hit the market. It immediately became a hit and quickly pushed the Volt PHEV out the door, despite the Volt offering more electric driving range than most of the modern plug-in hybrids in the market. Despite a few hiccups along the way, the Bolt EV has been one of the most popular small EVs in the entire market. Some may think this little EV would disappear, but GM has other ideas.
Affordability matters
The next-generation Bolt will continue to provide everything customers expect of this little EV. These things include great driving range, affordability, and advanced technology. The average electric vehicle costs nearly $60,000, but not the Bolt. This little EV starts at a much more affordable $27,000, and once you tack on the $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit, that cost is less than $20,000. It’s nearly impossible to find any electric vehicle that can deliver over 250 miles of driving range for that price, but Chevy consistently offers this in the Bolt EV. The low price point is a huge part of the Bolt’s success.
The new Bolt receives a better platform
The Chevrolet Bolt EV arrived before GM had developed the Ultium EV platform, which underpins most of the other GM electric vehicles. The next-gen Bolt will receive the technological advantages of the Ultium and Ultifi technology, enabling this popular EV to be an improved version of itself. The GM plan with this new Bolt EV is to apply the “winning with simplicity” discipline, which means they won’t overcomplicate the Bolt. This should enable this new EV to continue to be one of the best value options in the entire EV market.
Building on the current Bolt EV
In order for the next-gen model to be better than what we’ve already got, the new Bolt EV needs a longer driving range, more power, and potentially could offer an AWD option. For comparison, let’s consider what the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV offers.
Power for the drive
The current version of the Bolt EV has a single-motor drivetrain setup in FWD that delivers 200 horsepower and up to 259 miles of electric driving range. This makes the current Bolt pretty impressive, especially when you consider the price. The current Bolt can charge to 100% in seven hours using a 240-volt at-home charger.
When connected to a DC fast-charger, this little EV can add 100 miles of driving range in 30 minutes. Hopefully, the Ultium platform will enable the DC fast-charging to add more range in less time.
What does the Chevrolet Bolt EV include?
Currently, the Bolt EV only comes in two trim levels: 1LT and 2LT. It’s unclear if this was in anticipation of a new generation or a plan to delete this little EV from the lineup altogether. Regardless, these trims offer good packages of features, which we expect a new generation to build on or exceed.
Chevy Bolt EV 1LT
The base model of the current Bolt is the 1LT trim. This trim includes:
- LED headlights and taillights
- Heated power mirrors
- Cloth seats
- 8-inch driver information center
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- Automatic climate controls
- Remote engine starting
- Sport Mode
- Teen Driver mode
- 10.2-inch infotainment system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Chevy Safety Assist system
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-keeping assist
- Following distance indicator
- Automatic high beams
This base trim is offered with two options packages: Driver Confidence Package and Comfort and Convenience Package.
The Driver Confidence Package adds:
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Blind-spot monitoring
The Comfort and Convenience Package includes:
- Heated front seats
- A heated steering wheel
- An auto-dimming rearview mirror
Chevy Bolt EV 2LT
Stepping up to the 2LT trim gives drivers more luxurious features while remaining affordable. This higher trim includes:
- Both of the 1LT option packages
- Leather upholstery
- HD Surround Vision camera
- A rear center armrest
- Power driver’s seat
- Ambient interior lighting
A few options are offered for the 2LT trim, giving you the ability to add:
- Infotainment Package
- Bose 7-speaker premium audio system
- Wireless charging pad
- two rear USB charging ports
- Adaptive cruise control
The next generation of the Chevrolet Bolt EV should join the growing lineup of Chevy EVs soon. GM’s plan is to execute this new model more quickly than they would be able to if it were an entirely new EV. Will the new Bolt be just as popular as the first-gen model?
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
