2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Now offered in hatchback and quasi-SUV forms, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a right-priced electric car with a spacious interior, lots of features for the money, and an impressive electric range.
The Bolt name might be familiar to you, though it has been recast with a big brother as part of its 2022 model-year redesign. The Bolt EV retains its tall hatchback proportions, while the Bolt EUV stretches half a foot longer with around three of those inches allocated to rear-seat leg room. The EUV also looks a little chunkier and offers a raised seating position, though it is not all-wheel drive.

Both versions use a 200-hp electric motor that enables near-silent acceleration to 60 mph in around seven seconds. Tuned more for comfort than sportiness, the two Bolt models excel in day-to-day commuting or even longer jaunts. The Bolt EV offers up to 259 miles of range on a full charge compared to 247 miles for the slightly heavier Bolt EUV. Charging takes about 10 hours on a typical home charger, though a faster Level 3 charger like those found at some public stations can add 100 miles in about 30 minutes.

Regardless of body, these EVs come standard with automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and active lane control. Rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitors come in an option package, as does a rear camera mirror. The Bolt EUV offers Super Cruise, parent company General Motors’ limited hands-free driving assistant.

Model Lineup

Both Bolt models feature a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay/Amazon Alexa compatibility, plus a 11.5-kw onboard charger. Base Bolt EV LT versions cost about $32,500, while the EUV has a $2,000 upcharge.

The 2LT trim level tosses in leather trim, an HD surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitors, and a few other niceties for $2,000 or so more. Adaptive cruise control and Bose audio are offered on that model.

The Bolt EUV skips the 2LT trim for a Premier version at $39,000 that comes with cloth (rather than leather) seats and adaptive cruise. A trio of option packages add everything from seat heaters and parking sensors to leather trim.

Exterior

The two Bolt models follow a similar theme. Bolt EV models have futuristic details paired with a high-riding, almost sneaker-like profile. LED running lights and plenty of contrast between body-color and black panels add interest.

The Bolt EUV is comparatively conservative with its slightly more SUV-like shape made possible by its longer roofline, its unpainted fender flares and lower trim, and its roof rails.

Somewhat amazingly, the two models don’t share a single exterior panel.

Interior

There’s more commonality inside, where you’ll find a 10.2-inch touchscreen and a clean, simple dashboard with limited controls and switches. A toggle-style gear lever leaves space for a convenient wireless charging pad for mobile devices.

Some versions have power-adjustable seats, which can be wrapped in cloth or leather. While not cushy for road trips, the seats offer a high seating position that pairs with big windows for good outward vision.

Four adults have plenty of space, especially in the Bolt EUV with its longer wheelbase that dedicates a few inches to rear-seat leg room.

Cargo space is also excellent, with both models coming in at around 16 cubic feet with the rear seatback upright and more than triple that with the cushions folded away.

Driving Impressions

You’ll find the same electric motor and battery pack in both versions of the Bolt, which furnishes good grunt for in-town use and reasonable highway passing.

A “normal” drive mode offers the ability to creep along in traffic like a gas-fueled car. A console switch pulls up regenerative braking boost for one-pedal driving that can slow the car down when the accelerator is released.

Refined to the point of near-silence, the Bolt delivers solace in a commuter-car package. Its ride is soft and composed, with a slight edge to the EUV for its longer wheelbase, though the efficiency-oriented tires mean corner carving is not a forte.

Final Word

Now offered in two flavors, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV models offer good real-world range from their refined electric powertrains, plus a comfortable cabin and plenty of in-car tech.

 

—by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection