When we first laid eyes on the Chevy Bolt at the 2016 New York Auto Show, it stood out for its Easter egg shades, awkward shape, and groundbreaking range wrapped up in an economy e-package. While the design has changed over the years, there's no doubt that Chevrolet created an iconic and practical electric vehicle. With its 2020 mid-cycle refresh increasing its range to a new class record, Chevy continues to lead in delivering an affordable and enjoyable EV. But with most manufacturers selling electrified models now or in the near future, often loaded with cutting-edge technology, Chevy needs to commit to offering the Bolt at a lower price or upping its technology game to stay at the head of the pack.
Pricing and Design
The 2020 all-electric Chevy Bolt comes with a permanent-magnet synchronous AC front-wheel drive motor paired with a lithium-ion battery for a satisfying 200hp/150kW of power. The single-speed direct-drive transmission pumps out 266lbf-ft of torque through its electronic precision shift system.
Thanks to a larger battery, range has been increased an extra 21 miles, for 118MPGe and 259 miles on a full charge. It takes about 10 hours to charge the Bolt on a home-installed 240-volt outlet, or 30 minutes to add 100 miles at a fast-charge station. Besides the new battery, an updated front grille, a rear-vision camera available on both trims, and a surround camera for the upper trim, little has changed on this mid-cycle refresh.
The base LT trim starts at $37,495 before federal and state tax incentives, and adds two new exterior colors in the form of Oasis Blue and, for an upcharge, Cayenne Orange Metallic. The exterior comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, auto on/off headlamps, heated power mirrors with turn signals, intermittent front and rear wipers, solar-absorbing glass, a gloss black grille, LED daytime running lamps, and LED taillamps.
Standard interior features include a six-way manual bucket driver’s seat and four-way manual passenger’s seat in gray cloth trim, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and cargo cover, auto climate control, a manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel with an on-demand regenerative brake paddle, a leather-trimmed shift knob, normal and sport drive mode buttons, an 8-inch LCD instrument cluster, LED-based door light accent lighting and interior ambient lighting, power windows and door locks, carpeted floor mats, and a 120V portable charge cord.
Standard tech includes a 10.2-inch color touch infotainment display with a six-speaker audio system, AM/FM HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth for two devices, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, an HD rear vision camera, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, two USB ports, remote keyless ignition, location-based and programmable vehicle charging, and OnStar connected services.
The Premier trim we tested starts at $41,895, and exterior embellishments include 17-inch ultra-bright wheels, heated power mirrors, and roof rails. The interior adds a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a false cargo floor, ambient instrument panel lighting, heated front perforated leather-trimmed seats, and a rear center armrest. Safety tech includes a surround-view camera, cruise control, lane assist with blind spot alert, a rear camera mirror, rear cross traffic alert, and rear park assist.
The ride we reviewed tacked on an additional $1,840 for the DC fast charging option ($750), an upgraded infotainment system ($595), and Chevy’s Driver Assist Package ($495). The infotainment package includes wireless charging, an upgraded Bose seven-speaker audio system, and a rear USB charging port. The driver assist package adds auto high beams, forward collision warning with auto emergency braking and front pedestrian braking, and lane keeping and departure warning. With a destination fee of $895, the total sticker price came to $43,735.
The interior seats five and has ample rear cargo space. The exterior stays true to the Bolt’s funky design with only minor updates. The interior, while spacious and streamlined, feels distinctively lowbrow due the cheap plastic material and a dashboard reminiscent of a kitschy '50s-style Formica tabletop. But the two-tone gray split-level dashboard provides a minimalist backdrop to the expansive window treatment across the front and side triangular glass, resulting in a spacious capsule-like view.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 10.2-inch touch screen angled upward in the center of the dash is easily accessible, with bright, colorful icons in the upper left corner to call up information. The split-screen interface is intuitive, although a bit slow to respond to touch.
We like the bright green Energy icon in the lower left corner of the screen that calls up a plethora of information regarding EV functionality, such as a range impact screen that measures the effect of driving style, climate control, terrain, and weather on remaining miles. It told me that my driving style saved 0.7 miles of range while testing, but my choice to enjoy conditioned air sucked up 51.7 miles of range.
The format menu allows you to configure the screen on Standard, Family, Eco, or Custom layout options. You’ll need to access your smartphone for directions or download the myChevrolet app offering navigation that also shows fast charger stations along your route. The app also includes remote door lock/unlock, vehicle location, vehicle diagnostics such as battery level and fuel range, and voice assistance with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Below the screen you'll find a volume knob, climate controls, a button for quick access to the main menu, and a sport mode button. The center console features two USB ports and a wireless charging pocket that takes up less space than the prevalent flat-pad chargers and firmly tucks away your phone to keep it from flying when taking a sharp turn.
The 8-inch LCD instrument cluster is crisp, colorful, and bright. The large circular center features a digital speedometer that can be customized. To the left is an energy gauge registering how much range is left, while the right side shows power level, regenerative-braking levels, and drive mode.
We aren’t fans of the confusing cruise control buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. Flanked by the cruise control off and on buttons, the Bolt’s forward collision alert button is so similar to the adaptive cruise button found on most cars (but not offered here) that it resulted in a few hair-raising moments when the car didn’t slow down to leave a safe space ahead in traffic.
With the competition offering a suite of driver assists as standard—and usually adaptive cruise—the Bolt’s optional Driver Assist Package pales in comparison. Even with the Premier trim’s pricey options topping off at $40K-plus, the Tesla Model 3 delivers comparable range along with cutting-edge tech and cool factor cache that the Bolt just can’t touch.
The Chevy Bolt has always been a really fun car to drive. Its electric motor provides immediate acceleration and its low center of gravity and low-end torque sends the car effortlessly zipping around corners, while the Sport mode adds spunk to its speed. The 2020 model boasts an EPA-rated range of 259 miles. While most EVs have been relegated to around-town status, the Bolt's extended driving range puts the Chevy ahead of competitors such as the Hyundai Ioniq, the Kia Soul EV, and the Standard Range Plus version of the Tesla Model 3.
We accessed a local Electrify America station that was able to charge the Bolt's battery 80 percent in 50 minutes. Overnight, we consistently charged approximately 60 to 90 miles of range. A fun feature on the Bolt is the paddle behind the left side of the steering wheel that lets you control the regenerative braking system on demand. It allows for true one-pedal, golf cart-style driving. With a foot off the accelerator you can slow the car even to a complete stop just by using the steering wheel pedal, all while recharging the battery.
The 2020 Chevy Bolt EV is a fun, zippy, responsive compact hatchback that doesn’t compromise passenger comfort, and its ample cargo space veers into the crossover category. While the Bolt excels in efficiency and range, however, it falls behind in technology. That said, it feels like Chevy is banking on drivers who prioritize EV range and efficiency over other amenities offered by competitors in this price range, and there's no doubt the Bolt's impressive EV range is sure to capture a loyal fan base.
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