2022 Chevrolet Bolt: The Brand’s Affordable, Mass Market, All-Electric Vehicle

Highlight: The vehicle is capable of accelerating and braking using only one pedal, if the driver so choose.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $36,165 (Base Model 1LT: $31,995)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; automatic emergency braking; front pedestrian braking; pedestrian safety signals; automatic high beam; following distance indicator; a forward collision alert system; rear camera; and OnStar

Standard Equipment (1LT): 17-inch wheels; maintenance 2 years/24,000 miles; electric power steering; two driving modes; rear cargo storage; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a manual operated driver’s seat; a remote keyless entry system; in-vehicle Wi-Fi; a push button keyless starter; an 8-inch driver information center; and a 10-inch infotainment system

A Level 2 Charger (Photo Credit: JeffCars.com)

Standard Equipment (2LT): DC fast charger; electric precision shift with one pedal drive mode; 8-way manual driver seat; single zone automatic climate control; a leather wrapped steering wheel; leather seats; a heated steering wheel; heated front seats; an automatic rear dimming mirror; a keyless entry system; a rear park assist system; a blind zone alert system; a rear seat center armrest; and a rear traffic cross alert system

Options: USB charging only ports; a 7-speaker Bose audio system; in-car wireless charging; and a radar active cruise control system

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: no engine/200-hp

Recommended Fuel: All Electric

Standard eMileage Range: 127 city/108 hwy

What’s New:  After being on the market since 2020, the Bolt has gone through its first refresh. The front fascia has been redesigned and there has been some interior upgrades too.

Why:

 

·        A full charge provides a 262-mile driving range

·        Requires no gasoline

·        A low maintenance vehicle

·        Smooth and quick acceleration (200-hp)

·        Available for a DC Quick Charger

·        Comfortable seating

·        Spacious rear seating and legroom

·        Rear fold down center armrest

·        Easy-to-use infotainment system

·        Environmentally friendly

·        Could be eligible for tax credits locally or via one's employer

·        Equipped with a host of safety features

·        Apps like the Wall Street Journal that reads to you

·        A clear sounding optional sound system

         Chevy is offering a free level 2 home charger

·        But: 

·        It takes a moment to adjust to the one pedal drive mode

·        Bland exterior styling

         No sunroof available

·        No in-vehicle navigation system available

         No federal credit for GM vehicles; GM exhausted their credits in 2020

Verdict:  With a starting price of $32,000, before any local or employee driven tax incentives kick in, the Bolt is one of the most affordable fully electric vehicles on the road today. The roomy, but quirky looking designed hatchback gives us a peek on the future of GM’s move toward electrification. 

The zippy Chevy Bolt is also available as a crossover too for the 2022 model year. Being that the driving range on our test model was capable of achieving over 260 miles, when fully charged, range anxiety is no longer a concern of ours. We weren't too concern about having access to charging stations, as we traveled throughout metro Atlanta. 

More importantly, with the refresh of the Bolt, the design team has been able to balance a comfy ride with the latest technological advancements, all while pushing the green theme.

Furthermore, the 2022 Bolt, which can be charged up using a standard or a DC quick charger, demonstrates that the four seater is ready for the mainstream market to get on board despite the lack of infrastructure being in place. During our review, we were able to use both a level 2 and a DC quick charger. In order to boost our mileage quicker, within a shorter time frame, we had to stop by a local Chevrolet dealer. Ironically, the dealer's two DC quick chargers were only reserved for their in-house use only. On the other hand, they did make special provisions for us. However, there were several level 2 units in an open location for the public to use. A number of utility companies also offer discounts for level 2 units at home.

Lastly, there were also several grocery chains and malls that provided level 2 units for the public. Some were free, while others required you to pay. Fortunately for us, we were able to circumvent paying for electricity. 

Competition: Kia Niro; Nissan Leaf; Tesla Model 3; and Volkswagen ID.4