Tuesday, March 7, 2023

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Premier: A Subcompact Electric Utility Vehicle


Highlight:  Our vehicle was equipped with GM’s handsfree steering system.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $37,885 (Base Model: $28,796)

Seating Capacity:  4 to 5 (depending on size of adults)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; automatic emergency braking; lane keep assist with lane departure warning; a forward collision alert system; a rear camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; OnStar concierge service; and a pedestrian sound indicator

Standard Equipment (Base): 17-inch wheels; a push button starter system; a 10-inch infotainment system; a single zone automatic climate control system; cargo cover; manual operated front seats; wireless charging; a luggage rack; DC Fast Charger capabilities; and a one driving pedal system


Standard Equipment (Premier): a rear center armrest; a radar activated cruise control system; a rear camera mirror; a rear cross traffic alert system; a HD 360 camera; a rear traffic cross alert system; a power driver’s seat; heated/ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; an illuminated vanity mirror; lane changing alert with blind zone; a rear parking assist system; and two drive modes

Options: a 7 speaker Bose audio system; a power dual panel sunroof; a super cruise (handsfree steering system); a navigation system; and Redline appearance package

Other Trim Levels:

N/A

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

Horsepower: 200-hp

Recommended Fuel: All-Electric

Towing: N/A

Standard Fuel Mileage: 115 MPGe/ 125-city/104-hwy

Driving Range: 247 miles

What’s New:  The Bolt EUV joined Chevy’s line up in 2022, serving as the bigger sibling to the car-based Bolt. New for this year is the red line trim and a lower starting price for the base model trim.

The green light on the steering wheel indicates the handsfree steering system is activated.

Why:

A full charge provides a 247-mile driving range

Requires no gasoline

A lower base price for the base model Bolt EUV, when compared to the 2022 model

Smooth and quick acceleration

Comfortable seating

An optional handsfree steering system

An easy-to-use infotainment system

A power sunroof

An affordable EV

Eligible for the Inflation Reduction Act incentive

An energy saving one pedal driving system

A high level of automated safety driving systems

A 360-degree camera available

Heated and ventilated seats available

Sits up high like a SUV

But: 

Snug interior

Quirky design

Not the best road trip vehicle for a family vehicle – the front seats are somewhat stiff


Verdict: 

Last year, the Chevy Bolt car had a starting price of approximately $32,000. During a short period when the vehicle didn’t qualify for any federal tax aid, GM made a move to lower the price, making the Bolt line up, both the car and the crossover, some of the most affordable EVs in the marketplace.

As of result of that price adjustment, the Bolt EUV, which was launched in 2022, has dropped down to under $29,000. In fact, this even before the Inflation Reduction Act kicks in.

With this being one of the most affordable subcompact crossover EVs available to purchase, GM has packed a lot of must have features into snug vehicle. Our high-end test model, which effortlessly moved around at 200-horsepower, was outfitted with everything from a premium audio system to a dual power sunroof to the automaker’s handsfree steering system. Up until recently, this system was only reserved for Cadillac. So far, less than a handful of automakers have tapped into this stress-free way of navigating today’s busy highways. Its surprising that this technology is available on GM’s least expensive EV.

Furthermore, the Bolt EUV, which is compatible with both a Level 2 and a DC Quick charger, has a driving range nearing 250 miles, when completely charged. 

Competition:  2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

 

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