Used 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV continues to sell well, keeping pace with better-known, more expensive electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S. GM’s gamble in the electric-car market has paid off handsomely as the Bolt continues to make inroads, even in the face of less expensive challengers like Nissan’s Leaf. The secret to the Bolt’s success is its impressive range. A large 60-kWh battery allows the Bolt to travel 238 miles on a single charge, making it a viable car for daily commutes, as well as longer trips that would require the Leaf or VW e-Golf to stop and recharge. About 10 hours hooked to a 240-volt outlet replenishes the Bolt’s battery, roughly 25 miles of range per one hour of charging.

Although many first-time electric-car drivers are surprised by how quick and quiet the experience can be, those who drive a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt will also be impressed by its fun-to-drive factor. Powered by its front wheels, the Bolt can dart to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds and continue traveling up to 238 miles before needing to recharge. Top speed is limited at 91 mph. The Bolt’s heavy battery pack is tucked neatly beneath the floor, helping lower the car’s center of gravity and improving its ability to manage curves and avoid excessive lean. The Bolt features a cool One Pedal Driving mode that employs regenerative braking to slow the car. Simply lift your foot off the accelerator and the car begins to decelerate and will even come to a complete stop on its own. The Regen-on-Demand 4-mode system permits the driver to control deceleration at varying rates while simultaneously feeding recaptured energy to the car’s battery pack.

Quiet, comfortable and spacious, the Bolt EV’s cabin has a contemporary design flair that helps offset its abundance of hard plastic and dearth of soft-touch surfaces. The “floating” dash is dominated by a configurable Driver Information Center and a large, 10.2-inch color touch screen, each serving up EV-specific operational data on demand. While a bit light on lumbar support, the slim-line front buckets are comfortable and team with a 60/40-split rear bench seat that will accommodate full-size adults in its outboard spots and a kid in the middle. Folding the seatbacks increases cargo capacity from 16.9 to a huge 56.6 cubic feet.

With its tall roof and upright wedge-like profile, the Bolt EV could almost be considered a subcompact-crossover SUV. Bold colors highlight the design, accentuated with splashes of chrome, black trim and a big gloss black plate in place of a traditional grille. The massive raked windshield and expansive side glass create an open feel with excellent outward visibility in all directions. The Bolt rides on a 102.4-inch wheelbase with its wheels pushed to the furthest corners, creating a wide, low stance. Full LED lighting is standard both front and rear, while the Premium trim gets extra touches like integrated turn-signal side mirrors.

60-KWH BATTERY PACK
Co-developed with LG Chem, the Bolt’s 60-kWh battery pack is the secret to its long-range success. In optimal driving conditions, the battery can take the Bolt up to 238 miles. Thirty minutes at a DC Fast Charging station will give the Bolt another 90 miles of range.

ONE-PEDAL DRIVING
Brake pedal? We don’t need no stinking brake pedal! When placed in Low, the Bolt’s One Pedal Driving system automatically slows the car once the driver’s foot is removed from the accelerator. In certain low-speed conditions, the system can even bring the car to a complete stop.

Both Bolt EV models boast numerous power assists, a tilt/telescoping multifunction steering wheel, Keyless Open and Start, a programmable Charge Control system, Chevy MyLink Radio with OnStar 4G LTE/Wi-Fi, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support, dual USB ports, rear-heater ducts, Tire Fill Alert, GM’s Teen Driver technology and 10 airbags. The Premier swaps premium cloth for leather and gains a heated steering wheel and front seats, auto-dimming Rear Camera Mirror, Side Blind Zone Alert/Lane Change Alert, Rear Park Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems — all optional on the LT — as well as Surround Vision, Rear Park Assist and heated-folding mirrors.

The Bolt EV’s extras list is modest, with LT up-fits largely limited to the Premier-spec standards available in the Comfort and Convenience and Driver Confidence Packages. LT and Premium models offer the Driver Confidence II Package (Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert and Lane-Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking plus Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam auto high-beam assist), while the Premium trim alone can be fitted with the Infotainment Package (Bose premium audio, wireless charging, dual-charging-only rear USB ports). Both Bolt EV models offer DC Fast Charging capability; built-in navigation is limited to the Turn-by-Turn variety included in the OnStar Guidance Plan.

Motivation for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV comes from an advanced electric drivetrain that pairs a potent, extremely efficient 200-horsepower AC synchronous motor developing 266 lb-ft of instant torque with a huge 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that carries an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. In addition to its standard but time-consuming 110V charging system, Bolt EV owners can opt for a 240V home-charging setup that cuts battery replenishment time to roughly nine hours or available DC Fast Charging capability that can add 90 miles of range in 30 minutes.

AC synchronous electric motor
60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
200 horsepower
266 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 128/110 MPGe
EPA-estimated range per full charge: 238 miles