Used 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt is an electric vehicle (EV), meaning it doesn’t have a traditional gasoline engine. Instead, it runs on batteries that require recharging, similar to a cell phone. When it debuted a few years ago, the Bolt became the first mainstream vehicle to attain over 230 miles of range per charge. Notably, it also beat to market rivals ranging from the Tesla Model 3 to the Hyundai Kona EV. But the electric-car segment continues to improve, and the Bolt found itself leapfrogged by competitors. To rectify that, the Chevrolet Bolt gained range for 2020, rising to 259 miles from the previous 238. That gives it best-in-class standard range, at least for now.

As with other electric vehicles, the Bolt is quick, quiet and compliant. It makes an excellent city car or runabout, and with some planning for recharges can even be a road-tripper. At around $37,500 before rebates and incentives, the Bolt is more expensive than rivals like the Hyundai Kona EV and Nissan Leaf. And unlike those vehicles, you’ll have to pay extra if you want active safety features like forward-collision alert and automatic-emergency braking in the Bolt.

If you’ve never driven an electric vehicle, you’re bound for a treat in the Bolt. One of the biggest differences between a battery-powered vehicle like the Bolt and a traditional gasoline engine-powered car is just how quick — and how quick-feeling — it is. Electricity, and thus power delivery, is like a light switch. Hit the pedal and you have instant acceleration and passing power. There is no lag, no waiting for cylinders to fire or turbos to kick in. The sensation is on or off, and it’s a lot of fun. The 2020 Chevy Bolt’s 0-60-mph time is a zippy 6.5 seconds, but it feels even faster.

Beyond initial swiftness, the Bolt’s other driving manners also differ from that of traditional vehicles. With no rumbling engine, this Chevy electric car is exceptionally quiet and smooth. One of the other biggest things to get used to is the Bolt’s ability for “one-pedal driving.” Put the gearshift in the Low mode, and you may seldom need the brakes. That’s because as soon as you lift off the accelerator pedal, the car begins slowing down and transferring that deceleration energy back into the battery, thus extending range. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do, we think you’ll like it. And if you prefer a more traditional way of coasting and applying the brakes, that can easily be had via the standard “D” (drive) mode.

Additionally, there is a regen-on-demand paddle to the left of the steering wheel that provides additional stopping power. One key factor to be aware of, however, is that your range will vary. Just because the Bolt says it can go 259 miles, that will vary depending on weather, roads and other factors. If you are planning a longer trip, you will have to keep an eye on your range — and possibly factor in a recharge along the way. Cold weather can also sap the batteries faster than expected.

The Bolt EV’s interior is at once modern, minimalistic and practical. Given the Bolt’s subcompact size, it’s not large by any means, but the high roof does translate to ample headroom, even for taller drivers and passengers. In theory the Bolt is a 5-passenger car, but fitting three adults is a serious squeeze. The story is a little better up front, but the cabin is still quite narrow. We also wish the front seats had more padding and the option for power operation, as is the case with the Bolt’s competitors like the Hyundai Kona EV, Nissan Leaf Plus and Kia Niro EV. The standard 10.2-inch touch screen is crisp and easy to use.

The gear selector, however, will take some getting used to, especially the part where you must move it up and to the left to get into reverse. With its hatchback design and aforementioned high roof, the Bolt has a surprising amount of cargo room behind the rear seats — 16.9 cubic feet, or about as much as a full-size sedan. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats enlarges that space to 56.6-cubic feet.

The Bolt has a squat, bulldog-like profile. At just 164 inches in length, this short EV easily slots into small garages and parking spaces alike. Yet its tall roof and rear hatch door make it appear something like a crossover SUV — all the more if you opt for roof rails. For 2020, the Bolt has a slightly revised grille, but it will take a keen eye to spot the difference from the 2019 model. Premier models are a little more spruced up with body-color door handles and bits of chrome. All Bolt models ride on 17-inch wheels. The Chevrolet Bolt is not available with a sunroof, as are rivals such as the Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV.

REAR CAMERA MIRROR
This high-tech feature enables the Bolt’s rearview mirror to transform into a digital display with the flick of a finger. As such, it provides a wide, unobstructed view of what’s behind the vehicle.

IMPROVED RANGE
With the 2020 Bolt’s newfound range of 259 miles per charge, this Chevrolet electric vehicle remains competitive with newer rivals. It also beats the range of the Hyundai Kona EV, if only by one mile.

The 2020 Bolt electric car comes in just two trims, making it pretty easy to choose. Unlike the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3, every Bolt comes with the same size battery pack, which means the same range. Base LT models also include a 10.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, LED headlights and taillights, and cruise control. Standard on Premier models are heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, and the slick Rear Camera Mirror. Premier models also include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fancier wheels and roof-mounted side rails.

Unlike competitors, you’ll have to pay extra if you want active safety and driver-assistance features on the Bolt. They include lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Bolt comes with cruise control, but does not offer the more modern adaptive cruise control like rivals such as the Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3. What you can get is an upgraded Bose audio system and DC Fast Charging capability.

As mentioned, the Bolt doesn’t use a traditional engine, but an electric motor and battery pack. For 2020, the Bolt’s EPA-estimated range has increased to 259 miles from the previous 238. The Bolt is front-wheel drive and swift thanks to its 200 horsepower/266 lb-ft of torque. As for recharge times, in a best-case scenario you can get up to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes on a DC Fast Charger. The more common 240-volt outlet — which you’ll want to have access to if you own an EV — can give a full charge in about 10 hours. If you’re stuck with a standard 120-volt outlet, it’s going to take a long time to charge — to the tune of gaining just four miles per hour.

Note that though they sound similar, the Chevrolet Bolt differs from the Chevrolet Volt. The Volt, which was discontinued after the 2019 model year, used both a battery for electric-only driving and a gasoline engine that kicked on to supply power when the battery was depleted. This setup is known as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) and is an excellent solution for range anxiety or the absolute need to recharge. While the Volt has been axed, other automakers provide excellent alternatives, such as PHEV versions of the Honda Clarity, Kia Optima and Niro, Hyundai Ioniq and Sonata, and even the Chrysler Pacifica minivan. The Bolt’s lithium-ion battery and electric components are covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.

AC synchronous electric motor
66-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
200 horsepower
266 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 127/108 MPGe
EPA-estimated range per full charge: 259 miles