Used 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a subcompact hatchback that doesn’t require a single drop of gasoline to travel 259 miles. The clue to this impressive feat are the EV initials signifying an electric vehicle. It runs on rechargeable batteries.

The Bolt EV expanded its range in 2020, from 238 to 259 miles, which is technically the class best, but the 2021 Hyundai Kona EV is only one mile short. In the real world, where the air conditioning might have to work harder one day than another or traffic is unusually awful, that could work out to either contender’s advantage.

Like other electric vehicles, the Bolt EV is quick and quiet. It makes an excellent city car or suburban runabout. And with some planning for recharges, it could even be a road tripper.

At around $37,500 before rebates and incentives, the Bolt EV is more expensive than rivals like the Hyundai Kona EV and Nissan Leaf. And unlike those vehicles, active safety features like forward-collision alert and automatic emergency braking are optional in the Bolt EV, not standard.

One of the biggest differences between a battery-powered vehicle like the Bolt EV and a traditional gasoline engine-powered car is how quick it is off the line.

Electricity, and therefore power delivery, is like a light switch. Hit the accelerator pedal for instant punch and passing power. There’s no waiting for cylinders to fire or turbos to kick in. The sensation is more on or off, and it’s fun. The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV can zip from standstill to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, yet it feels even faster.

Beyond initial swiftness, the Bolt EV’s other driving manners also differ from traditional vehicles. With no rumbling engine, this Chevy electric car is exceptionally quiet and smooth.

The battery pack is in the floor, raising the Bolt EV’s driving position to near-crossover height. The pack’s weight also means a low center of gravity that contributes to a feeling of stability.

A particularly novel aspect is the Bolt EV’s ability for one-pedal driving. Select Low mode with the shift lever, and the brakes are seldom required. The car begins to slow down as soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, transferring deceleration energy into the battery and extending range. It takes a little getting used to, but worth exploring.

The more traditional way of coasting and applying the brakes is accomplished with the standard D (drive) mode. Additionally, a Regen on Demand paddle to the left of the steering wheel provides additional stopping power with more forceful brake energy regeneration.

One key factor, however, is that range will vary. Just because the Bolt says it can go 259 miles, the ultimate figure will vary depending on weather, roads, and other factors. Cold conditions will deplete the batteries faster.

The Bolt EV’s interior is modern, minimal, and practical all at the same time. And adorned with less-than-classy plastic.

Being a subcompact, it’s far from palatial, but the high roof translates to ample headroom, even for taller drivers and passengers. In theory, the Bolt EV is a 5-seater, but fitting three adults in the back is a serious squeeze.

The story is a little better up front, but the cabin is still quite narrow. The front seats could also use more padding and the option for power operation, as is the case with the competitors like the Hyundai Kona EV, Nissan Leaf Plus, and Kia Niro EV.

The standard 10.2-inch touchscreen is crisp and easy to use. However, the gear selector takes some getting to grips with — especially the part about moving it up and to the left to get into reverse.

The hatchback design and aforementioned high roof give the Bolt EV a generous amount of luggage space behind the rear seats: 16.9 cubic feet, or about as much as a full-size sedan. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats increases that space to 56.6 cubic feet.

At less than 14 feet long, the Bolt EV slots easily into small spaces. Yet its tall roof and rear hatch door make it appear something like a crossover SUV — all the more with the optional roof rails.

Premier models are a little more spruced up with chrome highlights. All Bolt EV models ride on 17-inch wheels.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV does not offer a sunroof, as opposed to rivals like the Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV.

REAR CAMERA MIRROR
This high-tech feature transforms the Bolt EV’s rearview mirror into a digital display providing a wide, unobstructed view behind.

CLASS-LEADING RANGE
The 2021 Bolt EV’s range of 259 miles per charge keeps it competitive with newer rivals.

The 2021 Bolt EV comes in LT and Premium trims, both with the same battery, which means the same range.

Base LT models also include LED headlights and taillights, cruise control, a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, and a programmable Teen Driver key.

Premier trim adds fancier wheels, roof rack side rails, heated front, and rear seats, heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, the Rear Camera Mirror, Bose audio, and DC fast charging.

Most rivals have active safety and driver assistance features as standard, but they cost extra in the 2021 Bolt EV. These include lane departure warning/lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Some of these are in the Driver Confidence II package costing $495.

There aren’t many options for the 2021 Bolt EV, and most of them are fairly affordable. Several of the Premier trim’s features are available as extras in the LT model.

An Infotainment package ($595) for Premier trim brings a 7-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, and two USB charging ports for rear passengers. The Bolt EV comes with cruise control, but does not offer adaptive cruise control like the Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model 3.

As mentioned, the Bolt EV uses an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. Maximum EPA-estimated range is 259 miles. A DC fast charger provides up to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes.

The more common 240-volt outlet — which EV owners will most definitely need — can give a full charge in about 10 hours. A standard 120-volt outlet is going to take a long time, just four miles of range every hour.

The Bolt EV sends the electric motor’s 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft to the front wheels. An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty covers the battery and electric drive components.

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 range: 259 miles