The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is an electric hatchback smaller and cheaper than its predecessor. Several Bolt EUVs and older models were recalled to retrieve batteries after the fires in late August. After debuting in 2021, there has been a significant delay. The Bolt EV’s impressive range and efficiency have not diminished despite its batteries being replaced and repaired and the vehicle back on the market.
The larger Bolt EUV was introduced this year to complement the original Bolt. A new Bolt, an updated version of the previous model, has arrived. The front has been re-aligned with a new shift lever and infotainment screen to complement the updated grille and front and rear sides.
Except for the third row, where the EUV offers three inches more legroom than the smaller Bolt, the original Bolt keeps impressively with its new bigger brother regarding cargo space and roominess. Its front section is quite roomy, but it lacks the high-end features of competitors such as the base Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf. It may not be as powerful as a Tesla, but it works almost as well. In terms of range, it is superior to the Leaf, Mini Cooper SE, and Mazda MX-30.
The performance specifications and range of the 1-liter and 2-liter models are identical. The batteries in both are 65 kWh. The base and 2-litre models are $32,495 and $35,695, respectively. The premium design prioritizes comfort and safety over speed and handling, delivering adequate yet unparalleled performance on the road. The Bolt can easily weave through traffic due to its instantaneous torque but lacks confidence when traveling at high speeds or on the highway.
Despite its small rear end, the Bolt EV nonetheless looks somewhat spherical in profile. However, the new, gridless interface looks boring. The front seats are roomy yet practical, while the back seat is mostly for passenger comfort. The car seats four people comfortably, but it shines when the rear seat is folded to provide the most cargo space in its class.
The $495 Safety Package adds more alarms to the already great standard safety features, making driving even more comfortable. The initial system was upgraded with the advent of wireless mobile communications. Chevy has already promised a significant price cut for the 2023 model, so budget shoppers are better off sticking with the Bolt EV.
Performance Chevrolet Bolt
The Bolt’s long, skinny body and short front and rear overhangs make it vulnerable to the effects of crosswinds at high speeds. However, he feels very comfortable when he is behind the wheel. It’s easy to maneuver in crowded areas in close quarters and quickly overtake slower vehicles. There are still several classic electric cars on the market, including the Bolt and the Leaf, which are city cars and traditional hatchbacks that are more compact than the Tesla Model 3 targeted for the BMW 3 Series.
A new single-pedal drive button and improved charging times for the 65 kWh battery make it even more convenient to drive while charging the battery. However, switching to Drive mode slows the car down and adds extra weight, so don’t expect to be able to go. You might get the quickest acceleration response by switching to Sport mode, but other than that, there aren’t many ways to customize your Chevrolet driving experience. It was easy to maneuver around turns, even in high winds.
All-wheel drive is still possible despite the vehicle’s single-wheel drive system, and the reduced weight is particularly welcome in electric cars due to the importance of their battery packs. A 200-horsepower engine and 266 lb.-ft power the 3,589-pound vehicle. Compared to the Nissan Leaf, it can go from 0-60 mph in less than 7 seconds, which is on par with the Mini SE and 8.4 seconds faster than the Leaf. Despite not having the same sporty look as the Mini, the Bolt never feels sluggish.
Range, power usage, and charging of the Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Bolt EV’s 259 miles of content is an affordable solution to range anxiety; It’s better than the Leaf Plus and nearly on par with the base model 3. It’s as suitable for long trips as any other long-range EV and even better for the shorter, more common tasks you’ll encounter around town.
It achieves 120 mph, higher than the 108 Leaf and the larger Ford Mustang Mac-E. Only the 103 Tesla EV is faster (132 mph) and uses less Bolt power (25 kWh/100 mph). The car is efficient and comfortable. Battery life can be extended with the help of regenerative driving modes.
Because the built-in 11.5kW charger is twice as powerful as the charger found on previous models, charging times will be significantly reduced. DC fast charging, which can add 100 miles to a battery in 30 minutes, will be standard on all Chevrolets manufactured after 2022. A full charge of a Level 2 charger takes at least 7 hours. You can charge your car overnight at home with a Level 1 plug and get up to 50 miles of range. Chevy will install your Level 2 shipment at no cost to you, up to a value of $1250. Or you can give the EVgo Public Charge Network a $500 credit.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Protection and Driver Assistance
The Chevrolet Bolt EV now includes Chevrolet’s standard package of safety features for 2022. It features various safety features such as Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian Braking.
The 1LT’s rear park assist, cross-traffic, and lane change alerts can be upgraded for an additional $495 when purchasing the Driver Confidence package. Adaptive cruise control is an additional $375 for the 2LT. The icons and alarms on the driver information display may be a little dated, but they still do their job. Don’t count on stunning visuals on par with Tesla Autopilot or hands-free functionality with the GM Super Cruise.
In November, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) affirmed its excellent safety with a five-star rating. Although the IIHS gave it an overall rating of “Good,” it received a “Marginal” rating for seat belts and child restraints.
The space and usability
The front of the Bolt is large enough to require drivers over 6 feet in height to use it safely. Its high legroom, expansive front windows, and roomy doors make it an excellent vehicle for tall drivers in disguise. The Model 3’s legroom is 42.7 inches, while the Folio’s is just 41.2 inches. It’s more spacious than the 43.3-inch front legroom in the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The front seats’ adjustability and heating were nice touches, but the seats weren’t very comfortable or of high quality. No adjustments are required so the passengers in the rear can ride comfortably in a fully loaded Bolt.
However, with 36 inches of legroom, the experience for two rear-seat passengers is mediocre. The Model 3’s front row shrinks to 33.5 inches, and its overall length is 35.2 inches shorter. There is still an average of 38.1 inches of headroom in the extended hatchback. Choose the EUV, which is 3 inches longer, for a more comfortable ride in the rear.
Infotainment?
The Bolt EV’s 10.2-inch touchscreen was praised for its electrical readout, which shows how driving and various features affect energy use. However, the video and music options on the touchscreen are minimal. Wireless network authentication will be more straightforward and more intuitive. Connecting to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is easy. The 2022 update added local navigation but was slow and clumsy compared to Apple or Google Maps.
The 2LT’s improved Bose audio system was disappointing, with weak bass from the seven speakers. However, including wireless charging and two additional ports is much appreciated. The driver interface is old and outdated but provides all the necessary features. It took me a few days of driving before I discovered that the steering wheel could adjust volume and radio stations.
Cargo and storage space for the Chevrolet Bolt EV
Even before the rear seats are folded down, the Bolt’s trunk has a respectable 16.3 cubic feet of space. When opened, it can hold 56.9 cu. When compared side by side, the Model 3’s trunk is smaller at 15 cubic feet, while the tree’s trunk expands to 23.6 cubic feet when the seats are raised. The former wins when comparing the Bolt’s cargo capacity to the Leaf’s 30-cubic-foot capacity. It’s smaller than Chevy’s new Bolt EUV but surprisingly offers the same cargo space. Store your valuables and charging cords in the “secret” compartment under the trunk floor. There is no trunk or “storage box” on the front.
Because of its compact design, the Bolt EV won’t interfere with your luggage. With the hatchback open, the electric vehicle can fit three 7.5-foot surfboards (though no passengers and standing only) due to its above-average height (63.4 inches, compared to 57 inches for the Model 3 and 60.2 inches for the Folio).
There isn’t much other than simple storage bags in the back seat. The redesigned front console now features ample, open storage space, perfect for keeping laptop bags and work bags close at hand. The armrest storage box digs deep but doesn’t provide much data. The glove box is small, but it serves its purpose.
The look and feel of the Chevrolet Bolt EV
Despite being a foot shorter than the SUV-like EUV version, the Bolt EV’s short front and rear ends give it an undeniably “catchy” look. The updated UI design makes the lower version of the grid look happier. The Bolt EV’s slim, rounded profile contrasts the Model 3’s angular fog and wide front fascia. The blue and grey color scheme (there are vibrant reds and blues for an additional $395) contributes to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Redesigned Bolt tires and more giant rims set it apart from the Honda EV it was designed after.
Compared to the 2021 model and previous years, the 2022 model’s front fascia looks lower and less premium. The 2L’s narrow steering wheel has a soft feel, and the black seats are plastic despite the leather inserts. Perhaps a darker cloth for a 1-litre base would be more appropriate. The interior cabin experience has been reduced due to the use of plastic side panels throughout the vehicle. Although the new transmission may take some time, it creates a cleaner interior.
Is the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt Electric Worth It?
As the price of the Chevy Bolt continues to drop, more and more people are choosing the higher trim levels. The 2LT trim level is top-of-the-line, with enhanced driver assistance and seats for $35,695. Comfortable rides can be enjoyed with or without the $595 infotainment package, which adds more prominent speakers (although the sound is still tiny) and additional charging connections, thanks to the $375 adaptive cruise control add-on.
If you’re looking for the best value, the base 1LT model costs $32,495 and can be equipped with the Driver Confidence Package for an additional $495. Don’t waste your money on the $945 Comfort and Convenience package if you only want heated seats.
Next year, the most expensive option will cost less than $30,000. This is a significant saving. However, the $7,500 federal tax credit is no longer available for all GM EVs.
What is the cost of insurance for a 2022 Chevy Bolt EV?
Insurance rates for the Bolt EV should be the same as those for similar vehicles. Our research shows that a 30-year-old woman with a clean driving record can expect to pay an annual premium of $2,065, but that’s the national average. There should be parity between the Bolt EV and other electric vehicles in its class. The largest electric car, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, could cost its owner over $2,000, while a Tesla Model 3 is over $2,100 and a Nissan Leaf more than $2,000.
Our conclusion
The Chevrolet Bolt EV electric car is back. After-sales were halted due to a battery recall, the 2022 model and a new, larger EUV are now on sale. Several months after its initial launch in 2021, the updated version of the compact and spacious passenger hatch still looks modern. If you can get past the fire hazards of the older versions, the 260-mile range is still pretty impressive. Chevy has confirmed that the batteries have been changed, bringing back one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market.
