| MSRP | $31,995 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $31,297 |
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a small all-electric hatchback that's one of the most affordable and popular electric cars on the road today. For 2022, Chevrolet has made a variety of improvements that boost the car's appeal a bit further.
On the docket are more comfortable front seats, a redesigned cabin and updated styling that, to our eyes, looks less dorky than it did before. A suite of safety features is now standard, including forward collision warning and lane keeping assist. On the options list are blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and — finally — adaptive cruise control. Unfortunately, GM's Super Cruise system, which is a driver assist system that provides hands-free driving on select highways, is not available on the Bolt hatchback, but it is optional on the new Chevrolet Bolt EUV crossover.
The Bolt EV uses the same powertrain as before that provides an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range on a full charge. We've found it even overperforms a little, making it 278 miles in our real-world testing. Overall, this is a healthy amount of range for an EV in this price range. Chevy has also enhanced the 2022 Bolt so it can recharge more quickly on 240-volt power, but you'll likely have to install a special charging station to take full advantage of it at home.
Overall, we like the updated 2022 Chevrolet Bolt. However, the Bolt's recent battery recall might give you pause as a long-term reliability concern and could make it hard to find a Bolt for sale early in the model year. Meanwhile, there are more appealing EVs than ever before, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.4. Check out our Expert Rating to get our test team's full evaluation of the Bolt's performance, technology features and more.
Edmunds bought and tested a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV for about three years, racking up about 34,000 miles in the process. We liked it as an efficient commuter car but were disappointed with its interior quality. You can read more about our experiences in our long-term Chevy Bolt test. The 2022 Bolt has some updates compared to that 2017 car, but many of our impressions still apply.
Our verdict | |
The Chevrolet Bolt was early on the EV scene and we lauded it for its relatively spacious interior, fun-to-drive nature and solid amount of range. Chevy's latest update has also addressed some of the car's prior shortcomings. We like the Bolt, but competitors from Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Tesla are a little more appealing overall. | |
How does the Bolt EV drive? | |
The Bolt scooted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds in our testing, which is reasonably quick for an EV in this price range. You can merge onto freeways with ease or overtake when you need it. The Bolt's brakes are consistent and easy to control if you prefer to not use the single-pedal mode to do most of your slowing from regenerative braking. We like the latter since it requires less effort and improves range. There's even an additional steering-wheel regen braking paddle for those who want to maximize energy recuperation. The Bolt responds smoothly to steering inputs without feeling darty. The steering feel and feedback are good, and the car stays straight ahead on the highway without demanding driver attention. When the road begins to curve, the Bolt feels nimble and sure-footed. | |
How comfortable is the Bolt EV? | |
The front seats now have adequate cushioning compared to those in previous model years. They're no longer a literal pain in our backsides on long road trips, though we still think they could use a little more thigh bolstering. The Bolt's ride quality, however, is still overly busy and choppy because the suspension struggles to absorb pavement cracks and sharp-edged potholes. When the pavement is smooth, so is the Bolt. The updated climate controls are straightforward and have redundant functions on the touchscreen and below the screen with physical buttons. The system reacts quickly, and the 2LT trim comes standard with heated front seats and steering wheel. We also like the Bolt's quiet cabin. Wind noise is not an issue. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The controls are thoughtfully arranged, with a handy volume knob and tune buttons to the left of the touchscreen. The transmission controls, which are now a row of buttons instead of the previous Bolt's conventional shift lever, take a quick moment to get used to. The digital instrument panel is configurable to show key information such as battery information, driver efficiency and power output. We found it simple to settle in behind the wheel thanks to a height-adjustable driver's seat and a generous telescoping steering wheel. All of the doors open wide, and the roofline is tall all the way to the rear hatch. The Bolt feels much larger inside than you might expect with the exception of its width. The cabin is a bit narrow, but there's plenty of head- and legroom. Peek-a-boo windows help you see past the front roof pillars, and an available 360-degree camera system aids visibility. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard. These smartphone integration systems are all you get for in-car navigation because an integrated navigation system isn't offered. The touchscreen is big and responsive. Two front USB ports (one regular and one USB-C) come standard, and you get additional ports for the rear passengers when jumping up to the 2LT trim. Forward collision mitigation and lane keeping assist come standard on the Bolt, and you get blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system with the 2LT. These driver aids generally work well, though we found the adaptive cruise control (optional for the 2LT) brakes a little too late for comfort when using the closest distance setting. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Considering its size, the Bolt has a good amount of space inside for small items. The front door pockets, center console and glovebox are adequate. There's also a plus-sized-phone cubbie with a wireless charger in front of the transmission gear selector and an open space for a handbag or something of similar size under the center console. At 16.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the cargo area is smaller than the competition. But it's still useful and it also has a floor panel that provides hidden storage or that can be removed to carry bulkier items. The Bolt also works out pretty well for family taxi duty. The car seat anchors for child safety seats are easy to locate, and there are top tethers on all three rear seat positions. The rear doors open wide enough to fit bulky rear-facing seats inside. | |
How are the range and efficiency? | |
The EPA estimates the Bolt can travel 259 miles on a single charge, making it one of the better ranges in the segment for the cost. It's also estimated to return 100 miles for every 28 kWh of electricity used. In Edmunds' real-world EV range testing, the Bolt was able to travel 278 miles on a single charge at a slightly more efficient 25.7 kWh per 100 miles. While that's a good result, the Hyundai Kona Electric, which received a similar range and efficiency rating from the EPA, outperformed its estimates a bit more, traveling more than 300 miles. The Bolt comes with an upgraded dual-level charge cord, which allows owners to swap between Level 1 (120-volt) and Level 2 (240-volt) charging. However, to make full use of the new Bolt's more powerful 11-kW onboard charger (previously it was 7.7 kW), you'll need dedicated wall charging hardware since the included cord maxes out at 7.2 kW. | |
Is the Bolt EV a good value? | |
Chevrolet gave the 2022 Bolt more padding on the front seats, upgraded interior materials, and more features such as an adaptive cruise system and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Bolt's entry price is also lower, which helps offset the fact that it no longer qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit. While this helps the Bolt stay relatively competitive, it's not a value leader if you're able to take full advantage of a model with tax credits. The Bolt's basic warranty of three years/36,000 miles is par for the course, but the electric components — especially the battery — are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. Roadside assistance lasts for five years/60,000 miles, which ain't shabby, and free maintenance lasts for 24,000 miles. | |
Wildcard | |
The Bolt's playful nimbleness and one-pedal driving afforded by the good regenerative braking effect are very entertaining and remain in its refreshed form. It's a surprisingly enjoyable EV to drive. The upright hatchback styling doesn't stand out in a crowd, but the refreshed exterior design can be polarizing. Thankfully the updated interior makes the Bolt look more futuristic and spacious. It continues to deliver solid green street cred and low-cost long-range performance. | |
The 2022 Bolt is available in two trims: the 1LT and 2LT. Both models are equipped with a 65-kWh battery pack under the floor, sending power to a single electric motor (200 horsepower, 266 lb-ft) that drives the front wheels. The EPA's estimated range is the same on both trims: 259 miles on a full charge, though we've exceeded that during our real-world testing.
NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV, but since the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
2021 Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has been one of Edmunds' favorite SUVs since its debut a few years back. Tesla's smallest car isn't perfect, with mixed build quality and a real-world electric range that isn't as impressive as the EPA's estimate. That said, it's quick and enjoyable to drive and packs a stylish interior and a high-tech infotainment system. Access to Tesla's exclusive Supercharger network is a huge plus too. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Tesla Model 3.
The Kia Niro EV is a small but relatively spacious electric hatchback (Kia also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions). It comes with a long list of standard features and driver aids. It's a little more comfortable than the Bolt, but otherwise these two EVs are pretty evenly matched.
The Nissan Leaf is one of the Bolt's closest competitors and one of the few to undercut the updated Bolt's pricing. A base Leaf has less range than the Bolt, but Nissan does offer an upgraded battery pack that has an estimated 226 miles of range. Overall, the Bolt is more spacious and satisfying to drive.
Electric vehicle enthusiasts might remember the Great EV War of 2016-2017, when Chevrolet and Tesla were racing to produce the first affordable long-range EV. The Chevrolet Bolt won the battle and enjoyed a nearly yearlong head start before the first Tesla Model 3 made its way to an owner's garage. However, the overwhelmingly higher sales figures for the 3 reveal Tesla won the war.
One thing hasn't changed for 2022: the powertrain. The Bolt EV uses a single electric motor that drives the front wheels and develops 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It is fed by a 65-kWh battery pack that should deliver an estimated 259 miles of range. It has the same range as last year's Bolt and should be enough for most people's daily driving. We've also found that Bolt overperforms a little; we eked out 277 miles in our real-world driving test.
The 2022 Bolt's interior is more conventionally styled, with a large central touchscreen nicely integrated into the dashboard design. Chevy has also replaced the previous drive mode shifter with buttons. Each button (Drive, Reverse, etc.) has a distinctive shape and placement so the driver can select the correct button without looking down.
The Bolt EV is more generously equipped than its predecessor. A suite of safety features is now standard, including forward collision warning, emergency automatic braking and lane keeping assist. On the options list are blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera and — finally — adaptive cruise control. Unfortunately, GM's fantastic Super Cruise system is not available on the Bolt hatchback, but it is optional on the related Chevrolet Bolt EUV crossover.
Edmunds saysWe give props to the Chevrolet Bolt bolting (ha!) out of the gate back in 2017, but a few usability issues and aesthetic choices kept us from fully connecting with it. The refreshed 2022 Chevrolet Bolt solves the most significant drawbacks and should be a more appealing pick for an EV.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV:
The least-expensive 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $31,000.
Other versions include:
