2023 Chevy Bolt EV
Price Range: $26,500 - $29,700 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 Chevy Bolt EV
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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. Those qualities are still present with the latest Bolt, and they're joined by a nicer interior and excellent value. A mediocre ride quality and relatively slow DC fast charging are drawbacks, but overall the Bolt is a smart pick for a low-priced EV.
Pricing
Changing year or type will take you to a new page
1LT - $27,495 MSRP
$27,308
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review
byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
, rating written byRex Tokeshi-Torres
Associate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations
Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at Edmunds and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.
Pros
- Big on value
- Spacious cabin
- Easy to see out of
Cons
- Ride can get choppy on rough pavement
- Relatively slow DC fast-charging capability
- Cargo area is a bit small
What's new
- No major changes for 2023
- Part of the first Bolt generation introduced for 2017
Overview
Since its introduction back in 2017, the Chevrolet Bolt has been a solid choice for buyers looking for a compact EV. Its EPA-estimated range of 259 miles on a full charge is plenty for daily driving and suitable for an occasional road trip as well. We've also run the Bolt through Edmunds' real-world range test and it performed admirably, going 278 miles.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Insights
Trim:
Bolt EV 1LT
Range
edmunds TESTED
278 miles
Edmunds Tested RangeEdmunds begins with a full battery charge and drives the vehicle on a mix of city and highway roads (approximately 60% city, 40% highway) until the battery is almost entirely empty. (We target 10 miles of remaining range for safety.) The miles traveled and the indicated remaining range are added together for the Edmunds Tested Range figure.
EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 236 miles after 8 years.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Columbus, Ohio. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet
from Charging
SAE ComboStandard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.
Plug Type
7.5 hrs
240V Home ChargingEstimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.61 min
DC Fast ChargingThis is the time needed to charge the vehicle's battery from a 10% to an 80% charge level, employing a fast charger at the maximum power the vehicle can accept. To optimize charging speed, we activate the vehicle's battery preconditioning feature, if it has one. In the absence of a preconditioning feature, we drive a sufficient amount to ensure the battery pack is warm and ready for charging.
edmunds TESTED
EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.
When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?EV Battery Warranty
8 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$7,500
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
- Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Clean Vehicle Tax Credit of $3,750 or $7,500 depending on model eligibility for the purchase of a new plug-in electric vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. To be eligible:
- A vehicle must have undergone final assembly in North America (the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico).
- Critical mineral and battery component requirements determine credit amount.
- Maximum MSRP of $55,000 for cars and $80,000 for SUVs/trucks/vans.
- Income eligibility applies depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/credits-for-new-clean-vehicles-purchased-in-2023-or-after
- Restrictions: This program gives customers who purchase or lease a new 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV the option of choosing one of the following offers: 1) a Standard Installation, 2) an Installation Credit, or 3) EVgo Credit. For customers who do not meet the Standard Installation requirements or choose the Installation Credit offer, GM will provide up to a $250 credit towards permitting and up to a $1,000 credit towards an installation completed by a Qmerit installer. The EVgo credit provides $500 for use with EVgo public charging stations. Your choice must be made within 30 days of your Vehicle Delivery Date. Installations must be completed within 180 days of your Eligible Vehicle Delivery Date. For complimentary public charging, the authorization code must be redeemed at EVgo.com within 60 days of eligible vehicle delivery date. EVgo credits must be used within 3 years from the date the authorization code was redeemed. Offer is non-transferable. See your participating dealer for details.
Cost to Drive
$54/mo
Bolt EV
vs
$179/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Am I Ready for an EV?
- EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
- If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
- Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
Some rival EVs can go farther, but they're typically more expensive. Value, in fact, is the biggest draw for the 2023 Bolt. It's a relatively inexpensive EV to begin with, and it further benefits from a big discount from Chevrolet and latest federal EV tax credit rules, under which the Bolt now qualifies.
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt isn't necessarily an electric vehicle you will get excited about. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are more powerful and stylish, for example, and the Hyundai Kona Electric and Mini Cooper SE are a bit more fun to drive. But from a logical standpoint, the Bolt is a winner. Read our Expert Rating below to learn more about the Bolt's strengths and weaknesses.
What's it like to live with?
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 2023 Bolt has some updates compared to that 2017 car, but many of our impressions still apply.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
8.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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. Those qualities are still present with the latest Bolt, and they're joined by a nicer interior and excellent value. A mediocre ride quality and relatively slow DC fast charging are drawbacks, but overall the Bolt is a smart pick for a low-priced EV.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8.5/10
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.
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.
Comfort
7.5/10
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.
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.
Save as much as $666 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV pricing
in Columbus, OHEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
8.5/10
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.
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.
Technology
8.0/10
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 assistance come standard on the Bolt, and you get blind-spot warning 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.
Forward collision mitigation and lane keeping assistance come standard on the Bolt, and you get blind-spot warning 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.
Storage
7.5/10
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.
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.
Range and Efficiency
8.0/10
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. Considering the Nissan Leaf returned 237 miles in our testing and the Mini SE 150 miles, the Bolt definitely has the range advantage over the class.
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. The one downside here is the Bolt's fast-charging speed tops out at 55 kW, which means you'll need to spend more time at a DC fast-charging station to recharge the battery. Rival EVs can charge twice (or even three times) as quickly.
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. The one downside here is the Bolt's fast-charging speed tops out at 55 kW, which means you'll need to spend more time at a DC fast-charging station to recharge the battery. Rival EVs can charge twice (or even three times) as quickly.
Value
8.0/10
Is the Bolt EV a good value? Chevrolet gave the latest generation 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. To help compete with some newer EVs, the Bolt's entry price was also lowered. However, now that the $7,500 federal tax credit is back in play for Bolt, it's now the most affordable new EV you can buy right now.
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.
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
8.0/10
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.
Which Bolt EV does Edmunds recommend?
Go for the Bolt's 2LT trim. It adds a considerable number of tech and nice-to-have features, as well as unlocking some options not available on the 1LT model. One of those options is the Infotainment package. It adds an upgraded Bose stereo, a surround-view camera system, a wireless charging pad and more USB ports. To that we'd also get the adaptive cruise control system to make traffic jams just that much easier.
Chevrolet Bolt EV models
The 2023 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. The slightly larger Chevy Bolt EUV is reviewed separately on Edmunds. Feature highlights for the Bolt include:
1LT
This entry-level Chevy Bolt comes with:
- LED headlights
- DC fast-charging capability (50 kW)
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- 10.2-inch central display screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)
- Six-speaker sound system
- Single-zone automatic climate control
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane keeping assistance (steers the Bolt back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Main options for the 1LT include:
- Comfort and Convenience package
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- Heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Driver Confidence package
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
- Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
2LT
Comes with all of the above plus:
- Standard Comfort and Convenience and Driver Confidence packages
- Roof rails
- Leather seats
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Bolt and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
The 2LT is available with a few options including:
- Infotainment package
- Seven-speaker Bose audio system
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Additional USB ports
- Adaptive cruise control (requires Infotainment package)
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Chevrolet Bolt EV Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(72%)
4(13%)
3(3%)
2(3%)
1(9%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
BEST ELECTRICAL VEHICLE VALUE
5 out of 5 starsRyan, 06/23/2022
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
On May 21st, I purchased my first electric vehicle, a red Chevy Bolt and have driven about 400 miles thus far. After doing considerable research I narrowed all the options down to two choices. The Kia EV6 was my first choice and the Chevy Bolt was my second more practical choice. After consulting various dealerships, the difference in cost is what persuaded me. Out the door, the EV6 … would cost over $60K and the Bolt costed approximately $40K.
BUYING EXPERIENCE
My experience was all EVs were selling fast and getting more expensive. In fact, the day that I arrived at the dealer, five new Bolts had just arrived and 3 of them were sold that same day. I wanted the Red Color in the 1LT trim and bought one even if it did not have all the bells and whistles. It still comes with lots of great standard features. I have been making use of the lane keep assist functionality. I read that Chevy lowered the price $6,000 for the 2023 model, which is AMAZING! I highly recommend reading the manual in order to familiarize oneself with all the instrument cluster icons, `infotainment features, and safety guidelines of this vehicle. There is a lot of information to digest.
APPEARANCE
I LOVE my car! There are few electric vehicles or hybrids that I find easy on the eyes and I need to like the way that my vehicle looks.
AMBIENCE
The visibility in all four quadrants (front, sides, back) is excellent. The buttons to control radio volume, air-conditioning, and other accessories are generally where you would expect them as opposed to a central screen that forces you to take your eyes off the road. It has plenty of room for trinkets and four cupholders (two front, two back). It has a USB A and USB C charging port for one’s devices. It seats 4 adults comfortably, 5 may be a bit of a squeeze. Rear legroom and headroom are good. Unfortunately, there are no rear passenger air vents so it may take a little longer for temperatures in the rear seats to become comfortable in the summer and winters. The seats are very comfortable. There is much more room inside than one would anticipate at first glance. One also sits higher off the ground than they might expect. It does not feel cheap. When one closes the car doors, they feel substantial.
CARGO SPACE
I do not have measurements in cubic feet but I find it be adequate but on the small side. There also is no frunk. Like most EVs, there is no spare tire.
CHARGING
It takes about 7 hours with a Level 2 (240 V) charger to charge the battery from empty to full. At a glance there is a light on the upper dashboard that will blink green when the car is charging or turn solid green when the car is fully charged. The frequency of the blinking light provides an indication of the battery charge level.
DRIVING
It is so quiet at startup, sometimes I'm not quite sure if it is on. I am happy with the audio system and love the wide backup camera view. It accelerates very nicely. The ride is very smooth. The Bolt can recover energy either via a paddle shifter on the steering column, depressing the brake pedal, or selecting One Pedal Driving Mode. As the name implies, depressing the accelerator pedal will cause the vehicle to accelerate while relaxing the pressure on the pedal will cause the car to decelerate as if one were pressing on the brake. One Pedal driving Mode takes a little getting use to but it feels very natural now and is what I typically use. The paddle shifters is a bit more aggressive in slowing the car down than One Pedal Driving. There also is Sport Mode which makes the car even more responsive at the expense of battery endurance. Thus far, I’ve found Normal mode to be quite sufficient.
FREEWAY DRIVING
Merging onto the freeway is not a problem at all. With the instantaneous torque, there is little need to push the pedal to the floor besides the fun factor. At this point in time, EVs are lacking in range compared to their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. It has an advertised range of about 260 miles but this can vary up or down based on a number of factors. On the freeway, it is best to drive the Bolt close to the speed limit in order to maximize efficiency and range. The Bolt is most efficient at 55 mph and tends to become less efficient starting around 70 mph. I read that the max speed is 93 mph but driving at these higher speeds for a prolonged period of time will quickly drain the battery. The fastest that I have driven is 80 mph and the car accelerated smoothly and felt solid at this speed. This was not an attempt to ‘max it out’ but rather I was late for an appointment and it is common for the flow of traffic on the freeway to be around 75-85 mph.
GENERAL EV ADVICE
1) Have a game plan for how you will charge your vehicle. The ideal solution would be for
your home to have solar panels and your own Level 2 charger.
2) Projected EV range is sensitive and is affected by your climate control settings within the
car, external temperature (cold is worse than hot) and winds, terrain type (hills vs. level
ground), and speed driven.
A Bolt from the Blue
5 out of 5 starsBob Brown, 07/20/2021
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
The new Bolt EV lives up to its billing. It is comfortable, nimble, and beautiful. Mine is a new color for the year, Ice Blue metallic. The 2022 Bolt retains all the good features of previous years while fixing or updating previous years' features or problems. The cockpit, especially the dashboard, has a cleaner, unified look built around a larger central screen. The confusing … "shifter" has been replaced by simple paddle buttons recessed into the center console. Audio volume controls are surprisingly banished to the back side of the steering wheel where the fingers easily find and use them while never seeing them! The steering wheel is flattened at the bottom, which makes entering and leaving the vehicle easier. All the comfort and auxiliary functions are collected in a modest row of paddle switches below the screen. Charging routinely yields an indicated 268 potential miles. Gratifyingly, at non-interstate speeds and around town, the indicated miles turn out to be real, although obviously interstate driving can gobble up those potential miles. In all, the 2022 Bolt is a big car on the inside and a small car on the outside. It's really fun to drive, especially in S mode, which replaces the previous Low mode, allowing One-Pedal driving; in hilly terrain, it's a joy to see the miles expended going uphill being returned numerically to the potential miles!
Fun Little Package!
5 out of 5 starsGoBlueJays, 09/29/2022
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV 2LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
I have had this car for a little over a month now and have to say that I really do enjoy it! I traded in a 2016 Volvo S60, which I loved, for this Chevy Bolt. I was looking to get away from the VERY expensive maintenance costs that European vehicles have. It is definitely not a sexy car, but when you're buying an EV, I don't necessarily know if sexy is the look you're going for: it's par … for the course. A nice bonus I have enjoyed has been the $500 EVGo credits that Chevy gives you if you opt out of the Level2 charger installed in your home. I don't have a house, so the charge credits were the obvious answer for me. I have not had to put any money into charging it since it doesn't cost too much to charge. Again, I have had the vehicle for a little over a month and I still have almost $480 credits--and that's with 2 out-of-town trips! There are some minor build quality issues--nothing too crazy, just things I have noticed coming from a luxury car. For example, the glossy black acrylic they have on the paneling in the car is a magnet for dust and scratches. The car is a lot of fun to drive and a breeze park--especially with the 360 degree camera. I live in downtown Omaha, Nebraska and haven't had a single issue finding somewhere to charge my car. I am just curious to see how it fares in the colder, snowy weather.
If you are looking for an inexpensive, decently appointed EV, I think the Bolt deserves serious consideration. The only other EV I have driven was a Tesla Model 3, but I think the driving experience was similar--especially with the one pedal driving. The interior is very spacious, so unless you're hauling lumber, it should suit most drivers' needs. If you're curious, give it a go! I don't think I can go back to a gas-powered vehicle after this.
You Won’t Believe It When You Drive It!
5 out of 5 starsLen Cannarozzi, 09/26/2023
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
I have owned at least 25 new cars in my life. I currently have a Corvette, an Escalade ESV, 2 Jeeps, a Van and older Cadillacs. So, I’m a car nut…When I decided to get an EV, I looked at a Tesla and found the interior so boring and the outside so plain, I passed. However, with the Bolt EV. I’m addicted! NEVER have I driven a car like this.
First of all, the price. I picked up a 2023 1LT … for $17,800 ($7,500 federal credit and $4,000 NJ tax credit) WITH NO STATE SALES TAX - NJ!!!! Chevy also covered $1,500 for a home Level 2 charger. I had to kick in another $500. What an incredible value for a new car - $18,300 all in! Now, putting the money aside, I would have paid full price for the car if I had to. Here’s why:
I opted for the 1LT for only one reason - cloth seats. I do not like leather seats. These cloth seats are super comfortable. In the cold weather, they heat up nearly instantly and actually get TOO hot after just a few minutes. In the summer, your skin doesn’t burn like on leather seating. I can drive for hours and am very comfortable. Another thing - the car is very roomy. I am 5’10” and can fully stretch my legs up front. People riding in the back seat are amazed at how much room there is.
Ride: the car weighs nearly 3,700 pounds. The ride is incredible. So quiet and smooth. I can compare the ride to my Escalade. And, in some respects it is better. The acceleration and handling is unbelievable. Every time I start the car, I engage the Boost mode. I have beaten Porches, Corvettes and Mercedes off the line. The power just keeps coming with no shifting delay. Just amazing. I have so much fun driving my little racing sportster around. And yet, on the highway, you can do 70 and more with confidence. You feel like you’re in a much bigger and heavier car. Again, so quiet and smooth. Also, the Regenerative One Pedal mode lets me just lay off the accelerator to slow the car down. I hardly EVER use the brakes. And, I actually stop at Stop signs because the car does it for me. I doubt I’ll ever have to replace the brakes on this car - never use them…
MPG: my Bolt reached a range of 279 miles per charge. Sometimes it’s a little less. With the level 2 charger, I can get a 37 mile charge every hour. So, I pull in my garage, plug her in for an overnight charge and she’s ready in about 1-2 hours on an average day. No gas station, no oil changes. I love it! I have calculated the Bolt gets 120mpg equivalent. So, I pay about $.50 cents a gallon equivalent. Oh - the electric company gives me a discounted rate for charging overnight - $.09 per KWH. The efficiency of this vehicle is excellent, considering its power. Basically, the car pays for itself with the gas saved on about 12,000 mile per year. BTW, the Battery has an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.
Interior: Heated steering wheel, awesome deep sounding radio, Apple Car Play with a 10 inch screen - the reverse view is in HD - so fantastic. The
heat and AC are instantaneous. I even leave them on when I go to Doctor or shopping for an hour or less. Then, I get back into a nice cooled or heated car - cool!. The inside of the car looks like a regular car, with button, knobs and displays all in the right places. Seems so much better to me than the completely bland Tesla interior with that massive, distracting screen. The trunk is small, but with the back seat down, I’ve fit a bicycle in there. As for the exterior, some don’t like it at all. But, I think it looks cool for a small car.
I could go on and on about the Bolt EV. In summary, I’m in love with this car. I drive it every chance I can. Chevy did an amazing job. So much so, I have another one on order! Grab one while you can. For $20k, it’s a winner!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, so we've included reviews for other years of the Bolt EV since its last redesign.
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2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV video
Chevrolet Bolt EV: Edmunds Top Rated Electric Car | 2023 Edmunds Top Rated Awards
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Features Specs
1LT
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,500 |
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EV Tax Credits & Rebates | $7,500 |
Engine Type | Electric |
Edmunds Tested Electric Range | 278 miles vs EPA Range 259 miles |
Cost to Drive | $54/month |
Total Charging Time (240V) | 7.5 hours |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
EV Battery Warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
Compare the Chevrolet Bolt EV
Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona was refreshed in 2022 but maintains its sprightly, fun-to-drive demeanor, generous list of standard equipment and impressive battery range. Rated to travel 258 miles on a charge, we've seen 308 miles in our real-world range test. The Bolt offers similar range but provides a more accommodating rear seat, and unlike the Kona, it's available in all states.
Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. Toyota bZ4X
Controversial in both name and design, the bZ4X has been a bit of a disappointment in the EV space. A bit larger than the Chevy, the Toyota offers more rear legroom as well as a larger trunk. But the Bolt is substantially lighter than the bZ4X, offers superior range and efficiency over the Toyota, and features a far more sensible interior layout than the bZ4X.
Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. MINI Hardtop 2 Door
If you like the idea of a compact electric car but would prefer something that looks like a regular small car, the Mini Cooper SE is definitely worth a look. With only two doors and a small back seat, the Mini is far less practical than the Bolt. The Mini offers only 110 miles of range, less than half of what the Bolt offers, but it is more exciting to drive than the Chevy.
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite Bolt EV safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Works with forward collision alert at speeds under 50 mph to help you avoid or reduce the severity of a front-end collision.
- Forward Collision Alert
- Scans the road ahead and warns of potential rear-end collisions.
- Lane Keep Assist w/Lane Departure Warning
- Warns you that the car may be drifting from its lane and can apply corrective action to nudge it back into line.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test | Not Tested |
---|---|
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test | Not Tested |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original | Not Tested |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Side Impact Test – Original | Not Tested |
Side Impact Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Roof Strength Test | Good |
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Bolt EV a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Bolt EV both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Bolt EV gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 32 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Bolt EV has 16.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Chevrolet Bolt EV. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV:
- No major changes for 2023
- Part of the first Bolt generation introduced for 2017
Is the Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
To determine whether the Chevrolet Bolt EV is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Bolt EV. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Bolt EV's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Bolt EV and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Bolt EV gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 32 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Bolt EV is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
The least-expensive 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $26,500.
Other versions include:
- 1LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $26,500
- 2LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD) which starts at $29,700
What are the different models of Chevrolet Bolt EV?
If you're interested in the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the next question is, which Bolt EV model is right for you? Bolt EV variants include 1LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD), and 2LT 4dr Hatchback (electric DD). For a full list of Bolt EV models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Is there an EV tax credit or rebate for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV qualifies for a total of $7,500 in tax credits and rebates. See all incentives for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV
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