The typical new electrical car within the US prices round $66,000 (as of the tip of 2022), however the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV bucks that development with a genuinely inexpensive beginning worth of $27,800. Even choices from different mainstream automakers like Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen price hundreds extra, making the Bolt EUV (and the usual Bolt EV) stand out as the perfect values within the EV market.

We lately spent every week driving a fully-loaded Bolt EUV Premier with the new-for-2023 Redline package deal. Even at slightly below $40 grand, the EUV proves that it may be all of the car most customers really want. It might not match each way of life, however the Bolt EUV might be the proper inexpensive entry into the electrical way of life for a sure purchaser.

New Redline Bundle

One argument towards the Bolt has at all times been its less-than-sleek form. It is a fairly average-looking hatchback, however a brand new Redline Look Bundle considerably improves curb attraction. For simply $495, the Bolt EUV Premier beneficial properties black wheels with purple accents, black Chevy bowties, black mirrors with purple strips, purple/black badging, and a black inside with purple stitching. Chevy retains increasing its Redline choices throughout its lineup as a result of consumers love the choice of an inexpensive package deal that improves styling with out including any efficiency upgrades.

Tire Squealing Enjoyable

With “solely” 200 horsepower on faucet, the Bolt EUV might not appear fast when stopped at a purple gentle subsequent to a Tesla with Ludicrous Mode. However with 266 lb-ft of torque, this automotive shocked us with some old style tire-squealing enjoyable. We would not go as far as to name it a sizzling hatchback, however the prompt torque availability means the Bolt EUV by no means feels unready to overhaul slower site visitors. For the reason that EUV is about 90 kilos heavier than the EV, it takes half a second longer to hit 60 mph (seven seconds).

The steering is decently playful, and the floor-mounted battery retains the middle of gravity low, bettering dealing with. We significantly love the one-pedal driving mode on this automotive, which recaptures power into the battery and precludes the driving force from utilizing the bodily brakes. Turning this mode on and off could be achieved with only one button press on the shifter, and there is a paddle on the steering wheel to briefly set off stronger regeneration. With a shallow studying curve, we think about most drivers will get used to not utilizing the brake pedal inside every week.

Greater Than The Bolt EV

Chevy’s naming scheme for this automotive is a bit complicated as a result of it sounds just like the EUV is the SUV model of the usual Bolt. The EUV is not really any taller, however it’s 6.3 inches longer with a wheelbase that is 2.9 inches longer. That added size provides the EUV three extra inches of legroom within the again seat.

Cargo house deceptively appears smaller within the EUV, with 16.3 cubic ft behind the rear seats and 56.9 cubes with the seats folded (16.6 and 57 within the EV), however the EUV packs a big storage space beneath the ground that is not counted in direction of the overall, so it’s extra sensible than the EV in the true world.

Extra Accessible Options

Together with the extra spacious cabin, the Bolt EUV additionally gives options not obtainable on the usual EV. The highest Bolt EUV Premier trim comes normal with heated and ventilated entrance seats (heated solely on the EV) and heated seats within the rear. And for the reason that Bolt EV does not have the choice of a Premier trim, you may must pay further for a wi-fi cellphone charger, rear USB ports, and adaptive cruise management.

EUV consumers even have the choice so as to add a panoramic moonroof (a part of a $2,495 Solar & Sound Bundle) and GM’s hands-free Tremendous Cruise driving help ($2,200). If you’d like both of those options, it’s essential to go for the EUV. Sadly, the Bolt EUV comes with an older model of Tremendous Cruise, so it lacks the power to execute hands-free lane adjustments. It additionally deactivated on us a number of occasions, one thing that is by no means occurred to us in some other GM automobiles with SC know-how.

Not The Superb Street Journey EV

A aspect impact of the additional weight and measurement carried by the EUV is that it solely goes 247 miles on a cost (in comparison with 259 miles within the EV). This can be a fairly minor vary penalty, however there’s one more reason why the Bolt EUV will not be the best street journey EV. The 65 kWh lithium-ion battery’s vary is okay, however its charging is missing, as it may well solely cost at peak charges of 55 kW. The Toyota bZ4X can cost as much as 150 kW, whereas the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 can do it at 235 kW.

So whereas the Korean EVs can go from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes, the Chevy will solely acquire vary at a price of round 95 miles in half-hour. In different phrases, you may be sitting on the charger for no less than an hour and a half. Mixed with the older Tremendous Cruise, we would not suggest the Bolt EUV for drivers who spend most of their time on the street and may’t steadily cost at house.

For the latter sort of purchaser, the Bolt EUV’s Degree 2 charging time of round seven and a half hours means in a single day charging is the popular technique of topping up.

Verdict: A Discount EV

The Chevy Bolt EV was at all times good worth, however the worth cuts (even after a current hike) nonetheless make it essentially the most inexpensive new EV in America at simply $26,500 earlier than vacation spot. It’s kind of extra for the Bolt EUV ($27,800), but it surely’s value it for consumers who steadily use the again seat. We possible would not spend the $38,980 as-tested worth of our loaner, however the EUV Premier at $33,295 (with vacation spot included) remains to be distinctive worth for what you get.

The Redline Bundle is affordable sufficient that we would not thoughts shelling out below $500 for it, and the Solar & Sound Bundle for $2,495 can also be definitely worth the cash for a panoramic roof, Bose seven-speaker audio system, and a bigger 10.2-inch infotainment display screen. By skipping Tremendous Cruise, you are in for $36,285. And if you happen to purchase or lease the Bolt EV/EUV new, Chevy pays for a house charger set up, making the general package deal much more fascinating. That is the perfect deal obtainable for a brand new electrical automotive till the brand new Equinox EV arrives.