By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 24, 2017) When it comes to all-electric vehicles (EVs), most of the news has been about Tesla’s Model 3, which launched just a few weeks ago when production began at its Freemont, Calif., facility. But the EV that should be getting to most attention is the Chevrolet Bolt, a vehicle described as General Motor’s electric moonshot, a game changer that goes head to head with the Model 3. Bolt began a limited rollout in a few states last December and nationwide this month.

What’s so significant about the Chevy Bolt is that it’s the first EV that eliminates measured praise and all the objections to buying and driving an EV.

Can’t drive far enough without plugging in for a recharge? Bolt has a 238-mile driving range before needing a recharge. Most cars are driven about 37 miles per day on average, almost never more than a 100. Work commutes average about 10 miles each way. Add a few errand trips to the grocery store, the gym and that’s it.

Bolt’s driving range breaks new ground, with ample margin for emergencies; it is proof that EVs can be practical for the masses. By comparison, Nissan Leaf’s range is 107 miles, and Volkswagen boasts a 125 mile range from the Golf EV. 

Too expensive? You can buy a Bolt now for $29,995, after a federal tax credit of $7,500. Even less if you are a good negotiator at the dealership. Not enough power? The Bolt gets from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, on par with a V-6 Chevy Camaro.

Another huge advantage is that Bolt will be inexpensive to operate. EVs are as close to maintenance-free as any vehicle can get. No oil changes; regenerative braking makes replacement of brake pads virtually unnecessary, and, of course, you’ll never need to buy gasoline. At current residential electric rates owners will pay about four cents per mile to drive a Bolt. Gasoline powered vehicles that get 30 miles per gallon pay more than double that, with gasoline at $2.50 per gallon.

Driving the Bolt EV is nothing short of a superb experience. The powerful acceleration is intoxicating and it comes on immediately. Warning! You will squeal the front tires — and often — when accelerating. This might be one of the most fun and rewarding driving experiences I’ve had in a very long time. It’s especially easy to maneuver in traffic, a snap to park, and there’s ample power for passing or getting up to highway speeds.

The Bolt is a five-passenger, five-door hatchback that Chevy calls a wagon. The vehicle is tall and you sit high up behind a steering wheel that telescopes for improved driver comfort and excellent driver visibility. Inside, it feels like it has a lot of space, a bit narrow but not crowded.

The interior looks cheap but that’s more a criticism of design rather than materials and build quality. Fortunately, the switchgear and touch points don’t feel cheap and are ergonomically pleasing. Controls are intuitive and easy to use, and operating knobs have a nice tacit rubber strip around them. While certainly not an upscale vehicle, it’s still comfortable, functional and well screwed together.

Overall, we think the Bolt is the best mainstream EV yet, with a realistically useful driving range, affordable purchase price, low operating cost, and an especially rewarding driving experience.

The Bolt is made in Michigan and the battery, motor, and drive unit in South Korea. It comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile basic, 5year/60,00 mile powertrain and 8year/100,000 mile battery degradation warranty.

Essentials
Base Price: $37,500 (Pre $1,500 federal tax credit)
Price as Tested: $42,855
Seating: 5
Engine: Permanent magnetic drive motor wheel drive
Horsepower: 200
Transmission: Automatic -  Electronic Precision Shift system
Fuel Economy: 128 MPGe City – 110 MPGe Highway

Fab Features
238 mile driving range
Powerful, linear engine performance
Exceptional overall driving experience