By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(June 27, 2022) In 2017 Chevrolet first came out with the all-electric Bolt hatchback. Now for 2022 the Bolt has been redesigned and the brand expanded by introducing the Bolt EUV (Electric Utility Vehicle) that is a bit larger and more practical.  Chevrolet is vaguely suggesting the Bolt EUV is a crossover vehicle, but it’s front-wheel drive only and its low ground clearance fails as a utility vehicle. The regular Bolt EV has a starting price of $31,500, the Bolt EUV is $2,000 more at $33,500.

Both vehicles share the same 200-hp electric powertrain with an EPA estimating a 247-driving range however during our week of testing our Bolt EUV achieved just 191 miles. It will recharge on standard 120-volt household outlet, but you’ll only get about 4 miles of range per hour. Therefore, you’ll want to install a 240-volt home charger for quicker recharges. It will also accept DC fast charging getting 95 additional miles of range in just 30 minutes.

The EUV has an attractive exterior styling that seats five and is more akin to the Chevy Trailblazer than the standard Bolt EV. The interior is surprisingly spacious especially up front and looks modern and upscale. Cabin materials look and feel much nicer than the previous Bolt EV especially with our top trim Premier model. There’s 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats – 56.9 with rear seats folded.

There’s a 10.2-inch infotainment touch screen and an 8-inch reconfigurable digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. It’s easy to use and we like that Chevy has added a few physical buttons for audio and climate control. Keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless device charging all standard. Our Premier came with the Sun & Sound Package (add $2,495) that includes a Bose 7-speaker sound system, power sunroof, and navigation.  



On the road our EUV is easy to drive with pleasant driving dynamics. Bolt is easy to park and maneuver in tight areas, brakes feel great especially with the one-pedal driving feature. Acceleration is good reaching 60-mph in around 7 seconds.

Overall, the Bolt EUV certainly has appeal, but it isn’t exciting or amazing in any way and the price quickly jumps when adding features most shoppers find desirable. And our real-world driving range under 200 miles virtually eliminates longer drives to the lake, recreation areas and other destinations, but should work well for urban use and shorter commutes to work.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $37,500
Price as Tested: $43,190
Engine/Transmission: 200-HP permanent magnet AC Motor
With a single speed automatic transmission.
EPA Driving Range: 247 miles
Seating: 5

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Not yet rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Where Built: Michigan

Competes With:
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Kona EV
Kia EV6
Kia Niro EV
Mini Cooper SE
Nissan Leaf

Likes:
Affordable starting price
Pleasant to drive
Available semi-autonomous driving tech

Dislikes:
Plain vanilla styling
Low real world driving range
Price quickly climbs with desirable options