2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review, Prices, Features & Pics

The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle is, by EPA classification, a small wagon.

But I refer to it as a subcompact 4-door hatchback.  Or, if you prefer, a 5-door.

It’s quick, nimble, and fun to drive.  And the overall value is hard to beat.

For this review, my friends at Martin Chevrolet provided a Premier trimmed 2020 Chevy Bolt EV.

New For 2020

Increasing driving range to 259-miles.  That’s on a full charge and EPA estimate.  And it equals a 21-miles increase over last year’s Bolt.

Also new is a crystal clear rearview camera with a birdseye view.  Plus Chevy adds a couple of color options.

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Trims & Pricing For 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV

As with 2019, the Bolt comes in two trims.  There’s the LT and the upline Premier.

Chevy keeps it easy with two trims.  But they also offer many available options with both.

Included in most of my reviews are the manufacturers suggested starting retail prices.  Those are provided as reference only.

For the best pricing and buying experience, I suggest you go to Martin Chevrolet in Torrance, California.

Also, since Bolt is an EV, don’t forget to check what state and federal laws and incentives might apply.

Engine & Transmission

I love Bolt’s torque-on-demand.  Touch the accelerator and go.

It’s electric motor delivers the equivalent of  200-horsepower with 266 pound-feet of torque.

And it seems way faster than its reported 0-60 mph of 6.5 seconds.

Additionally, it offers one-pedal driving.

So, by simply releasing the accelerator Bolt automatically brakes.  And that braking is actually regenerating the battery.

Plus you can increase that regenerative braking.  By applying a large-button-like paddle.

 

It’s located on the back of the left side of the steering wheel.  And it’s reminiscent of a handbrake.  But for a car, which feels odd and then fun to use.

Of course, in urgent situations, you want to make use of the traditional brake pedal. :0)

2020 Chevy Bolt EV – Battery, Range & Charging

There’s an available DC fast-charging system that enables the battery to be charged up to 100 miles of range in 30-minutes.

But there are other ways to get up to that full 259-mile battery life I mentioned at the top of this article.

With 240-volts you can plan on a full charge in about 10-hours.  Or with 120-volts you can expect about 4-miles of range per hour.  (Yeah, this way takes a while.)

Plus Chevrolet includes an 8 year / 100k mile battery warranty.  And that also covers certain electric components.

Exterior Looks

Having been on the road for a few years.  You might be getting used to seeing Chevy Bolts driving around.

Among similarly priced EVs and hybrids it’s one of the best looking.  Not as appealing as a Tesla Model S.  But then again, it’s nowhere near the price either.

Inside The 2020 Chevy Bolt EV

I’m a big fan of versatility.  And the inside of the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV excels in the category.

Its simple clean interior delivers a less-is-more feel and functionality.

And the lack of backseat hump makes Bolt comfortable for 5-adults.  Although I’d keep it to 4-adults for extended drives and road trips.

Additionally, there’s plenty of cargo space to work within the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV.  And you’ll notice the hand-shaped hole in the floor pictured above.

Smartly, that panel comes completely off.  Or elegantly props up for additional storage.

So Bolt offers up to 56.6 cu-ft of cargo volume.  And with the backseats up 16.9 cu-ft.

2020 Chevy Bolt Technology

The 2020 Chevy Bolt tech is impressive.  And, as the overall Chevy lineup goes electric, it likely offers a glimpse of things to come.

Like, one-pedal driving.  And battery power regeneration on-demand with ‘psuedo-handbrake.’

Plus the ‘floating’ instrument panel holding a 10.2-inch-diagonal flip-board operational touchscreen is simple to use.  But also elegant in a sort of ‘spartan’ design.

And at your fingertips within that touchscreen is all sorts of range and battery data.  Along with connectivity through the Available myChevrolet Mobile App.  With Energy Assist included for 5-years.

Safety Tech & Driver Assistance

So, the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV receives top marks from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.  And that’s NHTSA’s Overall 5-Star Safety Rating.

Additionally, one of my favorites as well as any parents is the Chevrolet Teen Driver technology.  That standard feature acts as a report card on your son or daughter’s performance behind the wheel. :0)

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Top-3

1. Safety: The available safety tech, standard Teen Driver and new HD birdseye are great.  But NHSTA Overall 5-Star Rating is tops.
2. The drive: Being an electic vehicle, it’s quick.  But it’s also very nimble.  And effortless to drive.  Plus the regen braking adds a fun dimension.
3. Interior Space: It feels bigger than it’s class rating suggests.  And thanks to smart interior design it acts that way too.  Both for passengers and cargo.

My thanks again to Martin Chevrolet in Torrance, California.  Go see my dear friend and general manager, Lewis Cook.  He loves what he does and it shows throughout the operation.

Chevrolet, find new roads!

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