2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Insanely Affordable Range

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV delivers an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range on a full charge.  And that’s comparable to a gas-fueled vehicle with a full tank.  So, consider that.  Plus new insanely competitive pricing on the compact electric wagon.  And it’s easy to understand how sales are taking off.

Plus Chevy’s just getting started with more electric product offerings on the way soon.  I recently picked up a nicely equipped base-model from my friends at Martin Chevrolet for this review.

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2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review

With 2021 Bolt enters its fourth model year.  And since the first model year of 2017, Bolt has increased its capacity where it counts.  Specifically range.  Because previous model years came with just 238 miles of range.  And when it comes to EVs that’s at the top of every list.

Due to the EV nature of the ’21 Bolt, it offers a smooth ride.  Because the battery weight across the floor of the vehicle gives it a sturdy confident feeling while driving.  Plus being electric, Bolt has ample torque.

And besides very aggressive pricing, where Chevy Bolt really differs from its EV rivals is inside.  While Bolt is EV-minimalist inside, it’s not overdone minimalism.  Because most manufacturers making electric vehicles these days take that less-is-more thing a bit too far.  (Ahem, Tesla.)

Trims And Prices

For ’21 Chevy offers the Bolt in two trim options.  So, you can go with the base-model LT or the top-tier Premier trim.

The base-model LT trim MSRP starts at $37,495.  And the Premier trim MSRP starts at $42,695.

Motor, Transmission, Range, And MPGe

Regardless of trim, the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV comes with the same powertrain.  And it delivers the same range and miles per gallon equivalent.

Both trims come with the same electric motor that delivers 200 horsepower and 266 lb-feet of torque.  And front-wheel drive is your only option.

Additionally, up to 259 miles of range is the same for both trims.  And the EPA MPG equivalent is a whopping 127 in the city and 108 on the highway for a combined 118 mpg-e.

So, the one notable difference in trims when it comes to range and mpg-e is the DC Fast Charging capability.  Because that’s standard on the Premier and available on the LT.

What Does The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV Look Like?

The 2021 Bolt EV looks like an electric vehicle.  But I wouldn’t go so far as to say it looks Prius space-shippy.  The EPA classification actually lists Bolt as a wagon.

While the Bolt is certainly no Corvette C8 it is good looking for an EV.  And especially one that’s currently available for a $99 monthly lease!

And, the ’21 Bolt electric vehicle has a curb weight of 3,563 lbs.

Inside The ’21 Chevy Bolt Electric Vehicle

What I really like about the 2021 Chevy Bolt is the interior.  Because while it’s minimally adorned, it’s not overly minimized.  Some manufacturers seem to think because a car is electric drivers suddenly no longer stuff.  And because we do have stuff, that stuff needs to find a home in our cars.  Like coat hooks, nooks, and crannies.  Places to keep our belongings out of sight.

And Bolt doesn’t have that problem.  Chevy doesn’t overdo the minimalism.  Bolt is still an EV inside for sure.  But the interior is warm and inviting instead of Tesla-sterile.

Also, with the backseats folded down, Bolt provides up to 56.6 cubic-feet of cargo space.  With so much space the EPA wagon designation makes a little more sense.

And in the picture above you can see the slots of the option false floor.  With that, you create a hidden compartment in the back of the vehicle.  Another place to put your stuff!

Technology And Safety

Being an EV Bolt is loaded with tech.  And one of the handiest features is the battery charging regeneration system.  So, this works in a couple of ways.

First, you can drive with one pedal.  By using only the accelerator you can speed up, slow down or come to a complete stop by releasing it.  But also, on the backside of the steering wheel is a button/paddle.  That can be used as a handbrake.  And that also regenerates the charge of the battery.

Another element I like about this electric vehicle is that you’re not 100% reliant on a touchscreen.  Because when you have every function of the car going through one interface.  When (not if) that interface goes down a bad day will be had on the road.  So that’s another plus Bolt has over Tesla and many other EVs.

And a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is another big plus.  Because it pairs nicely with a suite of available driver assistance and safety tech.

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV Top-3

And that brings me back to my Top-3.  These were easy picks.  But technology also easily could have made the cut.

1. Range – With a full charge delivering 259 miles you’re pretty much good to go anywhere.  And the mpg-e of 118 combined helps ease that ‘anxiety that can come with EVs.
2. Drive – Driving the Bolt is fun.  Because it sticks to the road and really drives like a small car.  And in that capacity makes the EPA wagon designation kind of silly. :0)
3. Interior – EVs in general have developed into a far too minimalistic, less-is-more design-groove.  Less isn’t more.  I want comfort and warmth in my car.  And Bolt is welcoming in that regard.

Chevrolet, find to roads!

 

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