EVs are here and are on the pathway forward, it should be no surprise the 2023 Bolt is a sleeper EV winner. First introduced in 2016 as GM’s first shot at producing a mass-market battery powered electric vehicle. Ground-breaking in its conception, it laid the foundation for the generations of EVs that we are currently witnessing. Affordable and easily accessible, the Bolt stepped into the market long before the debut of the cult-following inducing EVs that we see today.
ABOUT THE BOLT
With refreshed interiors and a distinctive shape, the 2022 Bolt EV is a fun, subcompact electric sedan designed to give you all that you need and none that you don’t. Delivering around 250 miles of battery-powered range and topping out at just under $37k for the top-of-the-line trim, the Bolt EV is an affordable option for the climate conscious.
As the world (and GM) moves more and more towards a more sustainable future, there has been a renewed interest in the Bolt EV after sales had waned for a few years. This current generation pairs the best of the new technologies with the attainable comforts that buyers know and love.
Simplicity of Use and Familiar Comfort = An Easy Yes
While the outside reminds me of many other subcompact hatchbacks on the market, once inside, the Bolt EV feels like a familiar friend that came ready to be comfortable and easy on the eyes. When you look around, you’ll notice the bright bold look and that there is a place for everything. From the leather-appointed perforated seating to the streamlined and minimally buttoned navigation and infotainment center, the look is modern, open and lightly polished and avoids leaning into the “budget” ev feel that could have come across.
The slightly recessed, touchscreen infotainment screen is clear, bright and intuitively designed. Options that are frequently used are within easy reach of the driver, no complicated scrolling necessary, and the placement of the center allows for seamless connectivity to all of our favorite apps. I simply plugged into the USB-C port and Apple CarPlay connected within seconds.
For this loan, we took the Bolt EV to celebrate my mom’s birthday — which meant we would be staycationing in a town nearby. One of the beauties of EVs is the simplicity of use, but on the other hand it also means, they require planning, especially if you are unfamiliar with different levels of charging and have not game-planned how that might be accomplished away from home.
Just like charging your smartphone, you need to have the appropriate equipment for charging. You can either use the cord that came with your car or find a public charging station nearby for use. The vehicle will also show you where the near locations for charging are. Also, a quick web search can help with this or in my case, be pleasantly surprised when the hotel that y’all are staying at has a helpful charging set up. Thank you, Westin hotels for the win.
ABOUT THE DRIVE
In alignment with the current models that are available from Chevy, the Bolt delivers a comfortable drive with pep that is life-proof and life-ready. Leather wrapped steering wheel, wipeable seats, wireless charging, rear accessible charging ports, 60/40 folding rear seats, comfortable leg space, even for my tall teens, plenty of cupholders for cups and water bottles and a nice 6-speaker sound system make for a ride and drive that makes sense for modern families or someone that seeks a fun drive for the driver and the passengers inside.
The economic benefits aside, the Bolt delivers a good drive. There’s some pep in it. It gets 0-60 in just over 6 seconds and is right now, the most cost-effective EV on the market. It’s connected to Onstar and Chevy’s safety suite that includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking and distance monitoring standard on all trims. Combined these deliver a confidence-inducing drive that can wherever you want to go and with enhanced at home charging, the Bolt EV paves a way to the EV future.
Curious about it or its larger sibling the EUV? Visit here
