2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric

header-image
$26,500 - $29,700
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Tempting starting price

Some aspects feel like low-cost solution

Almost $6k price drop

Spacious cabin with attractive features

Limited cargo space

Solved battery issue

Reasonable driving range

Not a great riding experience

Specs & Features

$26,500

price

200 hp

horsepower

266 lb.-ft.

torque

1-Speed Automatic

transmission

electric FWD 1A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Chevrolet Bolt EV was launched in the market back in 2017 but it never garnered the recognition it deserved. Primarily, electric vehicles were thought to be made for people with higher income brackets only but Chevrolet dreamt to provide EVs for everybody. The Bolt EV falls in the subcompact hatchback category which attempts to fulfill the goals of its parent compact by offering every necessary aspect at a very reasonable price. The Chevy Bolt has managed to reduce the price tag significantly over the years but somehow managed to include all the important aspects of the EV. 

The refreshed styling in the interior, as well as exterior, has established the Bolt EV to be one of the most desirable cars in the market. Today the Hyundai Kona EV, the Nissan Leaf EV, and the Volkswagen ID.4 EV pose a great threat to the success of the Chevy Bolt. 

Buying Advice

Both the trims have considerably affordable price ranges, so we suggest you go for the 2LT with advanced features and slightly more comfort. Both the Adaptive Cruise control and the Infotainment Package would be great additions to the 2LT but you can also go for the other options according to your needs. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The first thing that the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV focused on is the glaring battery issue that was infamous in the last decade. After the brand decided to stop production in 2021, last year the Bolt EV made a comeback with a lower price and better battery pack. This year it has managed to lower the starting fee even further but it did so without compromising in the important areas. The two trims come with a powerful engine that is capable of generating 200 hp of power and an incredible 266 lb.-ft of maximum torque. The Chevy Bolt has a great battery capacity and it offers commendable mileage in both city and highway. The refreshed styling in the interior, as well as exterior, has established the Bolt EV to be one of the most desirable cars in the market. Today the Hyundai Kona EV, the Nissan Leaf EV, and the Volkswagen ID.4 EV pose a great threat to the success of the Chevy Bolt. 

Features
8.0/10

The Chevrolet Bolt comes with two available trims - the 1LT and the 2LT, both of which are carried over from the previous year. However, both these trims have reduced their price tags by almost $6,000 to make them affordable for everybody who wishes to own a car. 1LT being the base trim here is priced at $26,595 and it comes with a lot of standard features like Jet Black Cloth seat trim and a sport-inspired steering wheel. The 2LT comes with the same 17-inch wheels but they are alloy ones. The powered front seats and Perforated leather-appointed Seat trim are available only for the higher trim. The 10.2-inch touchscreen display and 6-speaker audio setup are standard in both trims and the Teen Driver system is a great aspect of the EV. 

Model

1LT

2LT

MSRP

$26,595

$29,795

Features

Electronic Precision Shift with One pedal driving 

Adds to or replaces the 1LT with 

 

17-inch Steel wheels

17-inch alloy wheels

 

Jet Black, Cloth seat trim

Perforated leather-appointed Seat trim

 

Sport inspired steering wheel

Powered front seats

 

Black heated power outside mirrors

Intellibeam- auto high beam

 

LED headlamps and Taillamps

Solar absorbing windshield

 

10.2-inch touchscreen display

HD surround-view camera

 

6-speaker audio setup

Bose premium 7-speaker audio system

 

OnStar & Chevrolet Connected Services capable

StabiliTrak, electronic stability control system with traction control

 

Teen Driver

Ambient instrument panel lighting

Packages

Driver Confidence Package - $495

  • Rear Park Assist
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Available only for 1LT

Comfort and Convenience Package - $945

  • Heated driver and front passenger seats
  • Automatic heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
  • Available only for 1LT

Infotainment Package - $595

  • Bose® premium 7-speaker system with subwoofer
  • Wireless Device Charging
  • 2 USB charging-only ports2 for rear passengers
  • Available only for 2LT

Adaptive Cruise Control - $375

  • Available only for 2LT

Additional Options - Available for both trims

Illuminated charge port - $465

Dual Level Charge Cord - $295

Winter/Summer Floor Mats Package - $315

Interior Protection Package - $250

Tire inflator kit - $95

Reflective window shade - $110

Aluminum sill plates - $145

Cargo net - $75

We Recommend

Both the trims have considerably affordable price ranges, so we suggest you go for the 2LT with advanced features and slightly more comfort. Both the Adaptive Cruise control and the Infotainment Package would be great additions to the 2LT but you can also go for the other options according to your needs. 

Release Date

The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV has been ready for you to take home since the Summer of 2022. 

Engine and Performance
8.9/10

The electric engine of the Chevrolet Bolt has a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 66.0 kWh. It comes with a single-speed, direct-drive transmission that seamlessly allows the torque to move from the motor to reach the output device. The FWD drivetrain of the Bolt EV ensures better traction as the load is mostly on the front wheels and it attempts to improve the fuel economy as well. The electric motor generates a maximum power of 200 hp and is able to produce a massive maximum torque of 266 lb.-ft. The one-pedal driving mode and the regen-on-demand mode provide excellent performance advantages and they are easy to use as well. The 0 to 60 MPH acceleration is excellent but we could not help but hope for a higher top speed. 

Model

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2023 Hyundai Kona EV

2023 Nissan Leaf EV

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV

MSRP

$26,595

$34,845

$29,135

$38,790

Engine

Electric

Electric

Electric

Electric

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

FWD

RWD

Transmission

Single-speed, direct drive

Single-speed, direct drive

Single-speed, direct drive

Single-speed, direct drive

Horsepower(hp)

200 HP

201 HP

147 HP

145 HP

Torque (lb.-ft)

266 lb.-ft

291 lb.-ft

236 lb.-ft

203 lb.-ft

0-60 MPH (seconds)

6.7 seconds

6.4 seconds

7.4 seconds

8.1 seconds

Quarter-mile (seconds)

15.2 seconds

15.0 seconds

15.4 seconds

NA

Top Speed (MPH)

93 MPH

110 MPH

106 MPH

99 MPH

All the competitors have a Single-speed, direct drive that sends power to their front wheels except for the Volkswagen which has an RWD. The Hyundai Kona has the highest power output but the Bolt is only shy of one unit here. The Kona EV offers the highest maximum torque as well while the VW ID.4 has the lowest power and torque output. The 0 to 60 acceleration is the best for the Hyundai and it also has the highest top speed. The Nissan Leaf also has a commendable top speed but the acceleration is mediocre for an EV. 

Ride and Handling

The ride quality is nothing extraordinary but we admit that it has improved since the last update. The one-pedal drive system makes a huge difference in this segment as it allows swift acceleration and braking. The steering feels alright and you will not have a hard time cutting the corners in the Bolt EV. The independent MacPherson Strut suspension in the front and the semi-independent Torsion Beam Compound Crank in the rear offer excellent suspension capabilities making the Chevy EV a very stable vehicle. The front and rear shock absorbers along with the anti-roll bars offer the desired stability as well. The braking performance is appreciable and overall the ride is a fun experience. 

Braking Performance

The braking system of the Chevrolet Bolt EV is quite effective and it comes with seamless regenerative braking in the standard 'Drive' mode. The one-pedal drive offers smooth braking and sends the power from the stopping back to the motor. The Electro-Hydraulic braking offered by Chevrolet is among the best in the market and the Bolt EV comes with an anti-lock braking system on all four wheels. The brake rotors are not too large but they are effective enough for the overall curb weight of the car. Although the braking distance data is currently unavailable, the Bolt EV has satisfactory performance in this segment. 

Model

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2023 Hyundai Kona EV

2023 Nissan Leaf EV

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV

Brake Rotors (front) (in)

11.0 inches

12.0 inches

11.1 inches

13.4 inches

Brake Rotors (rear) (in)

10.0 inches

11.8 inches

11.5 inches

11.0 inches

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,589 lbs

3,715 lbs

3,516 lbs

4,568 lbs

60-0 (-ft)

NA

NA

NA

NA

The Volkswagen ID.4 comes with the largest brake rotors in the front which is expected because it has a much heavier body. The Hyundai Kona has the largest rotors in the rear, while the front ones are considerable. The curb weight of the Hyundai is significantly lower than the VW ID.4 making the braking of the Kona EV more efficient. The Nissan and Chevrolet have the lightest bodies among the rivals but the brake rotors are even smaller for the Bolt EV. It is therefore safe to assume that the primary rivals have better braking performance than the Chevrolet. 

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

Fuel economy is one of the most attractive sections for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV as it offers incredible figures. The EPA-certified mileage in the city for the Bolt is 127 MPGe and the same on the highway is 108 MPGe. These figures are better than most of the electric cars in the current market and the combined mileage of 118 MPGe is definitely among the top. The Chevy EV has a battery capacity of 65 kWh which is considered great and the overall range is definitely exceptional. It is expected for an electric vehicle to have good mileage and range but the figures offered by the Bolt EV are among the greatest in the competitive market. 

Model

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2023 Hyundai Kona EV

2023 Nissan Leaf EV

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV

MPGe 

(city)

127 MPGe

134 MPGe

123 MPGe

115 MPGe

MPGe (highway)

108 MPGe

108 MPGe

99 MPGe

99 MPGe

MPGe (combined)

118 MPGe

120 MPGe

111 MPGe

107 MPGe

Battery Capacity (kWh)

65 kWh

64 kWh

40 kWh

82 kWh

Range (City, highway, combined, in miles)

259 miles

258 miles

149 miles

NA

The Hyundai Kona is the only EV that has a better mileage in the city than the Chevrolet but it has the same MPGe figure on the highway. The Hyundai has a slight advantage in the combined mileage section. The Volkswagen has the lowest stats in both city and highway but the battery capacity is truly exceptional. The Hyundai and the Chevrolet have almost the same battery capacity while the Nissan Leaf has the smallest figure. The Bolt EV has the best range in the market but the Kona EV is almost as good. The Leaf has a considerably lower range to offer. 

Interior
8.9/10

After the damage to its reputation, Chevrolet did not just improve its battery system but revamped the interior to offer an attractive cabin. The cheap plastic materials have been replaced with better quality products that have changed our perspective towards the inside of the EV. The cloth upholstery in the base trim can be upgraded to Perforated leather upholstery in the higher trim to avail better comfort. The heated driver and passenger seats complement the revamped cabin beautifully while the heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel adds extra comfort for the driver. The automatic climate control is a standard feature and the KATCH system allows a child-compatible restraint seat. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat gives way for a better cargo area without which the trunk space feels cramped. 

Model

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2023 Hyundai Kona EV

2023 Nissan Leaf EV

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

40.1/54.6/44.3 inches

39.6/55.5/41.5 inches

41.2/54.3/42.1 inches

40.6/57.5/41.1 inches

Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

37.8/52.7/36.0 inches

37.7/54.5/33.4 inches

37.3/52.5/33.5 inches

37.9/55.9/37.6 inches

Cargo Space behind the Second Row (cu.-ft)

16.6 cu.-ft

19.2 cu.-ft

23.6 cu.-ft

30.3 cu.-ft

Cargo Space behind the First Row (cu.-ft)

57.0 cu.-ft

45.8 cu.-ft

30.0 cu.-ft

64.2 cu.-ft

The spacious seats of the Bolt EV are equally matched by the Nissan Leaf in the front row but the Chevrolet offers more legroom than its competitors. The Volkswagen comes with a better head, shoulder, and legroom in the second row while the Hyundai has a cramped legroom. The ID.4 has the largest cargo behind the second row and with the folded seats it overshadows all the rivals in this category. The trunk space is quite disappointing for the Chevrolet but it offers a better figure when the rear seats are taken away. The Nissan Leaf has the smallest area to offer when the rear seats are folded. 

  • Cloth upholstery in the base trim and Perforated leather upholstery in the higher trim
  • Heated and Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • 8-way power driver seat and 6-way manual front passenger seat
  • Heated driver and front passenger seats
  • 2-way power lumbar driver seat controls
  • Inside rearview manual day/night mirror
  • Rear Seat Reminder
  • Keyless Entry and Start
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seat
  • Automatic climate control

Infotainment System

The Bolt EV comes with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system that houses a touchscreen display of 10.2 inches. The base trim has a standard 6-speaker audio setup while the Bose premium 7-speaker audio system is only available in the 2LT trim. The UI of the infotainment unit is responsive enough and the system is easy to use. The OnStar & Chevrolet Connected Services offers a lot of advanced facilities for both connectivity and safety. The Chevrolet Bolt comes with a lot of standard features like Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as SiriusXM Radio. The Chevy hatchback offers USB ports for charging purposes only and it also has a Wi-Fi hotspot facility. 

  • Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system
  • 10.2-inch touchscreen display
  • 6-speaker audio setup and optional Bose premium 7-speaker audio system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • SiriusXM Radio
  • OnStar & Chevrolet Connected Services capable
  • Charging-only USB ports and Wi-Fi hotspot

Exterior
8.9/10

There are mixed reactions on the exterior of the Bolt EV - many say that the sharper design and body language looks fabulous. But there are some who say the structure is bland as the front fascia does not feel aggressive enough. We think that the design is quite futuristic and the splitting headlights look really impressive. The roofline of the Chevrolet Bolt is not really commonplace and you can find the new taillights to be appealing. The Bolt has not changed much in terms of interior design which is a good sign as most of the parts are able to offer great road presence. The integrated spoiler and the shark-fin antennas add to the characteristics of the Bolt EV. However, we believe that hatchbacks could use a higher ground clearance for better performance on rough terrains. 

Model

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

2023 Hyundai Kona EV

2023 Nissan Leaf EV

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,589 lbs

3,715 lbs

3,516 lbs

4,568 lbs

Length (in.)

163.2 inches

165.6 inches

176.4 inches

180.5 inches

Width (in.)

69.5 inches

70.9 inches

70.5 inches

72.9 inches

Height (in.)

63.4 inches

61.2 inches

61.4 inches

64.6 inches

Ground Clearance (in.)

5.3 inches

6.2 inches

5.9 inches

NA

Wheelbase (in.)

102.4 inches

102.4 inches

106.3 inches

108.9 inches

The Volkswagen ID.4 has the largest length and width in the competition and the height of the Chevrolet is almost as much as the VW electric. The wheelbase is the largest for the ID.4 and as a result, it has the heaviest body. The Hyundai and the Chevrolet have the smallest wheelbase among the rivals and their dimensions are smaller than the Volkswagen as well. The Kona EV has the best ground clearance and the Nissan Leaf is considerable as well. 

  • 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with carbon flash-painted pockets
  • Automatic on/off headlights
  • Heated mirrors
  • Intellibeam- auto high beam
  • Solar absorbing windshield 
  • Black heated power outside mirrors

Safety

The NHTSA and IIHS do not have the test results of every aspect of the Chevrolet Bolt EV from 2023 but the good news is that whatever section has been tested, received the top ratings from both organizations. The Bolt EV, built on the BEV2 electric-vehicle platform of GM is expectedly reliable. But that is not all, the electric hatchback comes with a lot of advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic emergency braking. They not only make control easier but also make driving much safer for even novice drivers. Features like Forward collision alert and Rear cross-traffic alert are standard and provide better safety aspects while riding through traffic. The Lane change alert with side blind zone alert is a great addition to the safety system as well. 

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Forward collision alert
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane change alert with side blind zone alert
  • Following distance indicator

Competition

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona EV

The 2023 Hyundai Kona EV comes with a single-speed, direct drive with an FWD which is the same as its rival. The power output of the two EVs is similar but the Kona has better maximum torque. The 0 to 60 acceleration and the quarter-mile drag have almost the same figures for the two cars but the Hyundai has a higher top speed. The ride quality is commendable and it has efficient braking as well. The mileage is better in the Kona EV and it has a similar range and battery capacity. The trunk space is slightly better but the legroom is smaller in the Hyundai. The Hyundai Kona stands toe-to-toe with the Chevrolet Bolt but due to a more affordable price tag, we would choose the Bolt EV. 

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2023 Nissan Leaf EV

The 2023 Nissan Leaf EV has the same transmission and powertrain as the Bolt EV but the power output is significantly lower. The acceleration is appreciable and the quarter-mile figure is quite similar. The Leaf has a higher top speed and its ride and handling is commendable. The braking is as effective as the Chevrolet and the comfort factors inside the cabin are quite attractive. The EPA-certified mileage is slightly lower than its rival but the battery capacity is less and the range is at a huge disadvantage. The Nissan has considerable space around the seats and it has a slightly larger trunk capacity than the Bolt. However, we would still choose the Chevrolet over the Nissan Leaf. 

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vs. 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 EV has a single-speed, direct drive but it sends power to the rear wheels instead of the front ones. The ID.4 generates significantly lower power and maximum torque and the 0 to 60 acceleration is uninspiring. The higher top speed and the good enough riding quality makes it a strong contender but its braking is not that efficient. The fuel economy is lower but the Volkswagen offers a much better battery capacity and superior range as well. The space around the seats is really commendable but the legroom in the front row needs to be better. With a lot of advanced features, the Volkswagen ID.4 is offered at a much lower price which fails to compete against the easily affordable Chevrolet Bolt. 

Final Verdict

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is undoubtedly one of the best electric vehicles on the market. It comes with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack with 66 kWh capacity and offers a maximum power of 200 hp. It also has great torque output and good acceleration but the most important part about the battery is that the previous issue of catching fire has been solved entirely. The ride and handling might not be the best for an EV but it still delivers a satisfactory performance. The fuel economy is exceptional and there are very few in the market that can match the mileage or range of the Bolt EV. The revamped interior from last year offers a lot of attractive features and comfort factors that make the Chevrolet more attractive. The standard infotainment is appreciable and the safety aspects are commendable as well. The exterior has not been through many changes but the basic aspects are enough to draw your attention on the road. The biggest advantage of the Bolt EV is the price range you cannot find another car that provides the same performance at this price. Hence the Chevrolet Bolt has our confidence and you can go for it without a doubt. 

Trims

    1LT
    $26,500 onwards
    • Engine: electric FWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 200 hp hp
    • Torque: 266 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 6.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 93 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 118 mpg
    2LT
    $29,700 onwards
    • Engine: electric FWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 200 hp hp
    • Torque: 266 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 6.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 93 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 118 mpg

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Top Speed
    Source
    6.5 sec93 mph

    2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Source
      127 mpg109 mpg118 mpg

      2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        Source
        163.2 in.69.5 in.63.4 in.5.35 in.102.4 in. -

        2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          Source
          16.6 cu.ft.93.9 cu.ft.57 cu.ft.

          2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Source
            57 cu.ft.16.6 cu.ft.57 cu.ft.

            2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Weight
              Source
              3589 lbs.

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              2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              KL

              Kelly Leung

              2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric

              1LT 5dr Hatchback (electric DD)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 20, 2024

              My review of the Chevrolet bolt ev

              Pros - ["The sensors are amazing and makes me feel safe", "The design of the car is gorgeous"]

              Cons - ["It takes forever to charge", "The collision detectors can be faulty sometimes"]

              I am satisfied with the overall performance of my car. Before I bought the car, I did a bit of research of the best electric cars and the Chevrolet bolt ev was always considered the best. I had high expectations when I bought the car and it lived up to those expectations.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review


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