Chevrolet Bolt Execs And Cons: So Good They Killed It Twice

The Chevrolet Bolt is being discontinued. Once more. Following the demise of the first-generation mannequin in 2023, followers had been so looking forward to a brand new one which Chevy really restarted manufacturing and added a bunch of latest options earlier than bringing the beloved EV again to the market.

However the Bolt’s return might be short-lived; Chevy will discontinue the SUV yet again following the 2027 mannequin yr because the market shifts away from electrification and again to hybridization and inner combustion. It’s a tragic destiny for what’s genuinely one of many quirkiest autos in the marketplace immediately.

Even with the Bolt on the way in which out, although, that doesn’t imply it’s not a car to contemplate. I lately hung out in a properly loaded Bolt RS and was totally charmed by the plucky little EV. Right here’s what I preferred and didn’t like.

Chevrolet Bolt Execs

Photograph by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

I’m not afraid to say it: The Bolt is cute. The flippantly revised styling for 2026 doesn’t take away the allure that made the unique so likeable within the first place. If something, the up to date lighting fixtures, recent wheel choices, and smoother sheet steel make the Bolt extra visually interesting—and extra trendy.

The cabin isn’t a large improve from the unique, however once more, it does simply sufficient to maintain issues feeling recent. There’s a brand new 11.3-inch infotainment display screen with crisp graphics, a brand new wi-fi telephone charging tray, and extra tactile controls than you’d ever know what to do with. All in all, it’s simply an ethereal and cozy place to spend time.

With that, the Bolt can also be exceptionally good to drive. No, it’s not the speediest or most dynamic car on the street, but it surely has simply sufficient pep to maintain issues fascinating, a snug experience, and first rate dealing with. The one front-mounted electrical motor makes 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, paired to a 65.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack.

With that up to date pack, the Bolt will get as much as 262 miles of vary at its best. It additionally expenses at as much as 150 kilowatts (manner up from the earlier Bolt’s 55 kilowatts), getting from 10 to 90 % cost in simply 25 minutes. It additionally makes use of the North American Charging Normal (NACS) for the primary time.

Chevrolet Bolt Cons

Photograph by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Look, we’ve written a lot about GM’s resistance to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its EVs—however when that call is definitely plopped in entrance of you within the type of a Bolt RS, it’s more durable to disregard.

GM’s native interface is first rate, with crisp graphics, fast response occasions, and good visuals. Even utilizing among the native apps, like Google Maps or Apple Music, isn’t all that dangerous. However there’s nonetheless one thing so irritating about not having smartphone mirroring; staple items like switching between podcast episodes or looking for the correct music are simply more durable to come back by with out it.

The one different problem I may actually discover with the Bolt is simply how loud it was at freeway pace. Granted, it is a $32,000 car, and you may simply level out its affordability with the various laborious plastics strewn all through the cabin. However even for a car at this worth level, wind and street noise echoed all through the cabin. It was much more noticeable with no fuel engine to drown it out.

Chevrolet Bolt Verdict

I really like the Bolt, and I’ll be unhappy to see it go. With a $28,995 beginning worth and a $32,995 price ticket as examined, it’s the plucky, reasonably priced electrical SUV that consumers want now greater than ever. It’s good to drive, it appears good, and it’s comfy. It’s simply an Apple CarPlay connection away from being excellent.

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Supply: Jeff Perez / Motor1