2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV review

1. Pure electric power

The 2018 Chevy Bolt EV's range is an EPA-estimated 238 miles on a full charge, meaning this compact crossover has enough electric power to get you where you need to go and is competitive with newer EVs on the market.

It can easily be plugged in to charge overnight or connected to a DC fast charger on the go for a quicker recharge. With this Bolt EV, you can say goodbye to gas stations and hello to new possibilities.

2. Two great trims

The 2018 Chevy Bolt EV comes in two trims, the entry-level Bolt EV LT and the top Bolt EV Premier. While technically the base model, the Bolt EV LT is anything but barren inside. Standard is the large 10.2-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ connectivity. LT trim also features seating for five, a digital gauge cluster, and LED lighting both inside and out.

Chevy Bolt EV Premier models up the ante with heated front seats and steering wheel, rear camera mirror with surround vision, lane-change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist. No matter which trim you choose, you are still landing a well-equipped vehicle. 

3. Plenty of power

Most of the buzz around EVs is down to quick acceleration times, however, the 2018 Chevy Bolt EV takes a more mainstream approach to electric commuting. There is only one powertrain available in either trim and it's routed to the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. With its 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack and single electric motor, the Bolt EV produces 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty quick for a daily commute and packs a nice little punch allowing for easy passing power on the highway.

Chevrolet claims a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of under seven seconds (when new). It's the instant torque, though, that makes the Bolt almost feel like a sports car when you put your foot down.

4. Adaptive driving dynamic

Another benefit of the Chevy Bolt EV is the driving dynamics its electric powertrain offers. First is the one-pedal driving, which allows you to modulate the speed of the vehicle while only using the accelerator pedal. This is achieved by capturing unused energy using regenerative braking to slow the vehicle when you lift your foot from the accelerator and can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The traditional brakes can still be used through the brake pedal.

Second, pressing the “SPORT" button on the dash engages sport mode and provides more responsive acceleration for an exciting driving experience. 

Lastly, the weight of the batteries placed down low below the floor of the vehicle means the driving characteristics are more planted than cars of similar size. This, coupled with the near-instant torque of the electric motor, allows the Chevy Bolt EV to feel much more athletic than its size would suggest.

5. Modern interior

The driver is treated to a three-spoke steering wheel and an eight-inch driver-information screen in place of traditional analog gauges. This screen estimates range scenarios and gives you a look at the energy usage and distribution.

The 10.2-inch color touchscreen in the center of the dash is the star of the interior, though. Not only does it control the standard six-speaker or optional Bose^® stereo system of the Bolt EV, but it also helps improve your driving efficiency by coaching you in techniques to improve your vehicle's range. 

Below the 10.2-inch screen are the HVAC controls, a storage area with room for bags or purses, an electronic drive selector, and two cup holders for front-seat passengers.