2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV review
Chevrolet Bolt EV highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Impressive range
- Spacious cabin
- Swift acceleration
Cons
- Interior lacks refinement
- Small front seat cushions
- Rough ride on bumpy roads
Battery range (EPA estimate)
259 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All-electric fun.
Ready to join the electric revolution? You'll be thrilled with the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV's capabilities. A hatchback that's suited to city living—with a powertrain that loves longer journeys and big adventures—this tech-filled five-seater makes light work of the daily commute, weekend errands, and more. This makes the Bolt EV a great choice if you regularly drive in and out of the city and need something that's easily maneuverable. Keep reading to find out more about Chevrolet's electric hatchback with impressive range capability. While we currently do not have many 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EVs on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Chevrolet Bolt EV with similar features.
All Chevrolet Bolt EV years
What is new for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
- Bolt EV trims have been upgraded with Power Seat(s), Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and BOSE Sound System as standard equipment this year.
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV trims
Curious how Chevrolet Bolt EV trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLT:
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
Premier:
- Includes all features available on the LT
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Seats
- Leather Seats
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
Chevrolet Bolt EV photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
1. Paint options for every personality
Whether you like monochrome shades for ease of cleaning or stand-out pops of color that get you noticed, the 2021 Bolt EV has an exterior shade for you. Summit White and Mosaic Black Metallic (or the three gray shades in between) project a sophisticated personal style that's perfect for executive parking lots. Try Oasis Blue or Kinetic Blue Metallic if you love sky or ocean shades; they'll make you smile whenever you look at your driveway. Feeling spicy? Cajun Red Tintcoat and Cayenne Orange Metallic have you covered.
2. DC charging capability
Previously an optional feature, DC charging capability is a standard feature on the Premier trim of the 2021 Bolt EV. If you and your crew love to take road trips, or your rental condo can't accommodate a charger, visiting a public DC fast charger is the answer. Plugging in is easy, and in the time it takes for a salon blowout or a coffee date with your bestie, your range top-off is taken care of. Self-care just got high-tech.
3. Blockbuster predicted range
Every electric vehicle driver thinks about range—it's an important consideration, no matter how far you drive on a weekly basis. The 2021 Bolt EV is powered by a 66kWh battery and electric motor, which is good for an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range on a full charge.
Take note of your weekly commuter miles, add in those regular errands or gym visits, and you'll quickly see that the 2021 Bolt EV's range has you covered, and then some.4. High-tech cockpit
The 2021 Bolt EV's user-friendly driver information display is a fantastic feature to explore if it's your first time driving electric. A driving history screen displays the energy usage for your most recent mileage, while the confidence gauge continuously monitors and displays your estimated available range. As your EV confidence grows, you'll love the details this screen shares. It shows how external factors like drive technique, terrain, and climate affect your available range.
5. Lifestyle-ready
This hatchback is a handy vehicle if you're a town or city dweller who loves to adventure farther afield. Dropping the rear-row seats increases cargo capacity behind the first row to 56.6 cu-ft; that's big enough for your mountain bike and some camping equipment, or a few sets of golf clubs and a pal to tee off with. Whether you're staying in the city and need something easy to maneuver around a tight parking lot or you've got a countryside trip planned, you're in luck with the 2021 Bolt.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you are looking for a premium compact EV that feels like driving a normal car, check out the Volkswagen e-Golf. VW updated the powertrain of the e-Golf for 2017 to add a new 35.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that bumped range from an EPA-estimated 83 miles (2016 models) to 125 miles when fully charged.
That means more fun out on the open road in your e-Golf, and with 22.8 cu-ft of space behind the back seats, you can bring more friends and gear along for the ride.The base e-Golf is well equipped with standard equipment for 2017-2019 model years, including:
Cloth upholstery
Automatic headlights
LED running lights
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated power-reclining front seats
Eight-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
A four-door, five-seat hatchback that drives like a sedan, the 2017-2021 Toyota Prius uses a hybrid powertrain to deliver some impressive fuel-economy figures. The 2017-2021 Prius is powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two onboard electric motors. The 2019-2021 L-Eco base trim with this engine achieves an EPA-estimated 56 mpg combined.
In addition to the standard model, you can find other trims and body shapes, too. There's the compact Prius C, the larger Prius V, and the plug-in hybrid Prius Prime.The 2017-2021 Toyota Prius base trim includes:
Automatic climate control
Rearview camera
Infotainment touchscreen
Fiat 500e
If your daily driving consists of local errands, school drop-offs, and tight parking spots, the 2013-2019 two-door, four-seat Fiat 500e could be the perfect electric vehicle for you. The 2017-2019 Fiat 500e has a 111-hp electric motor paired with a 24kWh lithium-ion battery. A single-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. When fully charged, the 2017-2019 Fiat 500e has an EPA-estimated 84 miles of total driving range.
A compact electric car that's fun to drive and easy to park, this plucky Fiat is one to watch.The 2017-2019 Fiat 500e has just one trim, which includes:
Six-speaker Alpine audio system
Heated front seats
Rearview camera
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Ratings & reliability
Chevrolet Bolt EV features and specs
Curious how Chevrolet Bolt EV trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Premier 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Satellite Radio Ready
Drive Wheels
2WD
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
102.4"
Overall length
164"
Width
69.5"
Height
62.8"
Leg room
F 41.6"/R 36.5"
Head room
F 39.7"/R 37.9"
Front tires
P215/50R17
Rear tires
P215/50R17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV FAQ
For 2021, the Bolt EV no longer offers the Light Ash Gray/Ceramic White interior seating color option. The main addition for the 2021 model is the inclusion of DC fast charging functionality as standard on the Premier trim. In previous years, including 2020, this was an optional feature only.
No, it does not. It does have standard electronic cruise control, however, with set-and-resume speed capability. Take a look at the available comfort and convenience packages if you'd like to see more of what the 2021 Bolt has to offer.
Yes. A standard feature on the 2021 Bolt EV Premier trim, HD Surround Vision uses multiple cameras to display a digital overhead image of the area around your vehicle. It works at low speeds and is a helpful driver aid when parking.
More about the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Color options
Exterior colors:
Cajun Red Tintcoat (extra-cost color)
Cayenne Orange Metallic (extra-cost color)
Kinetic Blue Metallic (extra-cost color)
Mosaic Black Metallic
Nightfall Gray Metallic
Oasis Blue
Silver Ice Metallic (Premier trim only)
Slate Gray Metallic
Summit White
Interior colors:
Dark Galvanized Gray
Dark Galvanized Gray/Sky Cool Gray
Interior details
The 2021 Bolt EV is a five-seat hatchback with a spacious interior that's great for passenger comfort or cargo service. Front bucket seats have 41.4 inches of legroom, while the 60/40 split-folding rear-row has 36.5 inches of legroom. The LT base trim has cloth upholstery, but the Premier trim has leather finishing.
Standard features include ambient LED interior lighting, and the front-row center console has a sliding armrest with a covered storage bin. Choose the Premier trim for the addition of a rear-row fold-down armrest with cup holders and heated seating (front and rear outboard). Standard cargo space comes in at 16.9 cu-ft, expanding to 56.6 cu-ft with the rear-row folded down.
Child seat details
The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV has two complete sets of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and an upper tether) in the second-row outboard seats and an additional upper tether for the middle seat. The Bolt EV is roomy enough to accommodate all seat types (including convertible, infant, and booster seats), with easy-to-find anchors between the seat upholstery, and tethers to the rear of the seatbacks.
Performance
The 2021 Bolt EV is powered by a 66kWh battery and an electric motor that delivers 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This hatchback has electric power steering and, due to its battery position, a low center of gravity. For your driving experience, this means smooth acceleration, responsive steering, and a steady grip on turns. A regenerative braking system and forward-wheel drive complete the powertrain setup.
The driving range is impressive at an EPA-estimated 259 miles on 66kWh models when fully charged.
The 2021 Bolt (66kWh battery with electric motor) achieves an EPA-estimated 127 MPGe in the city and 108 MPGe on the highway. When new, Chevrolet's testing of the 2021 Bolt EV saw a zero-to-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds.DC fast charging capability is a standard feature of the Premier trim. Using these powerful public chargers can accelerate charging times and keep you topped off on long road trips.
Year comparison
2017-present Chevrolet Bolt EV (first generation)
Chevrolet introduced this handy electric hatch in 2017. With no major changes for the 2018-2020 model years, the 2021 introduction of DC fast charging capability as standard on the Premier trim is a welcome touch for weekend explorers and road trip fans. The 2022 Bolt EV experiences a bigger shake-up, with updated exterior and interior styling.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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