Chevrolet releases longer Bolt version
Chevrolet has unveiled the redesigned Bolt EV and a completely new, slightly larger Bolt dubbed EUV, both of which will be available in the US this summer. The refreshed Bolt has been made more affordable but relies on familiar technology for its powertrain.
Chevrolet has sold over 100,000 units of the Bolt worldwide so far. The new edition of the Bolt EV will be more than $5,000 cheaper than its predecessor with a base price of $31,995 (before subsidies), while the Bolt EUV, available for the first time, will start from $33,995. According to the current exchange rate, this corresponds to 26,360 euros for the Bolt EV and 28,000 euros for the Bolt EUV, keeping in mind that these are net prices in the USA. The price reduction reflects the General Motors goal to make electric cars more affordable for more people. Steve Hill, vice president of Chevrolet, explains, “We’ve lowered Bolt EV’s base price by more than $5,000 from the 2021 model, proving our commitment to make EVs attainable for everyone.”
This is also reflected in the provision for customer’s charging at home. GM has teamed up with qMerit to provide ‘standard’ at-home charging installation included in the vehicle’s cost. GM assures its customers that “Chevrolet will cover the standard installation of Level 2 charging capability for eligible customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV, helping even more people experience how easy it is to live electric.”
For the powertrain, Chevrolet relies on proven technology instead of General Motors’ new Ultium technology. The new Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV come with a single-motor electric drive with 150 kW and a 65-kWh battery pack. The range (estimated by the EPA) is given as 411 kilometres (259 miles) for the Bolt EV and 402 kilometres (250 miles) for the slightly larger and heavier Bolt EUV.
An 11 kW AC charger is standard on the Bolt EUV, while it is an optional extra on the Bolt EV – where 7.2 kW is standard. Chevrolet has not revealed more details on the DC charging power of the refreshed, only the charging time: power for 160 kilometres (100 miles) should be charged in half an hour. Concerning accessibility and ease, and especially to make the use of an EV more doable, General Motors says it is providing customers with convenient and expanded access with EVgo who are collaborating with GM “to triple the number of fast chargers, with the addition of more than 2,700 chargers around the country by the end of 2025,” the American carmaker promises.
The front of both models looks much more modern, among other things, the artificial radiator grille between the headlights has been removed. The refreshing that has been done is more of a makeover of some trim parts. The old Bolt’s essential features have been adopted, such as the charging port position between the front wheel and the driver’s door as well as the rising window line where a redesign would have required major changes to the sheet metal tooling here. At the front, changes to the bumper and headlights are more comfortable to implement, but a significant visual effect can still be achieved here.
In the interior, the facelift is more discreet but still extensive. Elements such as the familiar touch screen in the centre console or the driver’s display are still included in the revised version. Changes have been made to the basic layout of the dashboard, the steering wheel and some switches. GM says it has to have listened to Bolt drivers’ feedback, who were satisfied with the car but less so with the plastic interior. In the 2022 model year, the infotainment system also gets an update. Among other things, it will now support wireless Apple CarPlay and other apps such as Alexa, Spotify or The Weather Channel.
All in all, the Bolt EUV is more than just an extended version. At the front, the design differs slightly (for example, at the lower air intake), and the passenger compartment is also different. The front bonnet does not rise as much; the window line is straight. In combination with the other dimensions (+16 centimetres length, +7.4 centimetres wheelbase), this results in more legroom, especially in the back seat. Besides, the Bolt EUV will get General Motors’ semi-autonomous ‘SuperCruise’ assistance system.
GM currently has no plans to launch the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV in Europe.
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