2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Expert Review

Reviewed by Staff Writer

Everything. As an all-new model, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt rides on a dedicated chassis engineered around its low-mounted battery pack and front electric motor.

Vehicle Summary

The Bolt is Chevrolet's new EV that will compete with the upcoming Tesla Model 3 and other EVs with starting prices below $40,000 including the Nissan Leaf and Kia Soul. The hatchback body style offers flexibility for passenger and cargo carrying duties.

Overview

Arriving in late 2016, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt will be the first affordable long-range EV to hit the streets. The automaker promises a range of more than 200 miles on one charge thanks to a floor-mounted 60 kWh battery.

Motivation comes from a front-mounted electric motor rated 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. Though we have driven the Chevrolet Bolt, we haven't tested it yet. The automaker says the EV can reach 60 mph in less than 7.0 seconds and has a top speed of 91 mph.

Despite its shape and stance, Chevy classifies the Bolt as a wagon and not a hatchback or SUV/crossover. The Chevrolet Bolt has 16.9 cu.-ft. of cargo area behind the second-row seats.

Not only is the floor-mounted battery pack an integral structural element of the chassis, it also contributes to the Chevrolet Bolt's low center of gravity. Other advantages of the battery design and placement include a spacious and flexible interior as well as a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs. The MyChevrolet Mobile app can display the charge level of your Bolt, activate remote start, and view owner's manual info. The navigation system offers a functionality that can provide routes that maximize range.

Safety

In addition to its 10 standard airbags and copious amounts of advanced high-strength steel used in the frame, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt will be available with Forward Pedestrian Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. OnStar subscribers will also have the benefit of assistance from OnStar Advisors and Automatic Crash Response. Other options include a 360-degree multi-camera parking system and a digital rearview mirror.

What We Think

After a brief drive during the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), we came away with some impressions of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. As expected of an electric motor, the Bolt pulls away from a stop or corner with authority. The driver can also select the degree of regenerative braking by selecting "low gear" or via the left paddle shifter. Although the course didn't provide much handling impressions, its low-rolling resistance tires provided a reasonable amount of grip.

In a recent comparison against the Tesla Model S 60 (with a similar range but more expensive base price), the Chevrolet Bolt EV emerged as the winner despite the Tesla's superior charging infrastructure.

"...If simple fuel-free driving is what you're after, the Bolt's stellar real-world range can cover a week's worth of commuting plus errands for the average American without charging," we said in the comparison. "Toss the Bolt's puppy-dog driving dynamics into the mix with its stellar efficiency and family-friendly packaging, and the choice becomes pretty clear: the Chevrolet Bolt EV wins."

Cool Fact

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt has the tech-savvy consumer covered with 10.2-inch center console screen and 8.0-inch instrument cluster screen as well as Bluetooth (up to 10 phones) and onboard Wi-Fi (up to 7 devices). The standard infotainment system features include the MyChevrolet mobile app, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.