BEV Review: 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV

Photo Credits: Edmunds, Autotrader

Expect the unexpected

Overview

Performance:electric motor, 200 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 104-125 mpge

Price estimate: $27,200 to $31,700

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Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Roadside Assistance: 5 years/60,000 miles

Corrosion Warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles

2023 Chevy Bolt UV Review

Intro

Building on five years of success with the electric subcompact hatchback Bolt, Chevy hopes to capitalize on that name value with the all-electric Bolt EUV, a compact crossover sport utility vehicle.

Heading into this year, the original Bolt EV had sales of 103,895 in the U.S. since it debuted late in 2016. The EVU – offered in two trims (LT and Premier) – is a half-foot longer than the hatchback version and has a wider wheelbase as well, resulting in much more room for its five passengers. Both models have nearly identical cargo space and features, driving range, plus deliver an enjoyable ride.

General Motors has an ambitious plan to produce 30 EVs by 2025. GM should get a nice bump in electric sales because the EUV features lots of fine qualities – a mileage range of 247 miles, good performance, solid technology that’s not difficult to master, and ample space.

And it doesn’t hurt that one year after its debut, Chevy dropped the price of the standard EUV by a little more than $6,000. The starting price for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is $27,200, and that doesn’t include the $7,500 federal tax credit.

A notable difference from the original Bolt is the EUV is the first Chevrolet that offers Super Cruise, the company’s new hands-free driver assistance technology. One note of caution while operating in Super Cruise – its sensors don’t detect potential road issues that lie ahead. Super Cruise relies solely on the movement of the vehicle that’s in front. So, the rule to follow is don’t get too comfy while in Super Cruise.

As of Oct. 3, 2022, the demand for both the EUV and the Bolt EV has been tough to meet due to worldwide supply issues. This will impact sales of both the EV and the EUV, which is produced at a Michigan plant.

Battery and Charging

The EUV comes up a bit short of the Bolt EV’s 259-mile range, but charging is superior with the SUV. The quickest charge of the 65-kWh lithium-ion battery (located under the floor of the vehicle) is at Level 3 public DC Fast-Charging stations – 30 minutes adds roughly 95 miles of range. With a 48-amp charging unit at home, a full charge takes seven hours with a 240-volt outlet.

Performance and Speed

Overall performance is a EUV strength of this 3,680 to 3,715-pound vehicle. The front-wheel-drive SUV has one electric motor that produces 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It’s great for zipping around town and adapts quickly to the speed of freeway driving, going 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds. That’s just a bit slower than the standard Bolt, yet quick for an EV in its price range. The EUV doesn’t come with optional all-wheel drive.

There’s a definite fun factor when driving the Bolt EUV. It has nimble handling, responsive steering, and maneuvers through minimal-spaced parking lots with ease. A firm suspension gives the EUV a smooth ride even on rough pavement. It offers handy regenerating braking that slows the SUV down when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator. There’s also an additional regenerating braking paddle on the steering wheel.

Standard driver safety assist features include forward collision mitigation, lane departure mitigation, a safe teen driver system, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Interior Space

The front seats are comfortable and offer good leg and headroom. The back seat is not as roomy for 6-footers and three passengers can create a definite squeeze in the narrow cabin. The EUV has adequate room in front-door pockets, glovebox, and center console. The convenient phone cubicle with a wireless charger in front of the gear selector is a nice touch.

The Bolt EUV interior has standard satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot access, wireless smartphone charging, pedestrian detection, two USB ports, HD Radio, and six stereo speakers. Also included is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with wireless connectivity.

Information can be utilized via a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 8-inch digital instrumentation display. We’re also a fan of knobs, and the EUV is equipped with reachable volume and tuning knobs to the left of the touchscreen. The gear selector buttons may seem odd at first, but they quickly become intuitive.

This is a compact SUV, so don’t expect large storing areas. The cargo space measures 16.3 cubic feet and extends to 56.9 cubes with the back row folded flat to the floor. There’s also a floor panel to store hidden items.

Conclusion

Thanks to all its positive aspects which include a terrific starting price, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV will likely experience immediate sales success.

– J.W.

Media Video Review: Chevy Bolt EUV