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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Chevrolet Bolt: The EV For Everyone
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is the EV that ? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt?
Not to be confused with the discontinued plug-in hybrid Volt, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is a fully electric subcompact hatchback. Arriving in 2017, this first-gen Bolt underwent a midcycle refresh last year, as we cover here, so product updates are limited to a new Radiant Red paint color for 2023.
The real news is that Chevy has again dropped pricing to the tune of $5,900 versus last year on both Bolt trim lines, making it the cheapest EV currently for sale in the US. The Bolt may also qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit in certain cases. This means the 2023 Bolt starts at just $27,495, making it a very compelling value proposition.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt – chevrolet.com | Shop 2023 Chevrolet Bolt on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Low price
Strong standard tech
Spacious cabin
No AWD option
Super Cruise not available
Dated rear suspension
A strong EV value play
2023 Bolt Specs
- 200 horsepower from base engine
- 266 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 2 available trims
- 17 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 57 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Wireless smartphone mirroring
- 10 standard airbags
- First maintenance visit is on the house
2023 Chevrolet Bolt Powertrain
Chevy keeps things simple on the 2023 Bolt powertrain front by fitting both models with a single permanent-magnet electric motor that drives the front wheels via a direct-drive transmission. That motor, which is rated for 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, is powered by a liquid-cooled 65-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Thanks to its position in the floor pan and nearly 1000-pound weight, this pile of electrons lends the little Bolt a planted feel on road.
Struts up front and a compound crank, or twist-beam, rear suspension setup can be expected to deliver composed handling. However, the Bolt is designed for efficiency, and to that end, it comes with low rolling-resistance Michelin rubber with run-flat construction to avoid adding the weight of a full-size spare. A solid punch of torque pushes the 2023 Bolt to 60 mph in under seven seconds and pressing the Sport mode button delivers a quicker throttle response.
Chevy fits the Bolt with on-demand regenerative braking via a steering wheel paddle. Drivers can select how aggressively they want the system to operate, all the way up to “one-pedal driving”. Popularized by Tesla, this setup allows the car to come to a complete stop without touching the friction brakes while simultaneously adding charge to the battery pack. Though hydrogen has lately been making headlines as an automotive fuel, cars like the Bolt make a strong case for electricity, a debate we dive into here.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt Battery Range
With its 259-mile driving range, the 2023 Chevy Bolt edges out the electric Hyundai Kona but is nearly 100 miles short of the figure posted by a Tesla Model 3 Long Range. However, those EVs come in at roughly $35,000 and $53,000, respectively, making the Bolt’s value argument that much stronger.
Rated for 131 MPGe in city driving and 109 on the highway, the Bolt can fully charge in seven hours when plugged into a 240-volt outlet. To sweeten the pot, Chevy will cover installation of just such a setup at home for new owners. Learn more about EV charging and cost here.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
When Chevy revamped the Bolt last year, they added seat cushioning and increased soft-touch surfaces. It’s a nice improvement to an overall pleasant, if dark, cabin design. Upholstery is limited to black cloth or leather that offers heated bottoms but no ventilation. The dashboard has a clean flow with a flush-mounted central screen and physical buttons for HVAC control.
Room for five can be trimmed to just two by lowering the rear bench entirely or in a 60/40 split configuration. With that seat down, 57 cubic inches of storage volume are on hand. By comparison, the electrified Hyundai Kona comes in at 45 for this metric.
The Bolt also bests the Kona in rear legroom with 36 inches, three more than the Hyundai. Space behind the second-row measures 17 cubic feet and a tall roofline gives the Bolt a notably airy interior feel, particularly for taller occupants.
Entertainment & Technology
Both 2023 Bolt models come with a fully digital gauge cluster and infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen. That screen is cleanly integrated into the dash and runs Chevy’s Infotainment 3 Plus system which is Over-The-Air update compatible.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though the surround-view monitor requires a 2LT trim. That top model can also be fitted with a package that includes a 7-speaker Bose audio system, which seems a bit silly given the base model has six speakers. A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is on hand across the board as is a 3-month trial of SiriusXM with 360L.
Safety Features
For such a little car, the 2023 Bolt is loaded with airbags. Ten to be exact including full-length curtains at head and thorax height. Chevrolet Safety Assist, the automaker’s suite of advanced safety tech, comes on every Bolt with forward collision mitigation and pedestrian detection, a lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
An audible pedestrian alert is also standard but adaptive cruise control requires an extra-cost package. In NHTSA crash testing, the 2023 Bolt earned an overall rating of five stars, the highest possible score.
2023 Chevrolet Bolt Trims & Pricing
1LT – $27,495
The base Bolt 1LT comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and LED lighting for the daytime running lamps, headlights, and taillamps. Remote start and keyless entry are included, the latter enabling entry by pressing a door handle button. The cabin is only sold with black cloth upholstery and features single-zone automatic climate control. Tech highlights include a 10-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, dual front USB ports, and a 3-year trial of Chevy’s Remote Access app.
2LT – $30,695
Aside from the different wheel design, 2LT trim looks much the same as a 1LT. However, that price bump brings black leather seats with heat up front and on the flat-bottomed steering wheel that also receives the leather treatment.
Ambient lighting is added to the dashboard, the driver’s seat receives power adjustability, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror is included. This model also comes with blind-spot monitoring, a rear-cross traffic alert, and rear parking sonar. A $695 package brings an upgraded Bose audio system and wireless phone charging pad while adaptive cruise control can be had as a $495 standalone option.
Warranties
Chevy’s Bolt warranty includes bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles and an 8-year/100,000-mile term on the battery and electric components. Hyundai bumps its battery warranty to 10 years and throws in three years of complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance. By comparison, Chevy includes just the first service within the first year of ownership.
What we think
2023 Chevrolet Bolt – chevrolet.com | Shop 2023 Chevrolet Bolt on Carsforsale.com
If you’re looking for a compelling reason to own an electric vehicle, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is it. Always a relative bargain, it is now straight-up cheap. Modern sheet metal gives it an appropriately futuristic vibe and 259 miles of driving range covers ample local commutes and trips to the grocery store – with plenty of room for the associated bags.
Chevy continues to make strides in its EV strategy, as evidenced by the incoming Silverado on this list of best electric vehicles, and the Bolt provides a strong foundation for this plan. Now six years into the product cycle, it looks poised for success, especially with the new price point.
Of course, you should still consult the latest new car incentives to ensure the best deal possible. On that note, the 2LT is where it’s at. For a few grand more than the base model, you get a significant bump in creature comforts and technology.
