REVIEW:  2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Premier Redline Edition

I’ve spent this week with the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV, an all-electric utility vehicle, one of, if not the most affordable electric crossovers in America.  There is also a Bolt sedan, but this SUV sits higher, is longer, and has more back seat room.

Looks

Chevy did a nice job on the ultra-modern exterior.  My review EV has the Redline package, which gives you red accents outside, unique 17” wheels, a rear spoiler, and I love how the LED headlights flow into the front fenders. My review Bolt is the top-of-the-line Premier package.   

 

 

 

Powertrain

For power, there is a 65-kilowatt battery that drives an electric motor to the front wheels.  The stats are impressive:  200-horses, 266-pound feet of torque, a 0-to-60 time of 6.8 seconds, and you get 247-miles of range, although it likely won’t do that if you are running the air conditioner or the heater hard.

Interior

The interior is very well done with soft touch materials all around and red stitching.  Leather seats are quite comfortable, the driver gets a power seat, but both front passengers get seat heaters and air-conditioned seats.

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Redline Edition interior.  Credit: Chevrolet.

There is a very configurable 8” driver info system that gives you a ton of information on range, a digital speedometer, and you can find out how efficient your driving habits are.

Center dash is a 10.2” infotainment touchscreen.  From there, you operate the Bose stereo system, the navigation system, the energy screen which gives you in-depth info on range and charging, all the apps, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

 

 

 

 

The center console houses the wireless phone charger, you can hit the Sport mode button that really enhances the acceleration but drains the battery quicker.  There are also a couple of cupholders, USB and USB-C ports, and the electric parking brake.

Also there, is the button for one pedal driving, called Regen, which I love by the way.  With it engaged, when you get off the accelerator the Bolt immediately begins to slow down, and will come to a complete stop, all while the brakes send a charge to the battery.  When you get good at this technique, you’ll seldom have to touch your brakes and it gives you another way to extend the battery range.

Front and back seat head room are really good.  Back seat legroom is actually very good, better than expected, and the rear seat is heated.

Utility

The cargo area is not huge, but it has some underneath storage for your charging equipment, and the entire cargo area is covered by a shade that is pulled out of the way when the tailgate is opened.

The back seat is split and folds down for more cargo, and rear occupants get a USB and a USB-C port.  The tailgate is manually operated by the way.

Standard Equipment and Options

The Bolt Premier comes nicely equipped with a heated steering wheel, tilt wheel, LED headlamps and taillights, remote start, automatic headlamps, and keyless entry. 

Options include the $2,495 Sun and S ound package, which gives you the Bose stereo and a power dual-panel sliding sunroof with a power sunshade.

Super Cruise

It also has Super Cruise, GM’s self-driving system, which in my opinion, is the best system in the industry today.  The Bolt will actually drive itself, but drivers should always remain alert.  This is a $2,200 option.

GM has driven and mapped out over 200,000 miles of divided highways all across America.

If you are on an approved road, you’ll get a green light on the dash.  Set the cruise control, hit the Super Cruise, and the vehicle literally drives itself. If you want to change lanes, turn on your blinker and it will make sure there is enough room and will change lanes for you. 

A camera on the steering wheel monitors your eyes to make sure you are engaged.  If not, you get a verbal warning.  After that, the car will start to slow down, the flashers come on, and it will safely get you off the road and Onstar will call for help.  This is in case the driver is incapacitated.  

Safety

On the safety front, you get Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, a rearview camera mirror, and Blind Spot Monitoring.

Ride and Drive

The Bolt EUV drives really well, it is quiet inside, ride quality is great, the acceleration is pretty amazing, and the visibility is fantastic. Overall, this would make a great daily driver.

Charging

As I always warn people, make sure you have a Level 2 charger at your home.  Charging times using just a 110-outlet are slow (4 miles of range per hour).  The good news is that included in the price of the car is a Level 2 charger, including installation, which will give you 26 miles of range per each hour plugged in.   

Verdict

The Chevy Bolt EUV is impressive for the money. A year ago, it did not qualify for the $7500 Federal Tax Credit, so Chevy lowered the price by $6300.  Today, it does qualify, so you get the benefit of the lowered price AND the tax credit.

1. What I liked most:  Ride and drive and the amazing value proposition.
2. What I would change:  Power tailgate should be standard on the Premier.
3. MSRP:  $31,700 base price; as equipped: $37,885 with transportation.
4. Fuel Economy:  Rated at 125 MPGe City/104 MPGe Highway/115 MPGe combined.
   
5. Odometer reading when tested:  3,700 miles. 
6. Weight:  3,715 pounds.
7. Spare Tire: N/A.
8. Length-Width-Height: 170.0” long/70” wide/64” high.
9. Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A. Charging port on the left front fender.
10. Official Color:  Silver Flare Metallic.
11. Towing Capacity:  N/A.
12. 2023 Bolt EUV in a few words: Outstanding electric SUV and an incredible value with the Federal Tax Credit and a Level 2 Charger.
13. Warranty:  3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance;, AND 8-year/100,000 mile electric battery electric components.
14. Final Assembly Location:  Lake Orion, MI.
15. Manufacturer's website: Chevrolet