The most affordable electric vehicle has a surprisingly impressive driving range. Is it worth getting?
The cheapest electric vehicle on the market is going to be discontinued. Chevrolet’s Bolt EV is easily one of the most controversial vehicles in recent memory. The electric hatchback was a hit with consumers until its reputation went up in flames. Still, some consumers want the EV to stick around. How far is the Chevy Bolt EV’s driving range?
Chevy Bolt EV: Range
Chevy’s 2023 Bolt EV small electric hatchback has an estimated 259 miles of range. That’s incredible for any electric vehicle. The issue with the Bolt EV is its reliability. Chevrolet’s electric vehicle is the subject of one of the largest mass recalls in recent history.
General Motors recalled Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models due to battery fires. Electric vehicle battery fires are becoming a common issue across a wide variety of brands. Battery electric vehicles can overheat and become engulfed in flames because of their unique powertrain systems.
Chevrolet gave the Bolt EV a major update and a price cut but ultimately decided to kill the nameplate at the end of the year, with its reputation severely damaged. Despite its more affordable price and new design, some consumers can’t shake the feeling that it’s unreliable. It’s become associated with too much controversy to succeed. That being said, the Bolt EV’s specs aren’t indicative of a vehicle destined for the great junkyard in the sky.
Chevy Bolt EV: Price and Specs
Chevrolet’s Bolt EV starts at $26,500. It makes 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Chevy’s electric vehicle offers an excellent driving range for its price. It’s the most affordable electric vehicle on the market, and it has more range than most drivers with access to charging stations need.
Bolt EV models qualify for the federal electric vehicle tax credit, making the EV even more affordable. After the $7,500 incentive, the Bolt EV starts at around $19,000. It comes with heated power outside mirrors and a tire pressure monitoring system. As a result, the Bolt EV provides incredible value for the money. It also has a surprisingly roomy cabin and great visibility.
Should you get the cheapest EV?
Chevy’s Bolt EV is a great electric vehicle on paper. The big issue with the Bolt EV is that the affordable electric vehicle has a history of unreliability. Range anxiety is one thing. Expecting your vehicle to spontaneously combust is another thing entirely.
If the Bolt EV were more reliable, it’d easily be one of the best entry-level electric vehicles on the market. Chevy had a hit on its hands. Unfortunately, the nameplate’s reputation was too damaged to recover from the battery fire debacle.
The range and price of the cheapest EV on the market make it a good deal. That being said, its recalls will cause some consumers to steer clear of the electric hatchback before its discontinuation. Does Chevy have a new electric vehicle in the works that could take the place of the Bolt EV?