In today’s automotive landscape, nearly every automaker has to adapt to electric technology to stay relevant. Consumers are concerned with the rising cost of fuel, and looking toward a more environmentally-conscious future. The selection of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has steadily grown across the market, with new models always arriving. Working hard to keep up with these demands, Chevrolet has done its part in designing electric powertrains that offer lots of value, technology, and excitement. It’s this dedication to keeping with the times that will help Chevy stay on top of its game.
With over 100 years in business, Chevrolet is no stranger to innovation. Learning of their contributions to the market is exciting, especially for long-term Chevy fans. If you haven’t explored their electric lineup yet, you’re in luck. I’ve taken a look at what EV models are currently offered for the 2023 lineup, and which ones are soon to be released, and compiled a short list of some of my favorites. If you happen to be in the market for a new vehicle, these are some economical choices that can save you money, in multiple ways. With this information in hand, you can head down to a Chevrolet dealer near you and drive home in a vehicle that will serve you well for many years.
Benefits of Driving a Chevrolet EV
Making the switch over to an all-electric vehicle can feel intimidating. From the dread of range anxiety to the unfamiliar territory of charging your vehicle, it can seem like a lot to learn at once. Chevrolet understands the apprehension some may feel towards fully leaving behind their gas-powered engine. However, once you’re able to get past the fears that arise when we enter new territory, you’ll find there are numerous benefits to owning and operating an all-electric vehicle. Some may be obvious, while others are a pleasant surprise.
Driving an electric vehicle saves you from paying for gas, and it can also save you on maintenance costs. Since electric motors have far fewer parts than their gas-powered counterparts, they never require things like oil changes, new spark plugs, or fuel filters. It has also been proven that regenerative braking that comes with an EV will help extend the lifespan of your brake pads. While it does cost money to charge your EV, it’s often about half the price of using gasoline. You’ll feel great about the savings and the zero emissions, all at the same time.
Beyond these practical considerations, Chevrolet’s electric models are simply fun to drive. They offer speedy acceleration and peak torque that’s delivered instantaneously. Since the battery on EV models is positioned in the center of the chassis, it lowers the center of gravity on the vehicle to give you superior handling and excellent cornering. The low center of gravity also helps with weight distribution and reduces the risk of rollovers for SUVs and similar models. Now let’s take a look at some of Chevy’s exciting offerings.
The Bolt EV
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV starts under $30,000, making it one of the most affordable EV options on the market. It’s offered in two trim levels: the base 1LT and the higher-end 2LT. It’s a great introductory vehicle for those new to the all-electric driving experience. The Bolt EV is equipped with a 65-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, earning it an estimated 259 miles of range from a full charge. Charging the Bolt EV is simple. It’s adaptable to your average household 120-volt outlet for a full charge in about seven hours. However, you can have a 240-volt charger installed to cut that time down to approximately four hours. When you’re out and about in your Bolt EV, you can pull up to any DC Fast Charging port and add 100 miles of range to your vehicle in about 30 minutes of charging.
The Bolt EUV
Chevrolet’s Bolt EUV is the larger sibling to the Bolt EV. It’s a subcompact SUV that takes many of the hatchback’s great qualities and builds onto them. The 2023 Bolt EUV is equipped with a 200-hp motor connected to a 65.0-kWh battery pack. It comes in front-wheel drive and is eligible for pairing with the Super Cruise hands-free driving feature. The SUV doesn’t sacrifice any range capability: it gets an estimated 247 miles from a full charge. The charging capabilities are also similar, with 30 minutes at a DC Fast Charging station delivering up to 95 miles of range.
Available in two trim levels, the Bolt EUV features many of the desired qualities sought out by SUV drivers. The higher-end Premier trim adds leather upholstery, power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, and additional driver assistance features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist. If you like the style and performance of the Bolt EV, but you prefer a crossover design, then the Bolt EUV is a perfect choice.
The First-Ever Silverado EV
Truck drivers rejoice! Later this year, Chevy is releasing the first Silverado EV, a landmark evolution for one of the brand’s most popular models. This pickup has all the qualities you love in the Silverado like power, capability, and off-road features, combined with incredible electric performance. If you’re looking for an EV that can handle the demands of a working vehicle, the Silverado EV can tow up to 10,000 lbs and up to 1,300 lbs of payload. The Silverado EV is debuting with a mindblowing powertrain. Not only does it offer an impressive estimated 400 miles of range, but it also operates with a pair of motors that can deliver a hair-raising 754 hp and 785 lb-ft of torque. That gives it a 0-60 mph time of only 4.5 seconds. The RST and WT trim levels offer DC Fast Charging capabilities of up to 350-kWh which means adding approximately 100 miles of range in only 10 minutes.
The appeal of the Silverado EV continues to be recognized in its spacious interior. So far, it will be offered exclusively in Crew Cab configurations with tons of legroom for second-row passengers. Chevy’s advanced Infotainment system is easy to use thanks to an available 17-inch display with Google integration. Plus, it has Chevy’s user-friendly Multi-Flex Tailgate that lets you operate it easily from a variety of positions.
The Upcoming Equinox EV
Another contender for your choice of Chevrolet all-electric SUV is the Equinox EV, releasing later this year. It’s priced close to the Bolt EUV but offers the familiarity of the long-running Equinox models. For Chevy, the Equinox is their second best-selling model behind the Silverado. Naturally, this makes it prime for converting into an EV. It’s affordable, safe, and full of the best technology Chevrolet has to offer.
The Equinox EV will come with standard front-wheel drive and a motor that delivers 210 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. However, opting for the electric All-Wheel Drive (eAWD) system will get you 290 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. Like Chevy’s other EV models, it’s designed with regenerative braking that converts kinetic energy back into electricity to extend the charge of its battery pack, and Chevy expects the Equinox EV to have up to 300 miles of range from a full charge.
Ease Your Way Into the EV Revolution
Chevrolet’s wide array of available EV models makes it easier than ever to picture yourself behind the wheel of one. Chevrolet keeps a close eye on the needs of their customers, which is why they’re hyper-focused on creating a lineup of all-electric trucks and SUVs that will get people to make the switch. You might not have realized just how easy it has become to own and operate an EV. However, Chevrolet is doing the heavy lifting to make the all-electric future a reality. They make it easy to charge at home or in public and have helpful tools like the MyChevy app that can find charging stations in your area for you. Best of all, the affordable price points of their EVs are opening the doors to more customers than ever before, creating the perfect situation to try one of these vehicles out and experience it for yourself.
