Chevrolet turned heads in the electric car market with the debut of the Chevrolet Bolt in 2017. The five-door electric subcompact hatchback earned high praise for its affordability and performance. It was named the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the 2017 North American Car of the Year, and was included as part of Time Magazine’s Best 25 Inventions of 2016. Fast forward three years, and Chevrolet continues to make improvements to the Bolt with all eyes on the latest model—the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. But just how will the model compare to previous and future models? Let’s compare the past, present, and future models of the 2020 and 2021 Bolt EV as well as the future Bolt EUV to help you make the best buying decision.
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the latest model you’ll find at your local Chevrolet dealership and continues to impress with its 259-mile range on a fully charged battery. This is a notable improvement over earlier models and means that most drivers can go several days before having to charge the Bolt. Beyond this update, the 2020 models also offer new exterior colors as well as upgrade options like a Rear Vision Camera and a Surround Vision Camera.
For an electric vehicle, the 2020 Bolt is reasonably priced with the LT option starting at an MSRP of $36,620, and the Premier priced at $41,020. The LT base model features remote keyless entry, all-season Michelin tires, a 10.2-in color touchscreen, and an HD Rear Vision Camera. The Premier adds to these features with heated seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, HD Surround Vision Camera, and enhanced safety features like Lane Change Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert.
Like the earlier models, the Bolt offers seating for five and includes the same Electronic Precision Shift system and 66-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a fast-charging system that fully charges the battery in 30 minutes. The Bolt also reflects Chevrolet’s commitment to offering the latest in technology and safety. The Chevrolet Infotainment System is a standard feature with the models also offering an available Wi-Fi hotspot, KeyPass smartphone entry and start operation, and an optional Bose premium speaker system.
One of the most notable safety features is Chevrolet’s Teen Driver technology, which comes standard on all models. This technology disables distractions from the infotainment system and radio until the driver’s seatbelt is buckled. Limits can be set for speed, and certain vehicle features will not be able to be changed. It also provides a detailed driving report to improve driving habits for new drivers.
Beyond the Teen Driver feature, Chevrolet offers two safety suites that earned the Bolt the NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for Safety. The Driver Confidence Package is standard on the Premier and includes Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist. For drivers looking for an enhanced safety suite, the Driver Confidence II Package is available. This package includes IntelliBeam headlamps, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Front Pedestrian Braking.
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
All eyes were on Chevrolet in early 2020 when the manufacturer revealed plans to redesign the Bolt for 2021. Overall, the Bolt’s exterior received few upgrades beyond minor modifications to the front fascia and rear lights, as well as the exchange of the gold Chevrolet bowtie for a black emblem. The 2021 model also boasts more cameras, which was a required update since the model will offer Adaptive Cruise Control as part of its safety suite.
The biggest modifications to the 2021 model are found in the interior with many experts agreeing the seats will see a much-needed update and redesign. Previous models were uncomfortable on longer rides, but that isn’t the case for the 2021 model, thanks to its softer material, premium stitching, power seating, and lumbar support. Other interior upgrades include an updated dashboard and steering wheel as well as the exchange of the center shifter for an RND button that gives a more streamlined and modern look.
The 2021 Bolt also sees a few technology improvements with the addition of the more powerful USB-C ports used to charge tablets and laptops in addition to the standard USB ports that power smartphones. The vehicle also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Chevrolet added a wireless charging station to enhance the Bolt’s connectivity by automatically syncing the phone to the vehicle.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
The biggest news from Chevrolet is the announcement of a new addition to the Bolt EV lineup with the highly anticipated debut of the Chevrolet Bolt EUV or “Electric Utility Vehicle.” Already known as the Bolt’s bigger sibling, the EUV is one of the most talked-about vehicles to hit the road. For now, Chevrolet has only released a silhouette of the new EUV with teasers about the SUV’s role in changing the electric car market by offering seating for five in its crossover design.
As far as specs, the EUV will most likely feature the same powertrain as the EV but will have a few enhanced features. One of those features is Super Cruise, which is a hands-free steering system that GM first introduced on the Cadillac CT6 in 2017. Super Cruise utilizes the latest technology to automatically control the vehicle’s speed and steering. The feature made a huge impact on the Cadillac lineup and will soon move over to the Chevrolet lineup.
Apart from these details, the EUV remains a mystery as Chevrolet continues to modify and finalize the design. For now, drivers can expect the EUV to cost somewhere in the mid-$30,000 range. As for its arrival, Chevrolet promises that the EUV will arrive sometime in 2021.
Going All-Electric: The Chevrolet Guarantee
For drivers looking for a more environmentally friendly option than a gas-powered car, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a solid and reliable choice. The Bolt EV offers the latest technology, from its power and performance to its connectivity features and safety suite. It’s also affordably priced, especially when you consider the federal tax credits that allow drivers to earn as much as $7,000 back on eligible electric vehicles. This brings the total cost of the car down significantly!
The Bolt EV is also an attractive option because of Chevrolet’s reputation and guarantee. With the Bolt designed for everything from your daily commute to your next adventure, Chevrolet gives drivers further peace of mind by offering several warranties. The Bolt comes with a standard 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty as well as an electric warranty that covers certain components of the vehicle for 8 years or 100,000 miles. This type of coverage reveals Chevrolet’s commitment to delivering best-in-class service and reliability.
The introduction of the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is another reflection of Chevrolet’s dedication to constantly improving upon their design with the new SUV igniting the rumor mill over its design and features. For now, drivers are left to enjoy the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV and all that the latest model has to offer. And if you ask us, its features and capability are plentiful.
