These days, it seems like every automaker is hopping on the battery electric vehicle (BEV) bandwagon, and you would probably not be shocked to learn that General Motors is riding on it, too. But, the thing that is liable to give you a jolt is when you learn that the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV is actually less expensive than any other BEV on the marketplace. That’s right; GM’s Chevrolet division has made it easier for drivers like you to join the electric revolution, pricing the 2023 Bolt EV 1LT at a shocking MSRP of only $26,595. If that just gave you a zap, it might be because that is actually $5,900 less than you’d have paid for a 2022 Chevy Bolt EV.
In addition, this price drop applies to the 2LT model of the 2023 Bolt EV, which now has an MSRP of only $29,795. At a time of rising gas prices and car prices, Chevy has made it easier to afford a BEV that will save you money by not having to fill up at the pump. Instead, you can charge your 2023 Bolt EV at any supercharger across North America or with ease at your own home.
Powering the Electric Revolution
Chevy was one of the first automakers to begin producing a commercially viable electric vehicle, the Volt. The Volt was soon replaced by the Bolt EV in 2017, which has taken its place as one of the most innovative BEVs, using a subcompact hatchback design to provide drivers with a vehicle that is affordable, reliable, efficient, and fun to drive.
The 2023 Bolt EV utilizes a permanent magnetic drive synchronous AC motor to power the front axle of the vehicle. This has been rated to deliver 200 horsepower at 4,750 RPM and 266 lb-ft of torque instantaneously. This gives the Bolt EV a final drive ratio of 7.05:1, which is usually seen on performance vehicles, not BEV hatchbacks. A liquid-cooled 65 kWh lithium-ion battery provides the energy for this single motor, giving the 2023 Bolt EV an EPA estimated driving range of 259 miles on a full charge.
Many folks are reluctant to buy a BEV, stating that they are just glorified golf carts. In fact, the full torque this motor delivers when you put your Bolt EV in gear gives it an incredibly impressive acceleration, going 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 93 miles per hour. The 2023 Bolt EV can even charge through the quarter mile in a lightning fast 15.2 seconds at 92 miles per hour.
When you go out on long rides, you are going to want to utilize the One Pedal Driving feature. The Bolt EV has an Intuitive Electronic Precision Shift that allows you to engage One Pedal Driving. This allows you to speed up or slow your Bolt EV down simply by raising or lowering your foot on the accelerator. You can even come to a full stop simply by removing your foot off the Bolt EV’s accelerator, saving wear and tear on the brakes.
Keeping Your 2023 Bolt EV Juiced
With a range of 259 miles, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV has more than enough power to get you around on your daily commute. However, many folks wonder what happens when you need to take your Bolt EV on a long road trip. Each Bolt EV features a standard 11.5 kW onboard charging module. This allows you to get all the juice you need for your Bolt EV from any public DC Fast Charging station. You can get up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes of charging, so you can get where you are going faster and with no worries.
Chevy also offers an available dual-level charge cord that is both 120V and 240V capable, with changeable plugs and an SAE J1772 vehicle connection. If you choose to charge at 120V, you will get about 4 miles of range for each hour of charging. The 240V connection is more efficient, charging 39 miles per hour, with a full charge in about 7 hours.
Like most BEVs, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV utilizes regenerative energy recapture. This allows a portion of the kinetic energy released every time you step on the brake pedal to be recaptured by the battery and stored for future use. The Bolt EV has a Regen on Demand switch located on the steering wheel. Just pull on the paddle, and your Bolt EV will begin recapturing energy to recharge its lithium-ion battery. This feature is especially useful when you are doing local or city driving.
Two Current Bolt EV Trims to Keep You Wired
Chevy offers the 2023 Bolt EV in two trims. Both have the same powertrain and design, with almost 94 cubic feet of passenger space and plenty of room for your stuff, with up to 57 cubic feet with the rear row of seats folded down. However, there are a number of differences between the 1LT and 2LT.
Both models come with the standard Chevy Safety Assist package of advanced driver assistance technologies. This includes Automatic Emergency Braking, which engages the brakes if an imminent crash is detected, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning to prevent your Bolt EV from drifting into another lane if you get distracted. The 2LT adds a number of additional standard safety features that are available as optional equipment on the 1LT.
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert will let you know if there is a vehicle riding in your Bolt EV’s blind spot when you go to change lanes. Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist will make it safer and easier for you to back your Bolt EV into or out of a parking space, warning you if there is a pedestrian or another vehicle in your path. Finally, the 2LT replaces the standard HD Rear Vision Camera on the 1LT with HD Surround Vision, giving you a full panoramic 360-degree view behind your Bolt EV.
The other differences between the 1LT and 2LT have to do with interior passenger features. The 1LT features comfortable cloth seats that are very easy to keep clean. The 2LT upgrades these to perforated leather seats that are heated, together with a heated steering wheel that will come in handy on cold morning drives.
Whichever trim you choose for the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV, you are sure to get a charge out of the standard Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system with a 10.2-inch diagonal color touchscreen. This gives you real-time vehicle information so you can know all you need to if you are driving across the country or simply heading out to the local supermarket. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility will help keep you and your passengers connected.
The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV Is Ready to Strike
Chevrolet helped spark the move to electric vehicles in 2011 with the Chevy Volt. The 2023 Bolt EV has taken that innovation to the next level, making BEVs something that all drivers can afford. This is important since many middle-class and working-class people are getting hit hard by rising gas prices and can really use the savings that a BEV like the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV provides. Rather than filling up with gas every week, a Bolt EV driver just has to plug the vehicle in and charge it up. This provides commuters freedom from a key component of inflation and the ability to save more of their paychecks. It also delivers a vehicle with standard advanced safety features, exceptional performance, and a very comfortable interior. Chevy has made BEVs affordable for all commuters, and that may be the most revolutionary thing yet in the recent history of electric-powered vehicles.
