News: Chevrolet Introduces Updated Bolt EV & New Bolt EUV

Doubling EV Lineup While Waiting for Ultium Reinforcements

Business competition is often described as a game of inches, but I would argue that when it comes to EVs, the game is a bit more complex. A few inches here and there may be nice, but the game is won by creating a vehicle that is desired by consumers.

That is one way to judge Chevrolet’s introduction this week of the 2022 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV (for electric utility vehicle). The EV version retains the 2017 Bolt’s basic dimensions while the EUV stretches the wheelbase and overall length of the vehicle (approximately three inches and six inches, respectively) that shows up primarily in three extra inches of legroom in the rear seat. Chevrolet describes the EUV as “SUV-like,” which translates as “please view this as an SUV, not a wagon.” However, the profile of the two models is virtually identical as illustrated in photos below.

The execution may be questionable, but the direction is clear. Chevrolet is doubling its EV lineup and trying to push its product into the currently most popular segment—crossovers. In addition to upgrades in technology and styling, General Motors (GM) also dropped the entry-level price of Bolt EV by $5,000 to $31,995 (including destination charges and also covering installation of Level 2 home charging). We’ve liked the previous generation Bolts and one staffer even lived with one for three years, so all these changes are positive.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV will build on its four years on the market and more than 100,000 owners. In its introduction Chevrolet said the two new Bolts were responses to the requests of first-generation Bolt owners, adding a sunroof in the EUV, for instance. In spite of their crossover pretensions, the two models do not have an all-wheel drive option.      

The Charging Boost

Chevrolet knows one of the ongoing concerns of EV owners is charging, so it is investing broadly in ways of taking that concern out of owners’ minds. In addition to “covering standard installation of Level 2 charging capability,” the Bolts will have a new dual level charge cord that will allow these models to power up at up to the 11-kilowatt level.

The big plus for both Bolts is their DC fast-charging capability that has the potential to augment their 259-mile (Bolt EV) or 250-mile (Bolt EUV) ranges with the ability to add up to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes. GM offers Bolt owners access to EVgo’s public fast-charging network as well as the broader public charging network through the MyChevrolet app. Using the app allows owners to plan trips around available charging stations and pay through the click-to-charge feature.

The 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery system of the Bolts features Chevy’s active thermal management system, which uses coolant to maintain the battery at its ideal operating temperature. Chevrolet credits this as the enabler of the battery system’s eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

New Technology

The 2022 Bolt EUV is the first Chevrolet to offer GM’s sophisticated Super Cruise, which previously was only available on Cadillac models. Super Cruise is an adaptive cruise control system that allows hands-free driving in certain highway situations. It uses a driver attention system that monitors the driver and uses a light bar as well as audible alerts to prompt the driver to take over control of the system if it senses a lack of attention. Super Cruise has been rated as one of the top advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) currently available.

In addition to Super Cruise, the Bolts have a standard package of safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, a following distance indicator, IntelliBeam (automatic high-beam) and front pedestrian braking.

Optional ADAS technologies include rear cross traffic alert, HD Surround Vision (offering up to nine different views when backing up, including a top-down view) and adaptive cruise control. Standard connectivity technologies include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection capability, wireless phone charging and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

Bottom Line Numbers

Here’s the bottom line on the 2022 Bolt EV and EUV. The Bolt EV is priced from $31,995 and the EUV starts at $33,995 (both including destination freight charges). Both vehicles will go on sale this summer. A limited-edition Launch Edition of the Bolt EUV that includes Super Cruise, a sunroof and other unique features will be available for $43,495. It can be reserved at www.chevrolet.com. Like Tesla, GM has reached the threshold of 200,000 EV (and PHEV) sales, so not federal tax credits are available.

Both models feature a single-motor drive unit that delivers 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. One pedal driving with a new button to initiate it is featured.

Here are the dimensional differences between the EV and EUV:

Chevrolet is doubling its EV lineup, but really offering minimal choice since these two models are so similar. It should keep Bolt owners in the fold, which is important, given the expansion of available models in the EV world this year—from Ford, Volkswagen and others. The cavalry is coming in the form of Ultium models like the GMC Hummer EV pickup and Cadillac Lyriq crossover, but for now these two Chevys are the lead EVs from GM. If the game plan of offering more fully contented vehicles for less money works, it should give Chevrolet a good jump start on this year’s electric vehicle explosion.  

Story by Michael Coates; photos from Chevrolet.

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