All-New More Contemporary Bolt
Chevrolet is keen on keeping its passionate Bolt owners loyal to the brand and car. Chevy’s plan is to nurture the current owners by getting them to step up to the all-new 2022 Bolt EUV, which is Chevrolet speak for Electric Utility Vehicle. The all-new 2022 Bolt EUV and an updated 2022 Bolt EV will be sold side-by-side in Chevrolet dealerships, offering consumers a choice of all-electric vehicles that offer subtle differences.
Clean Fleet Report recently had the chance to get some seat time in the 2022 Bolt EUV. Driving throughout some of the most congested parts of Los Angeles, we wound our way from Marina Del Rey to Burbank, and back, hitting five freeways in the process. This was the perfect test for the Bolt EUV as it will be mostly used for commuting.
Performance-wise, the 2022 Bolt EUV and the Bolt EV have the same Lithium-ion 65 kWh battery, and a single motor that produces 200 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque. The range on the Bolt EUV is estimated to be 250 miles, which is a bit less than the 259 for the Bolt EV. The difference is the Bolt EUV weighs 90 pounds more than the Bolt EV, is six inches longer and just a smidgen taller and wider. The nine fewer miles of range is not an issue, as road conditions and driving style can make up any difference quickly.
Driving Experience: On the Road
Powered by a 150 kW electric motor that drives the front wheels, the Bolt EUV zips around with great fun. In a couple of non-scientific 0-to-60 runs we pulled about 7.0 seconds and, on an open section of freeway, we hit 80 miles per hour with ease. If driving an electric car is new to you then the instant torque, at any speed, will be an eye opener.
The batteries located under the seats made for a sure-footed driving experience that truly shines in city maneuvers and around tight corners. Considering it comes with all-season 215/50 Michelin Energy Saver 17-inch tires that are designed for low rolling-resistance and not performance, the Bolt EUV has respectable handling. The electric power steering was not too light, and body roll, even when pushed above recommended corner speed limits, was predictable and minor. 65+ mph freeway cruising was solid and confident.
Recharging the batteries when driving is through regenerative braking. This is when applying the brakes or coasting kinetic energy is converted into electric energy and then stored in the battery. For even more efficiency, the Bolt EUV has one pedal driving, where the car is slowed or even brought to a complete stop by the motor. Using a paddle located behind the left side of the steering wheel, the technique of one pedal driving lends itself to getting the most electricity from regenerative braking, as fingertips slowing the motor are far more sensitive than a foot tromping on the brake pedal. New on the 2022 Bolt EUV is a one-pedal driving button that keeps the system active between drive cycles.
New on both Bolt models is Super Cruise, which is a hands-free semi-autonomous driver assistance system. To set Super Cruise, a camera, located on the top of the steering column, follows the driver’s eyes to confirm attentive driving. After setting the adaptive cruise control, Super Cruise can be activated. The result of both systems is a driver can release their hands from the steering wheel and feet from the pedals, and the Bolt EUV and Bolt EV will find the lane center, including around turns and corners. I used it at freeway speeds and found it to work as designed, but there is a trust factor and learning curve. Just like the first time using automatic emergency braking, Super Cruise can take some getting used to. For long road trips its benefits are obvious.
Plug-In Charging
In addition to the regenerative braking system, the 65 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery pack, comprised of 288 individual cells, is charged by the standard 7.2 kW onboard charger accessed through a dual-level charge cord. Approximate charge times are:
- 240V (Level 2) Seven hours for a full charge from empty
- 480V DC Fast Charging 95 miles in 30 minutes/2.75 hours for a full charge from empty
Chevrolet is also making charging more convenient with a new dual-level charge cord, which should eliminate the need to purchase a separate home charger. The cord has a changeable plug that allows owners to plug into a standard 120-volt three-prong outlet for Level 1 charging, and a 240-volt outlet for Level 2 charging up to 7.2 kilowatts.
The new dual-level charge cord is standard with the Bolt EUV and is available for Bolt EV. For maximum charging speed, both vehicles are now capable of 11 kW Level 2 charging.
Chevrolet will also cover standard installation of Level 2 charge capability for customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV. This will give owners access to faster charging at home.
New Designs
The 2022 Bolt EUV and Bolt EV are nearly identical in their design. The minor exterior details are: the Bolt EUV is six inches longer and has a different front grille and lower fascia than the updated Bolt EV. But the sameness in their look does not take away the fact they are much better looking than the first generation Bolt.
The Bolt EUV is getting closer to looking like a crossover, but the added three inches of rear leg room don’t add-up to more net interior space, as cargo storage, rear shoulder room and headroom are all the same or reduced. These are quibbling points for a vehicle that may be completely replaced in a couple years, as General Motors has announced they will release “30 new EVs by 2025.” Until then, the Bolt EUV and Bolt EV now look more contemporary and will get good neighbor comments when parked in your driveway.
Where Chevrolet’s designers have made upgrades on both Bolt models is the interior. Improvements include a new 8.0-inch instrument panel, a 10.2-inch color touch screen, new seat designs, and a noticeable upgrade of the materials found throughout the cabin. All-new on the Bolt EUV is a panoramic power sunroof, a nice addition when cruising silently on the open road.
Safety and Pricing
The 2022 Bolt has passive and active safety systems as part of the standard Chevy Safety Assist technology. These advanced driver safety assistance systems (ADAS) include lane change and blind spot alert, rear park assist with cross traffic alert, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking and front pedestrian braking.
There are two 2022 Bolt models, with these base prices including the destination charge.
- Bolt EV $31,995
- Bolt EUV $33,995
- Bolt EUV Launch Edition $43,495
The Bolt EUV and Bolt EV no longer qualify for federal tax credits, but will qualify for credits in some states. Both models are eligible for HOV stickers where available.
Observations: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Bolt EV
First introduced as a 2017 model, more than 100,000 Bolt EVs have been sold worldwide. This reinforces Chevrolet saying owning a Bolt is “every reason to drive electric.” The Bolt EUV and Bolt EV are affordable, long-range electric vehicles that give consumers choices. At attractive entry prices, for vehicles with proven technology, Clean Fleet Report feels they have hit their goal offering an electric vehicle for everyone.
Most auto manufacturers have announced plans to electrifying their line-up, with many, such as General Motors, being released by 2025. In a few short years it will be nearly impossible to find a mainstream manufacturer that does not have a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, EV or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Getting a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV will set you up for that next generation of electrified cars that will most likely cost under $40,000 and get 400+ miles on a charge. It is an exciting time to be an electric car buyer.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Chevrolet.
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Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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