Road Test: 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier

Revisiting the GM’s Electric Leader

Two years ago when I reviewed the all-new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt for Clean Fleet Report, I was impressed with it–the first mainstream (i.e., affordable) electric car with a 238-mile driving range. Since then, significant changes have been made in the areas of advanced driver safety technology. Then the big news came in August 2019, announcing the 2020 Bolt will come with a 259-mile driving range. This range takes the Bolt into a class of battery electric vehicles (BEV) that cost thousands more and ups the ante with growing competition in the 200+ range category.

The updates to the 2019 Bolt EV rank it with the safest electric vehicles on the market. The performance, comfort and efficiency remain the same, making it a serious go-to car for anyone interested in reducing their fuel consumption, not spending any time at a gas station and, of course, having a zero gasoline bill. Those dollars not being spent on gasoline, as well as the upkeep and maintenance on an internal combustion engine (ICE), go directly against the lease price of the Bolt.

What’s New

From new in 2017 to now in 2019, these are the Bolt updates.

• The Driver Confidence II Package is now available on the LT model. The package includes:

– Forward Collision Alert

– Front Pedestrian Braking

– Following Distance Indicator

– Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking

-Lane Keep Assist

-Lane Departure Warning

• Improved suspension for better handling and road stability
• New seats for better comfort
• New colors: Green Mist Metallic; Shock; Slate Gray Metallic
• Tire Fill Alert

• Pricing: MSRP
• $37,495 for the LT (Same base price as 2017)
• $40,905 for the Premier ($875 less than 2017)
• All prices are before Federal and State incentives
• Prices do not include options, or the $875 destination charge

The question is, why buy a 2019 Bolt over a pre-owned 2017 or 2018 Bolt? Easy: safety. Not enough can be said about the newest cars having as standard, or as part of an option package, advanced driver safety systems. Those systems cited above make buying a 2019 Bolt your only consideration if safety is a paramount concern for your family and you.

Two of my Clean Fleet Report compatriots recently reviewed the 2019 Bolt EV (and here) and one of our staff has driven his own 2017 for more than two years, so you can see that we found it could easily become your everyday car. If you don’t think so, visit your local Chevrolet dealer and speak with a factory trained electric vehicle expert who will explain the technology and how you will never buy a drop of gasoline ever again.

What I said two years ago applies even more to the 2019 Bolt and some of its worthy competitors. There’s not real reason to delay jumping into the electric pool.

All major auto manufacturers have been announcing plans for electrifying their models, with an impressive number being released before the year 2025. In eight 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. So getting a Bolt EV now will set you up for that next generation of electrified cars that will cost around $35,000 but go 400+ miles on a charge. It is an exciting time to be a car buyer.

Whatever you buy, Happy Driving!

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Related Stories You Might Enjoy—More Bolt News & History

Road Test: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

News: 2020 Chevrolet Bolt To Get 259 Miles of Range

Road Test: 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV (Gary’s view)

Road Test: 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV (Gail’s view)

Personal: My Two Years with My Chevrolet Bolt EV