“I believe that as of Summer 2018 the Bolt EV is the best overall value of EV's on the road. That will likely change in the next 12 months...but I needed the car now. I am totally satisfied with the Bolt...while still wishing it had active cruise control which my previous (BMW i3) did have.”
2018 Chevrolet Bolt: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is largely a carryover, with sliding front sun visors as its main update. Its two-trim lineup, 200-hp electric motor, 60-kWh battery, and EPA-estimated 238-mile range remain unchanged.
About the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt
1st generation Bolt EV (2017-2021), second model year, pre-refresh.
Chevrolet positioned the Bolt EV as a practical electric hatchback that gives shoppers real driving range without asking them to move into a large or expensive vehicle. Its core appeal is simple: quick electric response, enough range for daily driving and longer errands, a roomy cabin for its size, and hatchback cargo flexibility. Against rivals of the time, the Bolt stood out by pairing mainstream packaging with one of the strongest range figures in its price class.
The LT is the straightforward, value-focused version, with the full 238-mile EPA-estimated range, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premier keeps the same range and performance but adds leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree parking camera.
What changed, by category
Styling
Inside, Chevrolet added sliding front sun visors across both LT and Premier trims.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.6 cu-ft | 56.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 238 | 238 |
| MPGe Combined | 119 | 119 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Sliding front sun visors are the main change for the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The powertrain, battery, driving range, and LT and Premier trim structure carry over from 2017.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV a redesign?
No, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is not a redesign. It is the second model year of the first-generation Bolt EV and remains in its pre-refresh form.
Did the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV gain more driving range?
No, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV keeps the same EPA-estimated 238-mile range as the 2017 model. Its 60-kWh battery and 200-hp electric motor also carry over.
How do the 2018 Bolt EV LT and Premier differ?
The 2018 Bolt EV LT and Premier have the same electric powertrain and driving range, but the Premier adds more comfort and parking equipment. Its highlights include leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV substantially different from the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is not substantially different from the 2017 model. Sliding front sun visors are the notable update, while the trims, electric powertrain, battery, and EPA-estimated range remain the same.
2018 Chevrolet Bolt Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt.
4.3
2018 Chevrolet Bolt
(100 reviews)
“The Bolt is a fun, well- built vehicle and gets much- higher mileage than the advertised 236 miles per charge (we average closer to 300).”
“Smooth and easy to drive. Good performance. Great distance on a charge. Looks nice. Feels well built. Easy to own.”