“It is the best EV for the money. It lacks some refinements like power seats and automatic trunk opener, but for the price they can be overlooked. It is nice to drive, has good safety features, and is economical.”
Chevrolet Bolt: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Chevrolet Bolt is a compact, front-wheel-drive electric hatchback known for useful driving range, a city-friendly footprint, and practical everyday space. From 2022 through 2023, the roomier Bolt EUV expanded the family with a more crossover-like shape.
The Bolt has always focused on making long-range electric driving approachable rather than luxurious or sporty. It launched for 2017 with an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range, then reached 259 miles for 2020. A 2022 update brought a redesigned cabin, quicker home-charging capability, standard fast-charging hardware, and the roomier Bolt EUV. Production of that original Bolt family ended after 2023, while a new generation is identified for 2027.
Strengths
- Its small outside dimensions make it easy to use around town, while the hatchback layout keeps it practical for everyday cargo.
- Driving range has been useful from the start, rising from an EPA-estimated 238 miles at launch to 259 miles for 2020.
- The 2027 Bolt is rated for 262 miles of electric range.
- The 2022 update added standard fast-charging hardware and a stronger onboard charger for more convenient charging.
- Recent original-generation models have a large, familiar touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- The 2022-2023 Bolt EUV gives rear passengers more room without moving to a much larger EV.
Who it's for
The Bolt suits commuters, city dwellers, and small households that want an EV with useful range but do not need a large vehicle. The smaller Bolt EV is especially easy to place in tight streets and parking spaces, while the 2022-2023 Bolt EUV better fits buyers who regularly carry adults in back. It makes the most sense for someone who values low-key practicality and familiar technology over luxury or performance theater.
Chevrolet Bolt lineup
For most early Bolt EV years, LT was the straightforward core trim and Premier added a more upscale experience without changing the basic electric powertrain. After the 2022 refresh, the Bolt EV used 1LT and 2LT names for the same basic-versus-upscale progression. In 2022 and 2023, pick the smaller Bolt EV for easier city use or the longer Bolt EUV for more rear-seat room and a crossover-like shape; higher EUV trims were also associated with hands-free highway driving. The 2027 generation uses LT and RS trim names, but their equipment differences are not established by the provided model history.
Chevrolet Bolt generations
From 2017 to 2023, the Bolt spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2017.
1st Generation (2017–2023)
The Bolt launched as a compact electric hatchback with front-wheel drive and 238 miles of EPA-estimated range. Range increased to 259 miles for 2020, while a major 2022 update brought new styling and a redesigned cabin and added the roomier Bolt EUV alongside the Bolt EV.
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2023
Final model year for the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, with no meaningful hardware or feature changes.
2022New generation
The Bolt EV received new styling, a redesigned cabin, faster onboard charging, standard DC fast charging, and a standard safety suite. The new, longer Bolt EUV joined the lineup.
2021
A carryover year and the last model year with the original Bolt EV styling and LT and Premier trim names.
2020
Battery capacity increased to 66 kWh, raising EPA-estimated range from 238 to 259 miles.
2019
Styling, cabin design, powertrain, and the 238-mile EPA-estimated range carried over.
2018
Mostly carried over from launch, with sliding front sun visors as the main update.
2017New generation
The Bolt debuted as an electric hatchback with a 60-kWh battery, a 200-hp motor, and 238 miles of EPA-estimated range.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Chevrolet Bolt.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Bolt fully electric or a hybrid?
The Chevrolet Bolt is fully electric, not a hybrid. The original Bolt EV and Bolt EUV use a single electric motor and have no gasoline engine.
What’s the difference between the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV?
The Bolt EV is the smaller, city-friendly hatchback. The 2022–2023 Bolt EUV has a longer wheelbase, more rear-seat room, and a more crossover-like shape, but it uses the same basic 200-hp electric drive.
What is the Chevrolet Bolt known for?
The Bolt is known for fitting useful electric range, five-door hatchback flexibility, and familiar touchscreen features into a compact footprint. Its focus is practical everyday travel rather than luxury or high-performance driving.
How much electric range does a used Chevrolet Bolt have?
Original-generation range depends on the version. Bolt EV models began with an EPA estimate of 238 miles, while 2020–2023 Bolt EVs reached 259 miles. The roomier 2022–2023 Bolt EUV is rated at 247 miles.
Does the Chevrolet Bolt have all-wheel drive?
No. The original 2017–2023 Bolt EV and 2022–2023 Bolt EUV use front-wheel drive. There was no all-wheel-drive version in those lineups.
Is the Chevrolet Bolt practical for a small family?
Yes, especially the Bolt EUV. Both versions have a compact footprint and hatchback-style access, while the EUV adds extra rear-seat legroom for passengers. The smaller Bolt EV is easier to place in tight urban spaces.
How did the Chevrolet Bolt lineup evolve across generations?
The original Bolt EV launched for 2017, gained more range for 2020, and received a major cabin and styling refresh for 2022. The larger Bolt EUV joined for 2022. Production of both ended after 2023, and a new Bolt generation begins with the 2027 model.
Chevrolet Bolt Reviews
What owners are saying about the Chevrolet Bolt.
4.4
Chevrolet Bolt
(2,251 reviews)
“Put more thought into regular long distance trips and the availability of charging stations. Look into the drop in range during cold weather before you purchase. Very fun to drive.”
“Love the acceleration, range, price, and cost of ownership (zero maintenance or any other costs other than tire rotations and cabin air filter changes).”
“The Chevy Bolt is a fully electric car that handles great, is fun to drive, looks good, has excellent range, is affordable, and is good for the environment. What's not to like?”
“love the Chevy Bolt EUV. it's a great car. I have one grip and that is the "shifting" interface. They should use a system like the Leaf uses on the 2016 model. That is perfect. Or move it to the steering wheel.”
“No more Gas purchasing. No more oil changes. No more transmission service. Almost no maintenance.”
Sources
- media.chevrolet.com — BoltEV / 2023 / 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 062422
- media.chevrolet.com — BoltEUV / 2023 / 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 062422
- media.chevrolet.com — BoltEV / 2022 / 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
- media.gm.com — BoltEUV / 2022 / 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
- news.gm.com — 2023 / Jul / 0725 Chevrolet
- news.chevrolet.com — 2025 / Oct / 1009 2027 Chevrolet Bolt
- news.chevrolet.com — 2021 / Feb / 0214 Boltev Bolteuv Specifications
- media.chevrolet.com — BoltEUV / 2022 / 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2016 / MC 10138000 9999
- contentdelivery.ext.gm.com — Active / Quick Reference Manuals Browse / GTK 2017 BoltEV 84089171 A