What's New
Improvements to the battery enable the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV to travel 21 miles further than the 2019 model, bringing its all-electric range to 259 miles, according to the EPA.
The rearview camera and available surround-view camera system have both been upgraded with high-definition cameras, while two new exterior colors join the lineup.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt EV is available in two trim levels: LT and Premier. Pricing starts at $37,495 including destination for the LT and climbs to $41,895 for the Premier.
Engine Choices
The Bolt EV is powered by a single electric motor, fed by a revised 66-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It generates 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, while a One Pedal Driving mode renders the brake pedal redundant by transforming kinetic energy into additional battery power. Front-wheel drive is standard.
The Bolt EV has an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles on a full charge. Every Bolt EV offers programmable vehicle charging, which can be preset to replenish the battery overnight or while utility rates are cheap.
DC fast charging capability is available for $750, which Chevy says allows the battery to be charged up to 100 miles of range in a half hour.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Chevy Bolt EV is a small wagon with seating for five. The trunk offers 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, but that expands to an impressive 56.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
Premier models also have a false cargo floor, creating a flat load area when the rear seats are dropped.
Safety Features
The Bolt EV doesn't come standard with any active safety features, which is disappointing in this day and age.
Thankfully, the Premier trim comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, and rear parking sensors as standard. These features are available through the $495 Driver Confidence Package on the LT.
The $495 Driver Confidence II Package, which is available on both trims, further adds automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator.
Connectivity
The Bolt EV comes standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wi-fi hot spot capability, and two USB ports.
The Premier trim offers the Infotainment Package ($595), which bundles two rear USB ports, wireless charging, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system.
Even the base Bolt EV LT is impressively equipped, with keyless entry, push button start, remote start, automatic climate control, a six-speaker audio system, an 8-inch driver information display, and a leather-trimmed shift knob on the list of standard features.
Outside, there are 17-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, HID headlights, LED taillights and daytime running lights, and a gloss black grille.
For $555, the Comfort and Convenience Package adds heated front seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The hefty $4,400 price hike to the Premier trim is partly due to the aforementioned standard safety features, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats.
Premier models are distinguished externally by chrome detailing, roof-mounted side rails, side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and 17-inch machined aluminum wheels.
It’s hard to justify buying a 2020 Chevy Bolt EV Premier when LT models are mechanically identical and over $4,000 cheaper. However, given their low price, we’d recommend adding one or both of the Driver Confidence packs to enhance its safety roster.