2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

While the Chevrolet Bolt received a thorough refresh last year, this year's model has a few smaller, but very important differences. It boasts a higher starting price, gets a new red paint finish, and can be upgraded with an illuminated charge port. It’s still one of the best entry-level EVs on the market though, thanks to its generous range and peppy powerplant. The Bolt EV also has useful features including a one-pedal driving mode, allowing you to perform both braking and throttle with one pedal. There’s also a regen-on-demand paddle on the steering wheel, which immediately triggers regenerative braking to recapture any energy lost while coasting.

Performance

What makes the Bolt so attractive is the 417 km of range from its 65-kWh battery. However, recharging this EV isn’t as quick as other vehicles as the Bolt only supports DC Fast Chargers up to 50 kW. Still, those chargers will provide up to 160 km in just 30 minutes. A Level 2 charger will fully recharge the battery in seven hours. Additionally, Chevy will cover the standard installation of a Level 2 Charging outlet for buyers of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt, but those who don’t want or need this offer will be given a $750 credit to use on the FLO public charging network.

The Bolt is pretty peppy and fun to drive, thanks to its 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque that makes it feel like a sporty compact car. That output provides a zero to 100 km/h sprint of about seven seconds. Note that the Bolt may not be for everyone as it’s only available with front-wheel-drive. Those seeking AWD will have to look somewhere else.

Practicality

Since it's a hatchback, you can expect the Bolt to be pretty practical for hauling passengers and cargo. There’s 470L of cargo storage behind the rear seats, which expands to 1,614L when those rear seats are folded down, making the Bolt much more practical than expected. Rear-seat legroom can be a bit tight, but every other dimension of the Bolt should accommodate adult-sized passengers.

Canadian Pricing

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt is only offered in one trim model and has gotten a bit more expensive this year. The LT model costs $40,743 and includes a lot of handy equipment. The LT model includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a fancy rear-view mirror camera feed, a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and important safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beam headlights.