A Week With: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Premier

With the launch of the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, GM re-entered the electrical automotive subject for the primary time for the reason that Nineties.

It was adopted in 2021 by the bigger Bolt EUV, and what a distinction one letter makes. OK, it means the worth begins $2,000 increased than its smaller sibling. However dimension issues, bringing with it extra inside house and a greater total look. 

Overview

Supplied in base LT and uplevel Premier trim, Chevrolet decreased the worth of each fashions by $6,000 for 2023, partially in response to the model’s lack of a $7,500 Federal tax credit score.

Except for that, the one important change for the brand new mannequin 12 months is the provision of a brand new Redline Version trim package deal. So, value apart, the 2022 mannequin we check drove stays the identical as what you’ll discovering 2023. However one factor it is best to take into accout is that GM’s semi-autonomous driving system, Tremendous Cruise, is obtainable solely on Premier fashions, which additionally provides a number added goodies. Extra on that in a second.

Exterior

The Bolt EUV has been round lengthy sufficient to be handled to a facelift. Whereas its total model stays unchanged, the entrance finish will get a facelift with skinny horizontal headlamps and an in depth fascia that maintains a contemporary look. Vaguely engaging, its removed from ugly, however you’d by no means name it gorgeous both.

Whereas the Bolt EUV takes its seems from its smaller sibling, the Bolt EV, they don’t share a single physique panel. Nonetheless, comparisons are inevitable. So, in case you’re questioning, the Bolt EUV is 6.3 inches longer, than the Bolt EV, however solely 0.2 inch taller and wider.

Inside

Given their distinction in exterior dimension, it’s no shock that there’s 2.6 cubic ft extra passenger house than the Bolt EUV, with all of it going to the rear seat, which has 39.1 inches of rear legroom, 3.2 inches greater than the Bolt EV’s. Cargo house is sort of similar between the 2 at practically 17 cubic ft, though it lacks a entrance trunk like some rivals. Folding the rear seats expands cargo room to 56.9 cubic ft; not too shabby for a automobile lower than 170 inches lengthy.

If the final GM automobile you skilled was from 20 years in the past and was a sea of drab grey plastic, you’re in for a nice shock. Each are properly trimmed, with high quality supplies and good match and end, a results of upgraded supplies and extra soft-touch surfaces being added for 2022, though you’ll nonetheless discover the occasional little bit of onerous plastic. However it is a Chevrolet, not a Buick, GMC or Cadillac. Total atmosphere could be very up to date. The driving force’s seat is firmly supportive; headroom and legroom are beneficiant.

Powertrain

Just like the Bolt EV, the Bolt EUV makes use of a single, front-mounted everlasting magnetic drive motor generates 200 horsepower, 266 pound-feet of torque and has an EPA-estimated 247 miles of vary. Entrance-wheel drive is commonplace, all-wheel drive isn’t out there. Be mindful the Bolt EUV weighs 91 kilos greater than the Bolt EV and has the identical powertrain. Because of this, the EPA says that the Bolt EV returns 120 mpg-e in mixed metropolis/freeway driving, whereas the Bolt EUV nets 115 mpg-e. But each price $550 to gas in line with the EPA.

The Bolt EUV comes with a dual-level cost wire with 120-volt and 240-volt functionality. 

However each Bolts use an older model of GM’s battery electrical know-how slightly than the Ultium platform that underpins its latest EV choices, together with the GMC Hummer and Cadillac Lyriq. The tradeoff is value; GM’s Ultium autos price way more. A DC quick charger offers 95 miles of vary in half-hour, whereas a 240-volt plug offers about 35 miles of vary per hour, or a full cost in roughly 7 hours. It’s greatest to skip the 120-volt plug; it solely offers 4 miles of vary per hour on the Bolt’s 65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Security and Expertise

Neither the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration, nor the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security has crash examined the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. 

Chevy Security Help is commonplace and comes with Automated Emergency Braking, Entrance Pedestrian Braking, Lane Preserve Help with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Ahead Collision Alert and computerized excessive beams. Adaptive Cruise Management is commonplace on Premier fashions.

The instrument panel is anchored by a ten.2-inch colour touchscreen with crisp graphics and lightning fast responsiveness. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come commonplace, as does a wi-fi charging pad on the base of the middle console. A USB-A and USB-C port is offered in every row.

Driving Impressions

You won’t assume that 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque is all that a lot, however you’d be mistaken. Within the day-to-day slog of every day driving, there’s greater than sufficient instantaneous torque on demand for quick takeoffs or overtaking different autos. And it’s dispatched with an unearthly calm, a sense so completely different from inner combustion engine autos, it is going to make you smile and surprise why all of that noise and fuss was actually crucial.

However there’s sufficient energy offered that wheel spin is induced a bit of too simply, a results of their low-rolling resistance tires. Tires with a bit extra grip can be welcome right here, as that is clearly no sports activities sedan. However it does comport itself like a real household hauler, with good trip consolation, some physique lean in corners and a little bit of physique movement over rippled pavement. It’s very controllable and well-behaved as soon as you recognize its limits, that are effective for many drivers.

Pushed reasonably, the Bolt offers an correct vary studying. In reality, EVs immediate you to drive modestly by cruising to a cease and accelerating gently to extract the utmost quantity of vary per cost. Contemplate it a driving ability of a special kind. Drive aggressively, and also you’ll discover your vary disappear faster than a politician’s scruples.

Recharging is a snap as effectively, because of the power to make use of a DC quick charger.

In fact, you possibly can assist recharge the battery by activating one-pedal mode, which makes use of regenerative braking to seize power to recharge the battery throughout deceleration. It ensures you’ll hardly ever faucet the brakes, however takes getting used to. A paddle on the steering wheel can alter the quantity of regen being utilized.

The Premier check automobile was geared up with Tremendous Cruise, a $2,200 possibility and one which works remarkably effectively on the highways geared up to deal with it. There are some stunning gaps, reminiscent of I-95 in South Florida, the place it doesn’t work. Additionally, take into account that Tremendous Cruise connectivity is free for the primary three years, after which you should pay a month-to-month subscription price. However for many who do a number of freeway driving, it will likely be effectively price it. That stated, freeway driving drains the battery rather more rapidly than metropolis driving, particularly as soon as above 70 mph.

As soon as activated, and the steering LED lights flip inexperienced, you possibly can take your arms off the wheel and let the automotive do the driving. However a driver-facing digital camera makes certain your eyes stay targeted on the duty of driving, which the Bolt handles practically in addition to you do. It’s remarkably good.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Premier Specs

Wrap Up

Whereas GM presents EVs with newer know-how, the Bolt EUV proves to be a aggressive entry within the EV sweepstakes. It’s roomy for its comparatively diminutive total dimension, has an affordable quantity of vary that you simply’ll go days with out recharging, and delivers a really nice driving expertise. 

And, on the time of posting, Chevrolet will cowl the set up of a Stage 2 charging outlet with the acquisition or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV when you don’t have one. Candy!

Nicely-designed, well-built and well-executed, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV will strike you as the right introductory electrical automobile. And when you commonly use second row seats, you’ll discover the Bolt EUV a worthy proposition. In the event you don’t, go for the Bolt EV and avoid wasting scratch.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV ­— Ceaselessly Requested Questions

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