It’s no secret that the auto industry is changing. Making room for more eco-friendly vehicles on the roads, many urban dwellers are turning their attention to hybrids and fully-electric vehicles. With that in mind, the 2021 Chevy EV – known as the Bolt – is a breath of fresh air. Boasting an advanced powertrain system that is quiet, robust, and easy on your wallet, this nifty ride has plenty to offer to drivers across the country.
A Fully-Electric System
The first thing you probably want to know about is the driving range. While other competitors have drivers suffering from range anxiety, the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV will keep going for up to 259 miles on a single charge. That is much higher than other EVs that can only go for around 100 miles.
Why is the Chevy Bolt EV so much better with range? The answer lies in the electric drive and the battery system. Equipped with a single motor and gears, it uses a permanent magnetic drive motor combined with a 66-kWh lithium-ion battery. Featuring 288 cells and recharging capabilities, the battery works as an energy storage system made up of multi-linked modules. It’s also covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.
This fully-electric system pumps out 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, which is shocking for an EV. What’s even more amazing is that the battery can be fully recharged in as little as 10 hours using a 240-volt cable. If you use a 120-volt charging cord, you will get about 4 miles of range per hour. Finally, you can use the DC Fast Charge cable if you are in a rush and have access to a fast charge station. It will give you up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
The Perfect Size
Since many people who prefer EVs tend to live in the city, the Chevy Bolt is the ideal size for maneuvering around tight streets and downtown areas. The wheelbase measures 102.4-inches, and the overall length is approximately 164-inches. Meanwhile, the width is 69.5-inches, and the height is 62.8-inches.
The inside of the vehicle is also surprisingly spacious. In the front, the headroom measures 39.7-inches. The legroom is 41.6-inches, the shoulder room is 54.6-inches, and the hip room is 51.6-inches. Moving to the rear, back-seat passengers have plenty of wiggle room with a headroom measuring 37.9-inches. The rear legroom is about 36.5-inches, the shoulder room is 52.8-inches, and the hip room is 50.8-inches.
Keeping those numbers in mind, the total passenger volume inside the Chevy EV is 94.4 cubic feet. Behind the rear seats, you will find a cargo area that measures 16.9 cubic feet. If you need more space, you can fold the back seats down to reveal the maximum cargo area of 56.6 cubic feet. So while this car is compact, it is still roomy and offers a decent amount of cargo space.
The Base Trim
Available in two unique trims, the entry model for the new Chevy Bolt EV is the LT. Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, it comes with automatic high-intensity discharge headlights for enhanced visibility. Keyless entry allows you to get in quickly, and a push-button start gives the vehicle more of a racecar feel. Cloth upholstery covers the cabin, and the advanced infotainment system is displayed on a large 10.2-inch touchscreen. This interface works with a slew of connectivity features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Base Level Packages
If you would like to add extra features to the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV LT, then you should consider a few available packages. With the base price starting at $36,500, which is relatively low for an EV model, you have plenty of wiggle room to add some exciting extras. Some of the more popular add-ons are the Comfort and Convenience Package and the Driver Confidence Package. Also, you can add the DC Fast-Charging Port to the mix.
The Comfort and Convenience Package includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror that helps to prevent glare from other vehicles’ headlights. This suite also adds heated front seats along with a heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel. These are stellar enhancements if you live in a place that suffers from harsh winters.
As for the Driver Confidence Package, this suite adds Rear Park Assist to help prevent fender benders. If you get too close to an obstacle, an audible alert will notify you to stop. Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert have also been added to this grouping. The first will let you know if another vehicle has entered your blind spot and will let you know that it is not safe to change lanes. The other will detect moving objects behind your car while you are traveling in reverse and alert you to them, so you don’t accidentally hit anyone or anything.
The Top-Tier Trim
The other trim level is the top-of-the-line Premier model. On the exterior, it adds roof-mounted side rails for doing around extra cargo. For example, you can bring along two bicycles for a trail adventure, or you can stash extra luggage on top. There is also the addition of the same features you get in the Comfort and Convenience Package and the Driver Confidence Package, but now these features are standard.
On the interior, you will find perforated leather upholstery for a more stately appeal. The rear seats are also heated for the comfort of your passengers in the winter. The final touch for this particular trim is the surround-view camera system. This provides you with a top-down view of your surroundings before you move the vehicle. It is ideal for crowded parking spaces.
Additional Packages
Both the LT and Premier trims can also be fitted with the Driver Confidence II Package. This grouping adds advanced safety systems into the mix, which is great to help prevent accidents. First, Intellibeam automatic high beams will toggle off if an oncoming vehicle is detected. This serves as a safety feature for other drivers. You won’t have to worry about temporarily blinding anyone.
Next, the Forward Collision Alert uses sensors and cameras to detect obstacles that are directly in your path. You will receive visual and audible alerts signaling you to take evasive action. If you do nothing to avoid the impending crash, the system will trigger the Automatic Emergency Braking system. This will drastically slow the Chevy EV down and even bring it to a complete stop if necessary.
Finally, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning is included in this suite as well. The first will alert you if the EV begins to drift outside the designated lane. It monitors the lines on the road to ensure that you are always driving on the straight and narrow. If the vehicle senses you are starting to drift, the Lane Keep Assist will provide subtle steering correction to bring you back to the center of your lane.
Find a New Chevy EV
If you have been thinking about purchasing a new Chevy Bolt EV, then now is the time! This is the best fully-electric vehicle available on the market today. With its advanced features and incredible driving range, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something you don’t love about it. For more information about Chevy EV models, get in touch with your local Chevrolet dealership today!
