Chevrolet Bolt EV & Bolt EUV Refresh: GM's Updated EVs

GM Unveils Updated Bolt EV and New Bolt EUV

General Motors announced on Sunday a revitalized Chevrolet Bolt EV and introduced the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, a new crossover vehicle that remains compact in size. This launch is a key component of GM’s plan to release 30 new electric vehicles over the next four years.

Similarities and Differences

These vehicles, slated for release this summer, share significant engineering commonalities but possess distinct characteristics. The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV is physically larger than the Bolt hatchback. GM extended the EUV’s wheelbase by approximately 3 inches.

The overall length of the EUV is about 6 inches greater than the Bolt EV. This results in a compact crossover offering 39.1 inches of rear passenger legroom.

Introducing Super Cruise

The EUV marks a significant milestone as the first Chevrolet model to feature Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driver assistance system. However, this advanced feature is not included in the base model.

Drivers desiring Super Cruise will need to select an EUV trim level exceeding the $33,995 starting price.

Pricing and Strategy

The $33,995 base price is particularly noteworthy, as it is slightly lower than the current 2021 Chevy Bolt’s price. The refreshed Chevy Bolt has also benefited from a price reduction.

GM is leveraging its production capacity to maintain competitive pricing, aiming to attract customers in an increasingly crowded EV market.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. Image Credits: GM

Range and Charging

The EUV is estimated to achieve a range of 250 miles on a full charge, which is slightly less than the Bolt EV. A standard dual level charge cord is included, offering both 120V and 240V charging options.

Navigation Capabilities

The EUV will feature integrated, native navigation. This is a crucial addition to the Bolt lineup.

The original Chevy Bolt EV, first released in 2016, lacks native in-car navigation and relies on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for mapping and directions.

Ultium Platform and Future Plans

It’s important to note that neither the Bolt EUV nor the Bolt EV utilizes GM’s new Ultium battery platform, unveiled in spring 2020. The Ultium platform is designed to underpin a diverse range of vehicles across GM’s brands.

The Bolt EUV and Bolt EV serve as important transitional models, allowing GM to remain competitive while it develops and implements its broader, more ambitious EV strategy.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Image Credits: GM

Alongside the unveiling of the Bolt EUV, General Motors also presented a refreshed version of the Chevrolet Bolt, the electric hatchback initially launched over four years ago.

Key changes involve interior enhancements and a price reduction of $5,500, while many of the core specifications remain consistent.

The 2022 Bolt retains the original BEV2 battery platform. This platform continues to deliver an estimated range of 259 miles thanks to its 65 kilowatt-hour battery pack.

Power is still supplied by a single motor, producing 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mirroring the original model’s performance.

The vehicle’s dimensions have seen slight adjustments. It has gained a small amount of height, now measuring 63.4 inches, and experienced a minor decrease in length of less than an inch, while maintaining the same width.

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Image Credits: GM

Starting at $31,995, the 2022 Chevy Bolt is priced $2,000 lower than the new Bolt EUV. This price point includes updates such as a modernized interior and redesigned bucket seats, intended for improved comfort.

These improvements were implemented based on direct feedback received from customers, according to GM.

Inside, drivers will find a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen display and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay remain standard features, as in the previous version.

The 2022 Chevy Bolt continues to rely on smartphone integration for navigation, rather than including a built-in system.

A newly added feature is a button on the center console that activates one-pedal driving. Releasing the accelerator pedal initiates regenerative braking, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.

GM’s advanced Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system is not available on the Chevy Bolt. This technology has been reserved for the Bolt EUV and Cadillac models.

However, the Bolt hatchback does include “Chevy Safety Assist” as standard. This suite comprises six safety features, including lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning.