Used 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier for sale 

In the EV market, the Bolt EV competes with the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq. Both the rivals offer better design and features, but the Bolt remains distinguished with its economy attire. Chevrolet has offered two trim levels with the 2018 Bolt: the base LT and the top Premier variant. Both the variants share a similar hybrid powertrain and same size lithium-ion battery package. The difference lies in the safety and interior upgrades. The complete set of features across the two trims include-

The Bolt LT trim offers two option packages: the $555 Comfort and Convenience package (includes heated front seats and steering wheel) and the $495 Driver Confidence package (includes rear parking sensors, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert). You can also get a DC fast-charging option for $750.

Buying Advice

Both the trims deliver a similar driving range, and there is no significant change to the driving dynamics too. If you are on a budget and want an EV, then go for the LT trim. But we would suggest you to choose the Premier trim as it offers features that you would appreciate over a longer period of ownership.

The all-electric powertrain for the 2018 Chevy Bolt remains unchanged. Instead of a gas engine, the Bolt EV is powered by a single electric with a 200-hp rating. The electric motor is paired with a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a single-speed transmission.

The acceleration of this electric motor is instant and quick.

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV falls between the Hyundai Ioniq and the Tesla Model 3 in terms of the power output. The Hyundai is less in power compared to the Bolt while the Model 3 exceeds the Bolt. The Bolt EV sits somehow in between the two with a good output figure that is great a hatchback. Both the Ioniq and the Model 3 come with a rear wheel drive while the Bolt is the only one in the segment to present itself with a front wheel drive layout.

Acceleration

The electric motor attached to the 2018 Chevy Bolt offers instantaneous response and acceleration, with ample low-end torque. By selecting the Sport mode, you can make the accelerator pedal more smooth and responsive to driver inputs.

However, responses are lower on the highway, but Bolt manages to get through highway speeds somehow.

In comparison to the Hyundai Ioniq, the 0-60 MPH figures of Bolt is quite impressive at 6.5 seconds and 14.9 sec for a quarter-mile. While the Ioniq does a 0-60 MPH in 8.1 seconds and covers a quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds, which is the slowest in the rival segment. Tesla beats both its competitors easily and stands on the top with 6.0 seconds and 13.4 seconds for 0-60mph and quarter-mile respectively.

Braking and Handling

The 2018 Chevy Bolt's brake pedal is responsive and firm. The regenerative braking system allows the battery to recharge whenever you lift off the accelerator. A paddle provided on the left side of the steering wheel allows on-demand regenerative braking and stops the car instantly. The more you use regenerative braking, the more recaptured energy is transferred to the battery.

The ride quality offered by Bolt EV is firm as well. There's little sign of impacts while driving on uneven terrain. Since the battery pack is mounted beneath the floor, the Bolt wears a low center of gravity that makes safe handling. In the end, the 2018 Bolt EV is absolutely fun to drive.

The 60-kWh battery pack offered with the Bolt EV is capable of returning an EPA-rated range of 238 miles on a single charge. The Bolt EV is efficient, with EPA ratings of up to 128 MPGe. The efficiency is far better than the competitors like Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq. 

The range estimate calculator in the cluster is quite accurate and changes constantly with real driving conditions. With every 30 mins of fast charging, the Chevrolet Bolt can run for 90 miles on the road. Again Tesla shows its prowess by providing an overall range of 264 miles. 

You will witness generous legroom and headroom in both front and rear seats that makes Bolt comfortable for five occupants. The front seats are thinly padded, but the limited driving range may not make it a matter of concern. You'll find the heated steering wheel standard on the top Premier variant and optional on the LT trim.

You can now slide the sun visors back and forth for better sun blockage.

The space offered by the rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq is similar and is more or less the same. The Hyundai Ioniq has comfortable seats and the interior looks quite appealing. The same can also be said about the offering from Tesla.

Infotainment System

With the Bolt's infotainment, you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. You can use them for navigation functions otherwise there's no built-in navigation offered. You'll also get several useful EV-specific menus that allow you to extract information like the remaining range and battery energy usage.

Bolt's touchscreen is responsive to most smartphones.

• My-Link infotainment system
• 10.2-inch touchscreen
• 6-speaker sound system
• Android Auto 
• Apple CarPlay
• Satellite Radio
• Bluetooth streaming
• 2-USB Port

Cargo Space

The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt is practical in its own way. It offers generous cargo space and allows you to store smaller items throughout the cabin. You'll find a spacious compartment behind the electronic shifter for keeping your smartphone. The "floating" dashboard is designed to bring in more space between the front seats beneath the center console.

Among the competitors, the Hyundai Ioniq offers 23.8 feet cube of trunk space, while Tesla Model 3 offers a 15.0 feet cube of cargo volume. In terms of offering cargo space, the Hyundai Ioniq takes the crown.

The 2018 Bolt EV looks more like a conventional hatchback than a crossover. However, it may not turn heads the way Tesla or a BMW i3 does. It is easy to spot at parking lots. It is colorful with jelly-bean-inspired exteriors. The base bolt LT trim looks basic and economic, more for economy-minded commutes, while the Premier trims looks dressed up with cool-looking wheels and chrome trim.

It can be seen that the Tesla Model 3 is quite long for a car in the rival segment. It is the highest in terms of length only to be followed by the Hyundai Ioniq. The Bolt is quite compact and ends up being the smallest. When ground clearance is taken into consideration, the Chevrolet Bolt easily outsmarts the other and ends up offering the highest.

The NHTSA has conducted the crash-tests where the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt has achieved an overall rating of 5 stars. You will notice some noteworthy safety technologies with the 2018 Chevy Bolt. With the base Bolt LT model, you get few safety features with an optional rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning. Chevrolet offers a suite of active safety, but only on the top-level Premier trim.

With the Driver Confidence Package, you'll get automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Some of the safety features present in the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV are:

• Theft-deterrent system
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Passenger Sensing System
• 10 standard airbags 
• Seat belt Pretensioners
• Rear child security door locks
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Rear Vision Camera
• Anti-lock braking System

Chevrolet Bolt EV vs Tesla Model 3

Taking long road trips with the EV can be a complicated thing. It's really rare to see drivers exceed 100 miles in a commute with a home charger. Tesla guaranteed Model 3 drivers access to its Supercharger network (with usable up to five or six Supercharger credits per year). On the other hand, GM does not provide a fast-charging network, so drivers need to get the deal with a DC Fast charge network.

In terms of driving convenience, there is no competition between the Model 3 and Chevy Bolt EV. With a 30-min Supercharger session, Model 3 adds 130 miles of range while in the same time frame, the Bolt EV is able to add 90 miles. Thus, Tesla comes out as a clear winner between the two.

Chevrolet Bolt EV vs Hyundai Ioniq

Selecting between the Chevy Bolt EV and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric comes down to which fits your budget and priorities. The Ionic Electric starts at $7,000 less. The lower price can be a factor determining its limited 124-mile range and timid acceleration in comparison to the Bolt EV.

You can easily bet that the Chevy Bolt is important to General Motors. With a price tag of $37,495, you get an all-electric vehicle with a driving range of 240 miles on a single battery charge. GM brought the car into shape in less than two years, preparing it to compete against the much anticipated Tesla Model 3. The Bolt is believed to be more like an idea and GM believes the buyers would go for it as it represents an idea of mobility. The new Bolt is affordable, accessible, high-tech, and versatile, and a considerable pick in the segment.