Is the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV a Good EV? 6 Things We Like and 4 We Don’t

Technology is evolving quickly in the world of electric vehicles, with big increases in range and efficiency from just a few years ago. The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV arrives in the midst of these advances as a new model based on the original Bolt EV, but it’s slightly larger and has a little more passenger room.

Related: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Review: Our Expert’s Take

Because it shares the same 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack with the smaller Bolt, the Bolt EUV lacks the charging flexibility, speed and range of more recently introduced EVs. That doesn’t mean the Bolt EUV isn’t a good vehicle. Its virtues include a roomy interior with a usable backseat, straightforward controls and relatively friendly pricing.

All that makes the Bolt EUV an attractive option, especially for commuters and others who don’t need tremendous range between charges. Add to that a fix for the battery-related fire recalls as well as a price cut for 2022, and the Bolt EUV looks like an even more appealing choice. Here are six things we like about the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV and four things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Easy to Live With

The Bolt EUV is just as straightforward and easy to drive as the Bolt EV; it also lacks the gimmicky controls of some competitors. Despite being larger than its sibling, the Bolt EUV is still small enough to easily park and maneuver through traffic. These qualities helped both vehicles earn our Top Pick for Commuter EV award.

2. One-Pedal Friendly

One-pedal driving helps with the efficiency of any EV, using the motor to slow the car and help charge the battery as an alternative to hitting the brake pedal. The Bolt EUV’s system is activated via a physical button rather than a control buried in the touchscreen, making it better and easier to use than some competitors’ setups.

3. Super Cruiser

Chevrolet has made the Super Cruise semi-autonomous hands-free driving system available on the Bolt EUV, something previously available only on higher-end models. While not as sophisticated as on other vehicles that allow automated lane changes, the Bolt EUV’s system does permit drivers to take a hands-free break for long stretches on compatible highways.

4. Traditional Controls

Unlike many EVs, the Bolt EUV’s controls are straightforward, requiring no special learning curve. Many common functions use intuitive physical controls rather than requiring drivers to navigate a touchscreen while underway. The shifter is a bit odd-looking, however, but everything else has a traditional look and feel. One especially handy feature is an easy-to-use, customizable instrument panel that can show not only predicted range, but best- and worst-case range scenarios depending on conditions and other factors.

5. Easy Touchscreen

Complementing the straightforward physical controls is a big 10.2-inch touchscreen, notably large for a vehicle this size. Like the Bolt EUV’s other controls, it too is intuitive, with simple menus, clear and crisp graphics, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; it also displays information about charging and efficiency.

6. Roomy Backseat

For such a small vehicle, the Bolt EUV has a surprisingly roomy and comfortable backseat — even on longer trips. That adds to its commuter appeal for the carpool crowd or for small families. Minor gripes include a window design that can make passengers feel hemmed in and rear head restraints that impede the view behind the vehicle.

More From Cars.com:

• 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV First Drive Review: Larger, Better, Faster, Stronger
• 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV: Bow-Tie EVs, Now In Two Sizes
• Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
• Here Are the 11 Cheapest Electric Vehicles You Can Buy
• Find Your Next Car

Things We Don’t Like

1. Charging Speed

The good news is that the Bolt EUV comes with a charging cord that’s compatible with either Level 1 or the preferred, faster Level 2 charging for home use. The bad news is its fast-charging capability still trails newer designs. The Bolt can fast-charge at a rate of 55 kilowatts, which Chevrolet says can add up to 95 miles of range in 30 minutes. But that pales compared to some newer EVs that can go from 10% to 80% in that amount of time or less.

2. Limited Range

With other EVs routinely able to travel 300 miles or more on a charge, the Bolt EUV’s more limited range makes it more suitable for commuter use. During our time with it, one trip that began with 207 miles of range ended up using 170 miles of that range to travel just 141 miles. Admittedly, it was a cold and windy day, but the Bolt is better suited for low-speed jaunts than extended highway cruising.

3. Not the Sportiest EV

Instantaneous torque makes the Bolt EUV feel quick from a standstill, and a low center of gravity combined with communicative steering help give it a somewhat sporty feel. But the tires don’t offer a whole lot of grip, and while its short wheelbase helps with maneuverability, it doesn’t do much for ride quality, which can sometimes feel choppy. Also, at higher speeds, the Bolt EUV doesn’t have much power left in reserve for passing.

4. Low-Rent Interior

As much as we like the controls and interior room of the Bolt EUV, its cabin materials are mid-grade at best. The heavy plastic look and feel leaves a bit to be desired, and the cabin was sometimes creaky, which is not a good look (or sound) for a newer car.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.