2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV

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$36,620

starting MSRP

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Key specs

Base trim shown

Wagon: Body style
118: Combined MPGe Combined MPGe
Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.
Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
259 mi.: EPA-est. range EPA-est. range
EPA-estimated range is the distance, or predicted distance, a new plug-in vehicle will travel on electric power before its battery charge is exhausted. Actual range will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.
Related: Electric Cars With The Longest Range
9-10 hrs.: Level 2 charging Level 2 charging
Charge time estimates are based on using a 240-volt charging circuit charging from empty to 100% battery capacity. Level 2 is the fastest way to charge at home, though charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as the capabilities of the charging circuit, charging equipment and the vehicle’s onboard charger. Level 2 charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.
60 mins.: DC fast charging DC fast charging
DC fast charging is the fastest way to charge and only available at pay-for-use public charging stations, though some EVs come with complimentary charging for a limited time. Real-world DC fast charging times can vary greatly, even on the same vehicle, because of this type of charging’s sensitivities to ambient and battery conditions. DC fast charging time provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.
65-66 kWh: Battery capacity Battery capacity
Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours, which is a measure of how much energy is used over time. A 70-kWh battery has more energy capacity than a 50-kWh battery and would result in a longer driving range if all other factors were equal. But more battery capacity doesn’t always mean longer range because of differences in energy consumption from vehicle to vehicle. Battery capacity provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.
5: Seating capacity
164” x 62.8”: Dimensions
Front-wheel drive: Drivetrain

View all 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV specs .

Overview

(32 reviews)

The good:

Excellent range for the price
Spacious cabin
Quick acceleration
Adds 25 miles of range per hour (240-volt charging)
Packed with multimedia technology

The bad:

Front-seat comfort
Busier ride than competitors
Modest cargo room
Gimmicky regenerative hand-braking
Fewer standard features than competitors

LT
$36,620
Premier
$41,020

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Wagons for 2024

Five-seat compact electric car
EPA-estimated range improves to 259 miles for 2020
Eligible for federal tax credit
10.2-inch touchscreen standard
DC fast charging optional

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

With a future-is-now approach, Chevrolet’s all-electric Bolt EV hatchback delivers impressive range and is relatively affordable, especially after available tax credits. Unlike the now-discontinued Chevrolet Volt, which had a small range-extending gas engine, the five-seat Bolt EV is a battery-electric car that offers optional DC fast charging in addition to 120- and 240-volt charging. Competitors include the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Volkswagen e-Golf.

What’s New on the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

Chevrolet managed to squeeze another 21 miles of range out of the Bolt EV for 2020; its EPA-estimated driving range is now 259 miles on a full charge. The hatchback’s backup camera and available 360-degree camera system now use high-definition cameras.

What Features in the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Are Most Important?

Standard features include LED headlights, a digital instrument panel, Bluetooth connectivity, a 10.2-inch touchscreen multimedia system, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. Options include front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging and a Bose premium stereo.

Available active safety features include forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.

Should I Buy the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

The Bolt EV is a good step forward in the development of electric vehicles that are affordable for average car shoppers. The car offers plenty of driving range on a full charge, plus hatchback utility with 56.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo room. Ride quality is a bit busier than the competition, but the car accelerates quickly. The Bolt EV is eligible for a federal tax credit, but that’s already begun to phase out, so be sure to check the schedule before buying.

Consumer reviews

(32 reviews)

93% of drivers recommend this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.7
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.8

Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Don't believe the hype!

August 16, 2024

By mike Russell

Used to own this car

Don't believe the hype! Rent one first. The range was horrible! I could barely make it to work and back home without the battery being half dead! If you live where it is hot like oklahoma running the ac is a no go. The car battery will be dead soon if you run it! Constant daily charging for 2 hours just to drive 25 miles a day is insane! After 6 months of daily charging and terrible range, I was done with this awful EV! I lost $5000 trading it for a gasoline small car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 1.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 1.0

Does not recommend this car

0 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

Bolt is outstanding

August 20, 2023

By DRDESERT from Goodyear, AZ

Owns this car

I love driving this car! It is fast and efficient. I love the one-pedal braking and seldom have to use the brake pedal. It also has a hand brake on the left side of the steering wheel that is a great accessory. The car looks small, but there is ample room for 4 adults. The storage in the back is limited, but plenty of space for our needs. We can also put two suitcases in that space. If it is just the two of us, we can drop the back seat and create more than enough space for all the luggage we would need on a long trip. The torque is outstanding and is great to have entering a freeway or passing another vehicle. The visibility around and behind the car is the best I think I've ever had in a car. No maintenance other than tire rotations and we have solar panels at our house, so I haven't paid for gasoline (or electricity) in over 3 years. The only negative is long distance driving and that will soon be solved when the Tesla Supercharging Station adapters will be available for GM cars in 2024. Did I say this was a great car? We love it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Transporting family
Does recommend this car

14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

1 of the Best of 63

April 15, 2023

By R. C. from Oklahoma City, OK

Used to own this car

Owned from new to 66,000 miles and never had a problem whatsoever. Saved us over $5000 vs a typical gasoline car, plus all the maintenance that goes along with one. Quick, fits just about anywhere, and the cheapest EV one can buy with respectable range. Have owned 63 cars, and this one was the most reliable and cheapest to keep.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 3.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car

15 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

See all 32 consumer reviews

NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings (scores out of 5)

Based on the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV base trim.

Combined side rating front seat: 5
Combined side rating rear seat: 4
Frontal barrier crash rating driver: 5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger: 4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating: 4
Overall rating: 5
Overall side crash rating: 5
Risk of rollover: 9.7%
Rollover rating: 5
Side barrier rating: 5
Side barrier rating driver: 5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat: 4
Side pole rating driver front seat: 5

New car program benefits

Bumper-to-bumper: 36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion: 36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain: 60 months/60,000 miles
Hybrid electric: 96 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance: 60 months/60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Maximum age/mileage: 5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms: 12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain: 6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required: 172-point inspection
Roadside assistance: Yes

View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Visit the manufacturer's website

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Key specs

Overview

2 trims

Notable features