2016 was a busy year for Chevrolet, with seven product launches in eight months, making it the fastest-growing car brand in Canada. The Bolt EV, a fully electric vehicle in Chevrolet’s lineup, is the best-selling EV plug-in to date.
Chevrolet set out to produce an affordable electric car with great features and add-ons, and after my test-drive up to Squamish, I’m amazed at how well the car handles and how much leg and head room is available.
The Bolt EV has received a ton of major accolades including this year’s Canadian Green Car of the Year. The Bolt EV gets up to 383 km (237 miles) driving distance on a full charge.
One-Pedal Driving and Energy Information
One-pedal driving (Low mode) allows for greater deceleration during coasting, using the regen braking system, helping to recapture kinetic energy used while driving without pressing on the brake pedal. This saves wear and tear on the brakes while returning that energy to the car’s battery pack!
On the screen panel, you can check the trending bar to the left to see how efficiently you’re driving.
A bar graph shows energy efficiency in five-km intervals while detailed information graphics break down driving energy percentage (used for driving, climate controls and battery conditioning) and index scores (based on driving technique, climate settings and outside temperature).
For highway driving, there’s regular D (drive) mode (one-pedal driving is better suited to city driving).
Self-Seal Michelen Tires
Self-Seal Michelen tires come standard with all Bolt EV models. In the case of a puncture, a chemical built into the tire will run through the puncture to seal it on its own so you may never know (or need to know) if you’ve had a tire puncture (not applicable to sidewall punctures).
The Bolt EV’s rear camera mirror provides a bird’s eye view of both the vehicle and its surroundings. When in reverse, four of the six on-board cameras are used for a complete overview. Chevrolet’s Surround Vision helps with both parallel and perpendicular parking.
3 Ways to Charge
Level 1: A regular 120-volt power supply brings six km per hour of charge
Level 2: 240 AC power equals 40 km per hour of charge
Level 3: Available commercially, DC Fast Chargers provide 145 km per 30 minutes of charge
Both OnStar and my Chevrolet app show a map overview of the closest charging stations. ChargePoint is the world’s largest and most open EV charging network (a few are currently available in Vancouver).
Bolt EV owners can opt for an AeroVironment 240-volt home charging system (about $1,000, not including installation). In BC, Ontario and Quebec, where the Bolt EV is available, provincial governments offer a rebate if you purchase an electric vehicle (amount varies per province).
I had a rainy drive up the Sea to Sky Highway towards Squamish. The car handles well and hugs the roads, offering a silent ride, unless you put on some tunes for its Bose speaker system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available for the Bolt EV.
When compared to a similar-sized gas-powered Chevrolet vehicle, the Bolt EV averages between 16 and 25% of gasoline costs. If you have a garage to plug in the 240-volt charger, the Bolt EV is an ideal, green solution for getting on the road.
The Bolt EV’s starting MSRP is CDN $37,795. Check out the Chevrolet Bolt EV online for more info.
