2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Chevrolet Bolt EV was the first mass-market electric vehicle (EV) to cross the 200-miles-per-charge threshold when it debuted in 2017....
The Chevrolet Bolt EV was the first mass-market electric vehicle (EV) to cross the 200-miles-per-charge threshold when it debuted in 2017. It has since come to compete with other all-electric models like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona EV. For 2020, it goes even further with a significant range increase.
The Bolt EV is a subcompact 5-door hatchback that seats 5 people. Acres of glass and a tall roof contribute to a car that feels much bigger than it is. It offers 16.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which expands to a generous 56.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.
All Bolt EVs come with a single electric motor and a 60-kilowatt-hour battery, which combine to provide 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Like most EVs, the Bolt EV fully supports one-pedal driving, which lets you use the accelerator pedal for both going and stopping.
Fuel economy for the Bolt EV stands at 127 MPGe city, 108 highway, and 118 combined. Chevrolet massaged the existing battery to produce another 21 miles of range, which adds up to 259, versus last year’s 238. To help you use that range wisely, the Bolt EV comes with an exclusive Energy Assist app, which finds charging stops, and monitors and plans routes around the car’s charge state then sends alerts when a destination becomes unreachable due to range. When you finally do need to recharge, it’ll take roughly 9 hours using the standard 7.2-kilowatt on-board charger and a 240-volt wall charger. A public Level 2 charger adds 25 miles of range per hour, and the extra-cost DC fast-charging capability lets you add up to 100 miles of range within 30 minutes.
The Bolt EV comes with an impressive number of standard goodies. The base LT trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, LED daytime-running lights (DRLs), an 8-inch LCD instrument cluster, keyless access and start, a 10.2-inch color infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system, 4G LTE hotspot capability, and self-sealing tires. The Premier trim tacks on premium 17-inch wheels, roof rails, mirror-mounted indicators, perforated leather upholstery, front and rear outboard heated seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, chrome exterior accents, and a rear armrest. Chevrolet then offers standalone options like a Bose 7-speaker audio system and wireless Qi charging.
The Bolt EV’s suite of driving aids is almost as high-tech as its powertrain. A reversing camera, a tire-fill alert, and Teen Driver alert are standard fare. Standard on the Premier grade and optional on the LT are a 360-degree camera, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and reversing sensors. The Bolt EV received mostly good evaluations in its recent round of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, though it was found to be lacking in the passenger-side small front overlap category.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers are very positive about the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. They love the impressive electric range, low maintenance costs, and zippy acceleration. Many appreciate the value it offers in the electric vehicle market. However, some have noted concerns about interior materials and the braking system, with a few mentioning the lack of a spare tire as a downside."
Awesome car. Got all I was looking for. Best value in an electric vehcile!
December 21, 2024Ive had the car for just about 3 weeks, and am really loving it. My Bolt is really fun to drive, has plenty of features, and the range has been as expected.
December 26, 2024This is the best car I have ever driven. It is a good size, handles very well, has all the features one would need---moon roof, lots of backup assist cameras, seats are comfortable. Its good looking, fast driving, with driver assist on highways, and low to no maintenance.
August 25, 2023What owners say
Awesome car. Got all I was looking for. Best value in an electric vehcile!
December 21, 2024Ive had the car for just about 3 weeks, and am really loving it. My Bolt is really fun to drive, has plenty of features, and the range has been as expected.
December 26, 2024This is the best car I have ever driven. It is a good size, handles very well, has all the features one would need---moon roof, lots of backup assist cameras, seats are comfortable. Its good looking, fast driving, with driver assist on highways, and low to no maintenance.
August 25, 2023Great value for the price! Very zippy car, responsive even when not in Sport mode. Great features in entertainment system as well.
March 3, 2023Car is a great value, with all the discounts and rebates it is a steal! Car drives well, a firm controlled ride, feels planted although you can feel crosswinds it isnt pushed around and can pass trucks easily without being pushed around. Good on the interstate with more than enough power. Around town it is a blast to drive. May not be a sports car but is a fun car. Drive home from the dealership was 105 miles of interstate which it made and still had a half a battery although I did 70mph the whole way. I have a Premier with the Driver Control II package. It has not been intrusive at all but is something I keep turned on. Lots of folks walking in our neighborhood on the streets and where sidewalks are available. Very impressive how it picks up pedestrians (shows an orange person) when they are on a sidewalk next to the street but does not panic. The backup camera is spectacular and even elicited a whhhaaaaatttt from my daughter! The birds eye view part is quite helpful in some situations like how close is my right front wheel to the hole. No guessing now I can see it. Heated steering wheel and seats are nice and havent even bothered to turn on the heat even when in the 30sF. The other day I drove 127 miles in one day, didnt even get close to half capacity and I only have a 120V charger so far. Sound system is very nice and the dual USB outlets in the back seat have already been used by my twin grandkids to charge their Nintendos. Trunk is bigger than it looks, went to Costco and without moving the false floor was able to get two flats of cokes, a set of the plastic 45 quart storage bins, a bog of grapefruit, double box of cereal and smaller items. I did miss getting gas and saying hi to my friend that works in the gas island at Costco, well maybe saying hi to my friend. The regenerative braking is very nice and really like the way it will come to a complete stop. My 92yo mother-in-law has very bad arthritis and is barely able to walk but can get in and out of the front seat without difficulty. The seat is a perfect height for her, not too high of too low. I could not take her anywhere in my Volt - she could not get out of it, too low.
January 24, 2021Easy to drive, great power and a great first EV experience. The Bolt is the perfect commuter car and feels much more expensive than it is. I recommend this car to anyone who can charge at home at 220V and takes 1 to 2 road trips a year. The fast-charging speed is limited to 100 miles for 30 mins of charging but will take 90 mins to get to 200-mile charge range. I bought this for my wife to drive to work. She has an 88-mile roundtrip commute up and down steep hills and all highway miles. She has been amazed by the power, acceleration and quiet ride it delivers. She has over 100 miles of range left every day after completing her commute, so there has been no range anxiety.
February 27, 2024The Bolt is a good value for someone who drives about 100 miles or less/most days and installs a 220 V charger in their garage. The bench back seat is comfortable for even a larger person. The “shifter” takes some getting used to. The Premier model has some excellent safety features, which are worth paying for. The. Hatch back goes up very high and is difficult for a short person to close. I had previously driven a 2012 Volt and like electric and American made. The info/entertainment system has most features people want, BUT there is no way to open garage door. All in all it is a good little car
February 8, 2021This is great affordable all electric vehicle. At a 258 mile range it is hanging right in there with higher end EV market at half the price. The car handles like a dream and has all the bells and whistles. I absolutely love this car. The only concern I have is the lack of a spare tire, but it has the new self sealing tire technology, so we will see how well that works. I cant believe Chevy is not promoting this car more!
January 20, 2021This car is the best Chevrolet has to offer for a small SUV and all electric! I wish I could buy one for each of my children! Then again, they should buy their own. That way they can choose their own colors,
November 28, 2023The Bolt is perfect for my needs. It has good range for the value.
March 2, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $41,020 | Seating 5 |
Engine 200 hp Electric | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 118 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $36,620 | Seating 5 |
Engine 200 hp Electric | Cargo Capacity 16.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 118 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$36,620 - $41,020
Current avg. market price
$16,148
Trending up by 0.1% this month
April 2026 - October 2026
