The electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving, and for those looking to make the switch without breaking the bank, the Chevy Bolt EV has become a compelling option. Earlier this year, Chevrolet made a significant move by dropping the price of the Chevy Bolt EV by a substantial $6,000, bringing the starting MSRP down to an incredibly attractive $25,600. This price adjustment has catapulted the Bolt EV from being a good electric vehicle choice to a truly outstanding one, especially when considering its features and capabilities.
What exactly makes the Chevy Bolt EV such a standout in the affordable EV category? It’s not just about the price tag. This sporty hatchback EV boasts a 5-star safety rating and offers a real-world range of 259 miles, making range anxiety a thing of the past for most daily commutes and even longer trips. The interior is surprisingly spacious, offering ample room for passengers and cargo, and the interior design is well-thought-out and comfortable.
One owner, with a history of Tesla ownership, decided the Chevy Bolt EV was the perfect choice for his 70-something mother. His experience highlights both the appeal of the car itself and some of the common challenges associated with the traditional dealership model when purchasing an EV. Having previously leased a Chevy Bolt EV from 2017 to 2020 and enjoying the vehicle but not the dealership experience, he was cautiously optimistic this time around.
Working with Chevrolet, he located a Bolt EV available at MSRP at Serpentini Chevrolet in NE Ohio. The purchase process itself was relatively smooth, conducted remotely via phone and email, avoiding lengthy dealership visits and pressure for add-ons. However, even with an agreed-upon price of $26,500, typical taxes, destination charges, and miscellaneous fees pushed the final price to $28,692.04. It’s important to note that Ohio, unfortunately, lacks EV incentives and even adds an extra annual registration fee for electric vehicles, impacting the overall cost of EV ownership in the region.
The dealership experience, a common pain point for car buyers, unfortunately resurfaced during the pickup process. Despite clear instructions to decline any extras, the dealership attempted to upsell a maintenance plan to the buyer’s elderly mother. This highlights a persistent issue within the dealership model, where upselling tactics can overshadow the customer experience, especially for those less familiar with car purchasing. While the situation was quickly rectified after intervention, it underscores the need for vigilance and clear communication when dealing with dealerships.
One significant incentive offered by Chevrolet at the time was a choice between $500 in EVgo fast charging credit or $1,000 towards a Qmerit home EV charging unit installation. The buyer opted for the Qmerit installation, aiming to equip his mother’s home with Level 2 charging. However, the Qmerit installation process proved to be less than seamless. Initial delays and miscommunication between Qmerit and the dealership led to frustration and required persistent follow-up to resolve. Ultimately, after escalating the issue and negotiating with installers, a reasonable installation quote was secured, allowing them to utilize the Chevrolet credit. This experience shines a light on potential inconsistencies in third-party installation processes and the importance of proactive management by the customer.
Another point of consideration for potential Chevy Bolt EV buyers is the standard charging equipment. While the Bolt EUV comes standard with a 240V Level 2 charge cable, the Bolt EV comes with a basic 120V Level 1 charger. This Level 1 charger adds approximately 4 miles of range per hour of charging. While sufficient for very low mileage drivers, upgrading to Level 2 charging significantly enhances charging speed. A simple adapter can allow the Level 1 charger to utilize a 240V outlet, nearly doubling the charging speed, offering a cost-effective interim solution before a dedicated Level 2 charger is installed.
Despite these challenges, the ultimate verdict is overwhelmingly positive. The owner’s mother, initially hesitant, quickly grew to love her Chevy Bolt EV. Key highlights for her include the pre-heating feature, ease of entry and exit, user-friendly wireless CarPlay, brighter headlights compared to her previous Prius, helpful rearview monitor, and the overall smooth and quiet driving experience. Minor dislikes were limited to the windshield wipers and the car’s quietness sometimes leading to it being left on unintentionally.
In conclusion, the Chevy Bolt EV, especially at its reduced price point, presents a compelling value proposition in the electric vehicle market. While the traditional dealership experience can still present hurdles, and aspects like charging installation and standard equipment require careful consideration, the fundamental product – the Chevy Bolt EV itself – is a fantastic electric car. Its combination of affordability, range, features, and practicality makes it a strong contender for anyone looking to go electric without compromising on quality or breaking the bank. For city driving, commuting, and everyday use, the Chevy Bolt EV stands out as a highly recommended and accessible electric vehicle option, and its attractive electric price makes it a leader in EV affordability.
