EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, the baby of GM’s pure electric vehicles, this one a heavily updated second-generation model in Habanero Orange.
This Bolt out of the blue has a tale to tell, though – this 2027 model’s lifespan will end about midway through that year, apparently to make room for domestic production of gas-powered crossovers.
The overall design aligns its looks with other Chevrolet crossovers – slim faux grill connecting slit LED DRLs whose design lines slide into the fenders – BOLT incised into the gloss black. It’s a bit more aggressive than the first-gen, with more edginess and familiar black accents around the wheels and side sills – an overall wedge shape with round roof.
Inside, freshened up into a very usable-yet-clean redesign that’s also hard plastic. But it’s got many handy features and is very well assembled, a flat, yet comfortable driver’s seat, red-lit ribbed accents and 11-inch digital dash design with configurable screens. It’s roomy, with storage and Google Maps, Google Assistant, and apps from the Google Play store.
Underneath, a 65-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack powering a single permanent-magnet front-wheel-drive electric motor shared with other GM EVs. That means 210 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque, and a sleeker Native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port and charging cable that fits a Tesla Supercharger – about 25 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charge. There’s a usable 262-mile range, and 60 mph in 7 seconds. It’s a nice size for a nice price, with OK range.
So read lots more, and see a video about this – 2027 Chevrolet Bolt Delivers Strong Value Proposition – plus more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.