The Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of electric vehicles (EVs), offering an impressive combination of range, performance, and advanced features. Launched in August 2021, this model continues Chevrolet’s legacy of making electric mobility accessible and practical for a broad audience.
As one of the more affordable long-range EVs on the market, the Bolt EV 65kWh has had a profound impact on consumer expectations and the broader automotive industry. This article delves into the specifications, performance, design, and features that make the Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh a standout choice in the electric vehicle market.
Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Launch Date | Announced 2021, August 16; Released Q3 2021 |
Base Price | $32,500 / โฌ28,500 / ยฃ24,500 |
Power | FWD 150 kW (200 hp) |
Torque | 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) |
Acceleration | 6.5 sec 0-60 mph |
Max Speed | 145 km/h (90 mph) |
Battery Capacity | 65 kWh usable |
Battery Tech | Liquid-cooled Li-ion 350V |
Range | 417 km EPA |
Consumption | 17.4 kWh/100 km EPA |
Recuperation | Yes |
Heat Pump | Yes |
AC Charging | Up to 11 kW |
DC Charging | Up to 55 kW |
Body Type | 5 door Hatchback, 5 seats |
Platform | BEV2 |
Dimensions | 4145 x 1765 x 1611 mm (163.2 x 69.5 x 63.4 in) |
Drag Coefficient | 0.32 Cd |
Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.4 in) |
Clearance | |
Weight | US: 1628 kg curb |
Suspension | Front Independent MacPherson strut-type with direct-acting solid stabilizer bar, rear Compound crank (torsion beam) with coil springs |
Wheels | R17 |
Trunk Capacity | US: 470 l, 1614 l max |
Frunk | No |
Towing | No |
Displays | Center: 10.2″ touchscreen; Driver’s: 8″ |
Comfort | Heated and ventilated front seats; Panoramic glass roof, tilt & slide |
Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera |
Connectivity | Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto |
Safety | 10 airbags; Advanced driver assistance systems; NHTSA 2020-2021: 5 stars |
See also: Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Performance
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh offers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency that sets it apart from many competitors. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) system is powered by a 150 kW (200 hp) electric motor, delivering a substantial 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque. This robust powertrain allows the Bolt EV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, providing a lively and engaging driving experience.
In addition to its impressive acceleration, the Bolt EV boasts a top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph), making it well-suited for both urban commutes and highway journeys. The vehicle’s suspension system, featuring a front independent MacPherson strut-type with a direct-acting solid stabilizer bar and a rear compound crank (torsion beam) with coil springs, ensures a smooth and stable ride. This setup allows the Bolt EV to handle various road conditions with ease, offering drivers a comfortable and controlled driving experience.
Battery and Charging
The heart of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh is its advanced battery system, which plays a crucial role in its appeal. The 65 kWh usable liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, operating at 350V, provides an impressive EPA-rated range of 417 km. This extensive range significantly reduces range anxiety, making the Bolt EV an excellent option for both daily driving and longer trips.
Charging the Bolt EV is both convenient and versatile. The vehicle supports AC charging up to 11 kW, which is perfect for overnight home charging using a Level 2 charger. For faster charging needs, the Bolt EV can utilize DC fast charging at up to 55 kW, allowing the battery to gain a significant amount of charge in a short period. Additionally, the Bolt EV features regenerative braking technology, which helps recover energy during braking and deceleration, enhancing overall efficiency and extending the vehicle’s range.
Design and Dimensions
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh features a design that balances practicality with modern aesthetics. As a 5-door hatchback with seating for five, it offers the versatility and space needed for a wide range of uses, from daily commutes to weekend getaways. The vehicle measures 4145 mm in length, 1765 mm in width, and 1611 mm in height (163.2 x 69.5 x 63.4 in), providing a compact yet spacious profile that is easy to maneuver in urban environments.
The Bolt EV’s aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd, enhances its efficiency by reducing air resistance. The vehicle rides on 17-inch wheels, which offer a balance of ride comfort and handling performance. The trunk provides 470 liters of storage space, expanding to a maximum of 1614 liters with the rear seats folded down, ensuring ample room for cargo. Although the Bolt EV does not include a frunk (front trunk) or towing capabilities, it excels in providing practical passenger and cargo space.
Infotainment and Displays
Inside the Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh, drivers and passengers are treated to a high-tech and user-friendly infotainment system. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, which provides easy access to a wide range of features and controls. This central display is complemented by an 8-inch driver’s display, which presents essential driving information in a clear and concise manner.
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration of smartphones for hands-free calling, messaging, navigation, and media streaming. This wireless connectivity eliminates the need for physical cables, enhancing convenience and reducing clutter in the cabin. The Bolt EV also includes a high-quality sound system, ensuring that passengers can enjoy their favorite music and audio content with excellent clarity and depth.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort and convenience are at the forefront of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh’s interior design. The vehicle features heated and ventilated front seats, ensuring that occupants remain comfortable in all weather conditions. The panoramic glass roof, which tilts and slides, enhances the sense of space and provides an airy, open feel to the cabin.
For added convenience, the Bolt EV is equipped with a comprehensive array of parking aids. These include front and rear sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and a reversing camera, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze. The vehicle’s intuitive layout and high-quality materials contribute to a premium feel, while the spacious cabin ensures that all passengers have ample legroom and headroom.
Safety Features
Safety is a paramount concern in the design of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh, and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. The Bolt EV includes 10 airbags, covering the front, side, rear, and head areas, as well as knee airbags for the front seats, ensuring that occupants are well-protected in the event of a collision.
The vehicle also boasts a range of advanced driver assistance systems designed to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. These systems include:
- Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of an impending collision with a vehicle ahead, allowing for timely corrective action.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to approaching traffic when reversing, helping to prevent collisions.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist: Provide warnings and corrective steering inputs if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
- Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Change Alert: Warn the driver of vehicles in the blind spot and when a lane change may not be safe.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatically applies the brakes if a potential collision is detected, helping to avoid or mitigate the impact.
- Front Pedestrian Braking: Detects pedestrians ahead and applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision.
- Road Sign Detection: Recognizes and displays road signs, such as speed limits, on the driver’s display.
- High-Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams to optimize visibility without dazzling other drivers.
- Driver Attention System: Monitors driver behavior and provides alerts if signs of drowsiness or distraction are detected.
- Vehicle Ahead Indicator: Alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead has started moving, preventing delays in traffic.
These safety features work in concert to provide a secure and confident driving experience, ensuring that both the driver and passengers are well-protected at all times.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh stands as a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology. By combining the practicality of a hatchback with the efficiency and performance of an electric powertrain, the Bolt EV has set a new standard in the EV market. Its impressive range, advanced safety features, and user-friendly technology make it an appealing choice for a wide range of consumers.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Chevrolet Bolt EV 65kWh’s legacy will likely influence future developments in electric vehicle technology. Its blend of affordability, performance, and advanced features serves as a benchmark for other manufacturers, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in electric mobility. The Bolt EV’s impact on the market underscores the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions and highlights the critical role that electric vehicles will play in shaping the future of the automotive industry.