The Chevrolet Bolt EV 66kWh stands as a significant milestone in the evolution of electric vehicles (EVs). Announced in 2019 and released in the fourth quarter of that year, the Bolt EV 66kWh continued the legacy of its predecessor by offering an affordable yet high-performance electric car with an impressive range. This model brought several improvements and innovations that solidified its place in the EV market, making it a favorite among eco-conscious drivers and technology enthusiasts alike. Despite its discontinuation, the Bolt EV 66kWh remains a testament to Chevrolet’s commitment to advancing electric mobility.
Chevrolet Bolt EV 66kWh Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | Announced: 2019, August 22 Released: 2019, Q4 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Base Price | $37,500 |
| Performance | |
| 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 | 66 kWh usable |
| 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 | 4166 x 1765 x 1594 mm (164.0 x 69.5 x 62.8 in) |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.32 Cd |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Weight | US: 1616 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 | US: 479 l, 1603 l max |
| Frunk | No |
| Towing | No |
| Displays | |
| Center | 10.2″ touchscreen |
| Driver’s | 8″ |
| Head-up | No |
| Comfort | |
| Seats | Heated front seats |
| Roof | Panoramic glass roof, tilt & slide |
| Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera |
| Connectivity | Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Safety | |
| Airbags | Front, side, rear, head airbag system, front seats knee airbags |
| Driving Aids | Front radar, front camera, 2 side cameras, rear camera. Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Road Sign detection, High-Beam Assist, Driver Attention System, Vehicle Ahead Indicator |
See also: Chevrolet Bolt EV 60kWh
Performance
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 66kWh delivers an impressive performance that rivals many traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Equipped with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) system, the Bolt EV boasts a power output of 150 kW (200 hp) and a torque of 360 Nm (266 lb-ft). This configuration allows the Bolt EV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, providing a spirited and responsive driving experience. Its maximum speed is capped at 145 km/h (90 mph), which is more than adequate for everyday driving scenarios.
The Bolt EV’s performance is further enhanced by its advanced suspension system. The front suspension features an independent MacPherson strut-type setup with a direct-acting solid stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension utilizes a compound crank (torsion beam) with coil springs. This combination ensures a smooth and stable ride, even on uneven road surfaces. The R17 wheels provide a good balance of comfort and handling, making the Bolt EV a pleasure to drive in various conditions.
Battery and Charging
One of the standout features of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 66kWh is its battery and charging technology. The Bolt EV is equipped with a 66 kWh usable liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack operating at 350V. This battery provides an EPA-estimated range of 417 km (259 miles) on a full charge, making it one of the most practical and versatile electric vehicles in its class.
The Bolt EV supports both AC and DC charging, offering flexibility and convenience for different charging scenarios. For AC charging, the Bolt EV can handle up to 11 kW, allowing for relatively quick charging times when connected to a compatible home or public charging station. For faster charging on the go, the Bolt EV supports DC fast charging up to 55 kW. This capability enables the battery to gain a substantial amount of charge in a short period, reducing downtime during long trips.
In addition to its impressive charging capabilities, the Bolt EV features advanced energy recuperation and a heat pump. The recuperation system captures and reuses energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, extending the vehicle’s range. The heat pump helps to efficiently manage the cabin temperature, improving energy efficiency and overall driving range.
Design and Dimensions
The design of the Chevrolet Bolt EV 66kWh strikes a balance between modern aesthetics and practical functionality. As a 5-door hatchback, the Bolt EV offers easy access to both the front and rear seats, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals alike. The vehicle’s compact dimensions—measuring 4166 mm in length, 1765 mm in width, and 1594 mm in height—allow it to navigate urban environments with ease while providing ample interior space for passengers and cargo.
The Bolt EV’s aerodynamic design contributes to its efficiency and performance. With a drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd, the Bolt EV minimizes air resistance, which helps to enhance its range and reduce energy consumption. The vehicle’s wheelbase of 2600 mm (102.4 inches) provides a stable foundation, contributing to its smooth and controlled ride.
Despite its compact size, the Bolt EV offers a surprisingly spacious interior. The trunk provides 479 liters of cargo space, which can be expanded to 1603 liters with the rear seats folded down. This flexibility makes the Bolt EV suitable for a variety of uses, from daily commuting to weekend getaways. However, the Bolt EV does not feature a frunk (front trunk), and towing capabilities are not included.
Infotainment and Displays
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 66kWh is equipped with a suite of advanced infotainment and display systems designed to keep drivers and passengers connected, informed, and entertained. At the center of the dashboard is a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, which serves as the hub for the vehicle’s infotainment system. This intuitive interface provides access to a wide range of features, including navigation, audio controls, and vehicle settings.
In addition to the central touchscreen, the Bolt EV features an 8-inch driver’s display. This customizable digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information, such as speed, battery status, and range, directly in the driver’s line of sight. This ensures that drivers can stay informed without being distracted from the road.
The Bolt EV’s infotainment system supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration of smartphones for easy access to apps, music, and hands-free communication. This connectivity ensures that drivers and passengers can stay connected to their digital lives while on the go.
Comfort and Convenience
The Chevrolet Bolt EV 66kWh prioritizes comfort and convenience, making every journey enjoyable for both drivers and passengers. The vehicle’s interior is designed with a focus on ergonomic comfort and premium materials, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
The front seats are heated, providing warmth and comfort during cold weather. The panoramic glass roof, which features tilt and slide functionality, enhances the sense of space and openness within the cabin, allowing natural light to flood the interior. This feature also provides ventilation and an expansive view of the sky, adding to the overall driving experience.
For added convenience, the Bolt EV comes equipped with a range of parking aids. Front and rear sensors, along with a 360-degree camera system, assist drivers in maneuvering the vehicle in tight spaces. The reversing camera provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, making parking and reversing safer and more straightforward.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for the Chevrolet Bolt EV 66kWh, which is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and enhance overall driving safety. The vehicle is fitted with a full array of airbags, including front, side, rear, and head airbags, as well as knee airbags for the front seats. This extensive airbag system ensures maximum protection in the event of a collision.
The Bolt EV also incorporates a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to help prevent accidents and improve overall safety. These systems include:
- Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead, allowing time to take corrective action.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces, reducing the risk of a collision.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist: Help the driver stay within their lane by providing alerts and gentle steering corrections if the vehicle begins to drift.
- Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Change Alert: Provide warnings when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot or when a lane change may not be safe.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatically applies the brakes if a potential collision is detected, helping to prevent or mitigate the impact.
- Front Pedestrian Braking: Detects pedestrians ahead and applies the brakes to avoid 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 provide optimal 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 together 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 66kWh has made a lasting impact on the electric vehicle market. As an affordable and practical long-range EV, it showcased the potential of electric vehicles to be both efficient and enjoyable to drive. The Bolt EV’s impressive range, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features have set a high standard for future electric vehicles.
While the Bolt EV 66kWh has been discontinued, its legacy continues to influence the development of new electric vehicles. It demonstrated that electric cars could offer a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, paving the way for more widespread adoption of electric mobility. As automakers continue to innovate and improve upon the foundations laid by the Bolt EV, the future of electric vehicles looks brighter than ever.
