2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV Walkaround

Overview
The 2022 Chevy Bolt EV not only looks more exciting inside and out, the redesigned electric hatchback also has enhanced features and a much cheaper asking price. While the most noticeable changes are its futuristic sheetmetal and freshly refinished cabin, it still employs a front-drive-only powertrain that delivers near-instant acceleration. Chevy estimates the 2022 Bolt EV can travel up to 259 miles on a full charge. That gives it a slight advantage over the excellent Hyundai Kona Electric, but it still falls far short of the Tesla Model 3. However, the new Bolt's accessible price, roomy interior, and satisfying driving dynamics should be strong selling points. Those who want a more SUV-like model with additional back-seat space and available Super Cruise hands-free driving will be drawn to the all-new 2022 Bolt EUV.

What's New for 2022?
The 2022 Bolt EV undergoes a comprehensive redesign that includes updated exterior and interior styling. While its electrical and mechanical components remain the same as before, the hatchback adds a newly available dual-level charging cord as well as an increased Level 2 (240-volt) maximum charging capability. Perhaps most notably, maybe amazingly, the new-and-improved Bolt EV has a starting price that's $5500 lower than the previous model's which opened at $37,495.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
1LT $32,495
2LT $35,695
Chevy has announced that the 2022 Bolt EV's base price is significantly lower than last year, but so far it hasn't revealed pricing for individual options or higher trim levels. We expect full pricing details will be released before it goes on sale this summer, at which time we'll be able to recommend which one to buy.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Although we have not driven the 2022 Bolt EV, its powertrain and chassis are identical to older models that we have piloted. Its electric motor still sends 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque exclusively to the front wheels. This setup provides instantaneous response to accelerator inputs and ample low-end torque that lets you shoot off the line when the light turns green. Responses are less immediate at highway speeds, but the new electric Chevy should still make passing and merging on the highway a cinch. We anticipate that it will again deliver a composed ride and plenty of power—and a pleasant enough driving demeanor to challenge whatever negative preconceptions you might have about electric vehicles. There's also a one-pedal-driving mode—activated via a button on the center console—that increases regenerative braking to the point where you rarely need to use the brakes to slow down.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Chevy estimates the 2022 model has a driving range of 259 miles on a full charge. That matches the EPA rating for the previous model year, and it's competitive with other similarly priced EVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric. While the Tesla Model 3 Long Range can travel up to 353 miles on one charge, it costs considerably more. For 2022, the Bolt EV is now available with a dual-level charging cord that plugs into both Level 1 (120-volt) and Level 2 (240-volt) outlets, which Chevy says will eliminate the need for many owners to buy a separate home charger. The Bolt's maximum Level 2 charging speed also increases to 11 kW, allowing the battery to fully charge in seven hours. The electrified hatchback is still available with DC fast charging that can add about 100 miles of range every 30 minutes with a Level 3 connection.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The 2022 Bolt EV has a combined EPA rating of 120 MPGe. The last Bolt EV we evaluated achieved 102 MPGe in our real-world test, which translates to a highway range of 180 miles. You can expect to see significantly better range if you stick to lower speeds around town. In fact, during an unorthodox range test in California's Death Valley, we were able to exceed the EPA's 259-mile estimated driving range in the real world. For more information about the Bolt EV's efficiency, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Chevy spruces up the Bolt EV's cabin with a more upscale design that the company says includes better materials than before and more soft-touch surfaces. The steering wheel now features a flat-bottom, the driver faces a new 8.0-inch fully digital gauge cluster, and the old electronic shifter is replaced by a set of pull toggles and push buttons. Although the updated Bolt EV has the same passenger space as before, including a back seat that's roomy enough for two adults, it does have redesigned front seats that are said to be more comfortable. The hatchback's rear cargo space still measures 17 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubes with those rear seatbacks folded flat.

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