Chevy Volt vs. Chevy Bolt: Which Ev Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your next electric vehicle can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming with so many options. Two popular choices from Chevrolet often top the list: the Chevy Volt and the Chevy Bolt. Both offer compelling features and benefits for the environmentally conscious driver, but they cater to different needs and driving styles.
The Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid, and the all-electric Chevy Bolt represent distinct approaches to electrification. The Volt cleverly combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine, offering extended range and flexibility. The Bolt, on the other hand, is a pure EV, providing a fully electric driving experience with zero tailpipe emissions.
This comparison dives deep into the Chevy Volt vs. Chevy Bolt debate, exploring their key differences in range, performance, features, and overall value. We’ll help you determine which car best suits your lifestyle, budget, and driving requirements. Get ready to discover which Chevy EV is the perfect fit for you!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Chevy Volt | Chevy Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Electric Range | 53 miles | 259 miles |
| Combined MPGe | 106 MPGe | 118 MPGe |
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cylinder/Electric | Electric Motor |
| Horsepower | 149 hp (combined) | 200 hp |
| Torque | 294 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 10.6 cu. ft. | 16.9 cu. ft. |
| Infotainment System | Chevrolet MyLink | Chevrolet MyLink |
| Available Driver-Assist Tech | Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring | Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Charging Time (240V) | 4.5 hours | 10 hours |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Range
- Chevy Volt: The Chevy Volt offered a combined electric and gasoline range. It could travel approximately 53 miles on electricity alone, with a total range exceeding 400 miles thanks to its gasoline engine. This provided flexibility for longer trips, but required gasoline maintenance.
- Chevy Bolt: The Chevy Bolt is a fully electric vehicle, offering an EPA-estimated range of around 259 miles on a single charge (depending on the model year). This eliminates gasoline usage, but requires access to charging infrastructure for longer journeys.
- Winner: Bolt
Battery Capacity & Charging
- Chevy Volt: The Volt’s battery capacity was smaller, around 18.4 kWh. Charging took approximately 4.5 hours on a 240V charger. This was a good balance for its intended use, but slower than the Bolt.
- Chevy Bolt: The Bolt has a larger battery pack, around 66 kWh (varies slightly by model year). It supports DC fast charging, allowing for around 90 miles of range to be added in 30 minutes. Charging at home takes longer.
- Winner: Bolt
Performance & Acceleration
- Chevy Volt: The Volt offered adequate acceleration for daily driving, with a 0-60 mph time in the mid-8 second range. Its performance was geared toward efficiency rather than outright speed.
- Chevy Bolt: The Bolt provides peppy acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time in the low-to-mid 6 second range. Its electric motor delivers instant torque, making it feel quicker in city driving.
- Winner: Bolt
Fuel Efficiency/MPGe
- Chevy Volt: The Volt achieved impressive fuel efficiency, boasting an EPA-estimated 106 MPGe in combined driving when running on electricity, and a respectable 42 MPG when using the gasoline engine.
- Chevy Bolt: The Bolt, being fully electric, has an MPGe of around 118, depending on the model year and driving conditions. This results in significantly lower fuel costs, but depends on electricity prices.
- Winner: Bolt
Cargo Space
- Chevy Volt: The Volt offered a decent amount of cargo space for its size, but due to the battery placement, the cargo area was slightly compromised. It was suitable for daily errands and small trips.
- Chevy Bolt: The Bolt provides more cargo space compared to the Volt, and offers a more practical hatchback design. This makes it easier to haul larger items.
- Winner: Bolt
Price & Availability (Historically)
- Chevy Volt: The Volt was offered with various trim levels, and pricing varied. It was discontinued in 2019, so availability is limited to the used car market.
- Chevy Bolt: The Bolt has also been available in various trim levels and price points. The Bolt has been in production longer, and has been more available.
- Winner: Bolt
Technology & Features
- Chevy Volt: The Volt included a touchscreen infotainment system, available advanced safety features like lane departure warning, and optional features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (later model years).
- Chevy Bolt: The Bolt also features a touchscreen infotainment system, often with a larger display, and offers more advanced driver-assistance features and connectivity options than the Volt.
- Winner: Bolt
Overall Driving Experience
- Chevy Volt: The Volt offered a comfortable and refined driving experience. The transition between electric and gasoline power was smooth, although some drivers may find the gasoline engine sound noticeable at times.
- Chevy Bolt: The Bolt delivers a more sporty and agile driving experience due to its electric powertrain and more compact design. The instant torque and quiet operation contribute to the overall driving pleasure.
- Winner: Bolt
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Electric Range | Chevy Bolt |
| Fuel Efficiency (MPGe) | Chevy Bolt |
| Acceleration | Chevy Bolt |
| Overall Value (considering used prices) | Chevy Volt |
| Cargo Space | Chevy Bolt |
| Range Flexibility | Chevy Volt |
What They Have in Common
- Seating Capacity: Both the Volt and Bolt comfortably seat five passengers, making them practical choices for families or those who frequently transport others.
- Infotainment System: Both vehicles share the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, providing a familiar and user-friendly interface for drivers.
- Body Style: Both are hatchbacks offering versatility and ease of access to the cargo area.
- Electric Motor: Both vehicles utilize electric motor technology to provide power.
- Regenerative Braking: Both vehicles are equipped with regenerative braking systems to recapture energy.
Chevy Volt Vs Chevy Bolt Buying Guide
Range and Charging
The Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid, offers a limited all-electric range supplemented by a gasoline engine, making it suitable for drivers with range anxiety. The Volt’s electric range typically covers daily commutes, and the gas engine extends its overall driving distance. In contrast, the Chevy Bolt is a fully electric vehicle, providing a significantly greater all-electric range. This makes it ideal for those who primarily drive in urban areas or have access to reliable charging infrastructure, potentially eliminating the need for gasoline altogether.
Charging the Volt is simpler if you don’t have access to charging stations, but the Bolt provides a different driving experience.
Performance and Handling
The Chevy Bolt offers brisk acceleration due to its instant electric torque and provides a smoother, quieter ride than the Volt. The Bolt’s electric powertrain contributes to a more responsive feel, particularly in city driving. The Volt, with its combined electric and gasoline power, offers adequate performance but may not match the Bolt’s immediate responsiveness. Both vehicles are designed for practicality, but the Bolt’s handling characteristics are generally considered more engaging due to its lower center of gravity.
The Bolt offers faster acceleration and handling.
Cost and Affordability
The initial purchase price of the Chevy Bolt is typically higher than the Volt’s, reflecting its larger battery and all-electric nature. However, both vehicles are eligible for federal and state tax credits, which can significantly reduce the effective cost. Over time, the Bolt’s lower running costs, due to the elimination of gasoline expenses, can offset its higher upfront price. The Volt’s gasoline engine adds an additional ongoing expense that the Bolt avoids, making the Bolt potentially more cost-effective over the long term, depending on driving habits and electricity costs.
Consider the long-term cost.
Technology and Features
Both the Chevy Volt and the Chevy Bolt come equipped with a range of modern technology features, including infotainment systems, driver-assistance technologies, and smartphone integration. The Bolt typically offers a more advanced infotainment system and may include features not available on the Volt, reflecting its more recent model year. The Volt, however, remains well-equipped, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Both vehicles provide a comfortable and connected driving experience, but the Bolt often has a slight edge in terms of technological advancements.
The Bolt has a newer infotainment system.
Practicality and Space
The Chevy Bolt, with its hatchback design, provides more cargo space and interior volume than the Volt, which is a sedan. The Bolt’s larger cabin offers greater comfort for passengers, particularly in the rear seats. The Volt, while offering adequate space for its class, is less spacious overall. The Bolt’s design makes it more versatile for carrying cargo. Both vehicles are suitable for daily commuting and short trips, but the Bolt offers greater practicality for families or those needing extra cargo capacity.
The Bolt is more practical due to its hatchback design.
Environmental Impact
The Chevy Bolt, being a fully electric vehicle, has a lower environmental impact compared to the Chevy Volt. The Bolt produces zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Volt, as a plug-in hybrid, produces fewer emissions than a gasoline-powered car, especially when driven primarily in electric mode. However, the use of gasoline in the Volt results in some emissions. For those seeking the most environmentally friendly option, the Bolt is the clear winner, as it eliminates tailpipe emissions entirely.
The Bolt has a lower environmental impact due to zero tailpipe emissions.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Chevy Volt If…
- You prefer a plug-in hybrid with a gasoline engine backup for extended range.
- You primarily drive shorter distances and want to maximize electric driving.
- You are looking for a more affordable option in the used car market.
- You want the peace of mind of not having to worry about range anxiety.
Buy Chevy Bolt If…
- You want a fully electric vehicle with a long driving range.
- You prioritize a higher all-electric range for daily commutes and trips.
- You want a more modern and technologically advanced driving experience.
- You are looking for a vehicle with quicker acceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Chevy Volt and the Chevy Bolt?
The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, offering both electric and gasoline driving options. The Chevy Bolt, on the other hand, is a fully electric vehicle (EV) that runs solely on electricity. This means the Bolt produces zero tailpipe emissions, while the Volt has some emissions when the gasoline engine is in use.
What is the range of the Chevy Volt?
The Chevy Volt’s electric range is typically around 53 miles on a full charge. Once the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine kicks in to provide extended range. The overall range, including both electric and gasoline, is significantly higher, allowing for longer trips without needing to recharge or refuel frequently.
What is the range of the Chevy Bolt?
The Chevy Bolt offers a significantly longer all-electric range, typically exceeding 250 miles on a full charge. This range allows for longer commutes and trips without the need for gasoline. The range can vary slightly depending on driving conditions, speed, and climate control usage.
How long does it take to charge the Chevy Volt?
Charging times for the Chevy Volt depend on the charging level used. Using a Level 1 charger (120V outlet), it can take around 13 hours to fully charge. With a Level 2 charger (240V), the charging time reduces to approximately 4.5 hours. Charging times vary based on the battery’s state of charge.
How long does it take to charge the Chevy Bolt?
Charging times for the Chevy Bolt depend on the charger used. Using a Level 1 charger (120V outlet), a full charge can take over 48 hours. With a Level 2 charger (240V), charging typically takes around 7-10 hours. Using a DC fast charger, the Bolt can gain approximately 90 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
Which car is better for city driving?
Both the Chevy Volt and the Chevy Bolt are well-suited for city driving. However, the Bolt’s all-electric powertrain provides a smoother and quieter experience, with instant torque for quick acceleration. The Bolt’s smaller size and hatchback design also make it easier to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces, making it a slightly better choice for city driving.
Which car is better for long trips?
The Chevy Volt is arguably better for long trips due to its hybrid system. While the Bolt offers a decent range, the Volt’s gasoline engine provides extended range, eliminating range anxiety and allowing for longer journeys without the need to stop and recharge. The Volt provides more flexibility for those who frequently travel outside of their local area.
Final Verdict
The Chevy Bolt emerges as the superior choice due to its all-electric nature, offering zero tailpipe emissions, a longer all-electric range, and a more modern driving experience. While the Chevy Volt is a solid plug-in hybrid, the Bolt’s advancements in electric vehicle technology, greater cargo capacity, and lower running costs make it the more compelling option for most buyers.
Winner: Chevy Bolt