Chevy Volt vs Bolt: Which Ev Reigns Supreme?
Electric vehicle enthusiasts, get ready for a showdown! We’re diving deep into the world of Chevrolet EVs to compare two of their most popular models: the chevy volt and the bolt. Choosing between these two can be a tough decision, so we’re here to break down everything you need to know.
The Chevrolet Volt and Bolt represent different approaches to electric driving. The Volt, a plug-in hybrid, offers a blend of electric and gasoline power for extended range. In contrast, the Bolt is a fully electric vehicle, offering a pure EV experience.
This comparison will explore their key differences, from range and performance to features and overall value. Whether you’re a seasoned EV driver or just starting your research, this guide will help you decide which Chevy is the right fit for your needs. Let’s get started!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Volt | Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Electric Range (Miles) | 53 | 259 |
| Combined MPGe | 106 | 118 |
| Horsepower | 149 | 200 |
| 0-60 mph (seconds) | 8.0 | 6.5 |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats, cu. ft.) | 10.6 | 16.9 |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 18.4 | 65 |
| Charging Time (240V, hours) | 4.5 | 9.5 |
| DC Fast Charging | No | Yes |
| Infotainment Screen Size (inches) | 8 | 10.2 |
| Available Driver-Assist Features | Limited | More |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Range & Battery Capacity
- Chevy Volt: The Volt is a plug-in hybrid with a smaller battery, offering approximately 53 miles of all-electric range. It also has a gasoline engine that extends the total range to around 420 miles. Pros include extended range; Cons include reliance on gasoline.
- Bolt: The Bolt is a fully electric vehicle with a larger battery, providing an estimated range of around 259 miles on a single charge. Pros include zero emissions; Cons include longer charging times.
- Winner: Bolt
Charging Time
- Chevy Volt: The Volt can be charged using a standard 120V outlet (taking around 13 hours) or a 240V outlet (taking around 4.5 hours). It has a slower charging speed due to its smaller battery.
- Bolt: The Bolt can be charged using a 120V outlet (taking around 60 hours), a 240V outlet (taking around 7-10 hours), or DC fast charging (adding up to 100 miles in about 30 minutes).
- Winner: Bolt
Fuel Efficiency/MPGe
- Chevy Volt: The Volt boasts impressive fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 42 MPG combined when the gasoline engine is used. Its MPGe rating is around 106.
- Bolt: The Bolt, being fully electric, has an MPGe rating of around 120. It doesn’t consume gasoline, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions.
- Winner: Bolt
Performance & Acceleration
- Chevy Volt: The Volt’s acceleration is adequate for city driving, but it’s not particularly sporty. It prioritizes fuel efficiency over raw power.
- Bolt: The Bolt offers peppy acceleration thanks to its electric motor, making it fun to drive in urban environments.
- Winner: Bolt
Cargo Space
- Chevy Volt: The Volt offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size, but it’s slightly less than the Bolt due to the hybrid components.
- Bolt: The Bolt provides more cargo space compared to the Volt, making it more practical for carrying luggage and groceries.
- Winner: Bolt
Price & Availability
- Chevy Volt: The Volt is no longer in production, so availability is limited to the used car market. Prices are typically lower than the Bolt.
- Bolt: The Bolt is currently available as a new vehicle, offering a choice of trims and options. Prices vary depending on the model year and trim.
- Winner: Tie
Technology & Features
- Chevy Volt: The Volt features a touchscreen infotainment system, available advanced safety features, and a comfortable interior.
- Bolt: The Bolt offers a modern and tech-forward experience, including a larger infotainment screen, available advanced driver-assistance systems, and smartphone integration.
- Winner: Bolt
Overall Driving Experience
- Chevy Volt: The Volt offers a smooth and quiet driving experience, especially in electric mode. It’s a comfortable car for commuting and daily errands.
- Bolt: The Bolt provides a fun and engaging driving experience, with instant torque and a responsive feel. It’s well-suited for city driving and offers a good balance of performance and efficiency.
- Winner: Bolt
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Electric Range | Bolt |
| Overall Efficiency | Bolt |
| Performance | Bolt |
| Fast Charging | Bolt |
| Price | Volt |
| Fuel Flexibility | Volt |
| Cargo Space | Bolt |
What They Have in Common:
- Body Style: Both the Volt and Bolt are hatchbacks, offering versatile cargo space and a practical design. This makes them suitable for various lifestyle needs.
- Seating Capacity: Both vehicles comfortably seat five passengers, making them suitable for families or groups of friends.
- Regenerative Braking: Both vehicles utilize regenerative braking, which helps to recapture energy and extend the driving range.
- Smartphone Integration: Both models offer smartphone integration, allowing users to connect their devices and access apps and features.
- Electric Powertrain: Both cars are powered by an electric motor, contributing to zero tailpipe emissions and a quiet driving experience.
Chevy Volt Vs Bolt Buying Guide
Range and Charging
The Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid, offered a limited all-electric range, typically around 53 miles, after which its gasoline engine kicked in. This made it suitable for shorter commutes with the added security of extended range. The Bolt, a fully electric vehicle, boasts a significantly longer all-electric range, often exceeding 250 miles, depending on the model year and battery pack. This difference in range directly impacts charging needs and suitability for longer journeys. The Bolt requires access to charging infrastructure, while the Volt can rely on gas for flexibility.
Performance and Handling
Both the Volt and Bolt offered peppy acceleration thanks to their electric powertrains. The Bolt, with its all-electric system, generally provides a more immediate and responsive feel. The Volt’s handling was praised for its balance and agility, though its weight distribution differed with the engine. The Bolt, designed as an EV from the ground up, often benefits from a lower center of gravity, contributing to better handling characteristics. Test drives are crucial to assess personal preferences in terms of driving dynamics.
Interior and Features
The interior design of the Volt and Bolt reflected their respective eras. The Volt featured a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, with a focus on practicality and user-friendly technology. The Bolt, with its more modern design, offered a more spacious interior, particularly for rear passengers, and often included updated infotainment systems and driver-assistance features. Consider the features important to you and size requirements. Both offer a good level of equipment for their price point.
Cost and Value
The initial purchase price of the Bolt was generally higher than the Volt, reflecting its all-electric nature and larger battery pack. However, government incentives and tax credits could significantly reduce the effective purchase price of both vehicles. Over time, the lower running costs of electric vehicles, such as reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, could offset the higher upfront cost of the Bolt. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and potential resale value.
Ownership Experience
Owning a Volt provided the convenience of both electric and gasoline power, reducing range anxiety. Owners appreciated the flexibility to switch between electric and gas modes. Bolt owners, on the other hand, experienced the pure electric lifestyle, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Charging infrastructure availability plays a critical role in the ownership experience of the Bolt. Consider your driving habits, access to charging, and preferences regarding fuel types when assessing the ownership experience.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Volt and Bolt received good safety ratings from major safety organizations. Both vehicles were equipped with a range of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and antilock brakes. The Bolt often featured newer driver-assistance technologies like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, depending on the trim and model year. Reliability data for both models is generally positive, but it’s advisable to research specific model years for potential issues and consult owner reviews.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Chevy Volt If…
- You want a plug-in hybrid with a gasoline engine for extended range.
- You prefer a lower initial purchase price.
- You primarily drive shorter distances and want to minimize gasoline usage.
- You want a vehicle with a familiar driving experience.
Buy Bolt If…
- You want a fully electric vehicle with a longer driving range.
- You prioritize zero-emission driving and want to eliminate gasoline altogether.
- You frequently drive longer distances and need a greater range.
- You want access to DC fast charging for quicker recharges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Volt and the Bolt?
The primary difference lies in their powertrains. The Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine, offering both electric and gasoline driving options. The Bolt is a fully electric vehicle (EV) that runs solely on electricity, eliminating the need for gasoline. This distinction impacts range, charging requirements, and overall driving experience.
How far can the Volt travel on electricity?
The Chevrolet Volt could typically travel around 53 miles on a single electric charge, depending on driving conditions and battery health. Once the electric range was depleted, the Volt’s gasoline engine automatically kicked in, extending the overall driving range. This made the Volt a suitable choice for drivers with shorter daily commutes.
How far can the Bolt travel on a single charge?
The Chevrolet Bolt boasts a significantly longer all-electric range compared to the Volt. Depending on the model year and battery pack, the Bolt can typically travel over 250 miles on a single charge. This extended range makes the Bolt suitable for longer journeys and reduces the frequency of charging stops.
What are the charging options for the Bolt?
The Bolt can be charged using a variety of methods. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V outlet, providing a slow charge. Level 2 charging, using a 240V outlet or a home charging station, offers a faster charging rate. DC Fast Charging is available at public stations, allowing for quick charging times, often adding significant range in a short period.
Does the Volt require gasoline?
Yes, the Chevrolet Volt requires gasoline. While it operates primarily on electric power for shorter distances, it has a gasoline engine that serves as a range extender. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine automatically engages, allowing the Volt to continue driving without needing to charge. This provides flexibility and eliminates range anxiety for longer trips.
Is the Bolt eligible for government incentives?
Yes, the Chevrolet Bolt is often eligible for government incentives, such as federal tax credits, which can significantly reduce the purchase price. The availability and amount of these incentives can vary depending on location and government regulations. It’s recommended to check local and federal guidelines for the most up-to-date information on available incentives.
Which car is better for long trips?
For long trips, the Chevrolet Volt had the advantage of having the flexibility to use both electricity and gasoline. However, the Bolt’s longer all-electric range and the availability of DC fast charging make it a viable option for longer trips, provided charging infrastructure is readily available along the route. Careful planning is essential for long journeys in an EV.
Final Verdict
The Chevrolet Volt, with its hybrid powertrain, offered a practical blend of electric and gasoline driving. The Bolt, a fully electric vehicle, provides a longer all-electric range and a more modern EV experience. While the Volt addressed range anxiety, the Bolt represents a more committed step towards electric mobility. The choice depends on individual needs.
Winner: Bolt