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Chevrolet Bolt EV facelift 2021 65 kWh (200 Hp)
Overall Rating
Chevrolet Bolt EV:
The Chevrolet Bolt is a family of battery electric subcompact hatchbacks and small crossover SUVs manufactured and marketed by General Motors under its Chevrolet brand from late 2016 until late 2023 and from late 2025 onwards, with hiatuses in 2021-2022 and between 2023-2025. The 2017-2023 Bolt EV are hatchbacks, while the 2021-2023 Bolt EUV and 2027 Bolt are slightly larger subcompact crossover SUVs.
The first-generation Bolt was developed and manufactured with LG Corporation. Sales of the 2017 Bolt began in California in December 2016; it was released nationwide and international markets release in 2017. A rebadged European variant was marketed as the Opel Ampera-e in mainland Europe. In 2017, the Bolt was the second-best-selling plug-in car in the United States. It was named the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the 2017 North American Car of the Year, an Automobile magazine 2017 All Star, and was listed in Time magazine's Best 25 Inventions of 2016. The Ampera-e was discontinued after 2018. By the end of 2020, GM had sold 112,000 Bolt and Ampera-e cars worldwide. The first-generation Bolt had been subject to at least three recalls due to battery fire risks....(Read more on Wikipedia)
facelift 2021 Overview:
Chevrolet Bolt EV (facelift 2021). With a weight of 1628 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
65 kWh (200 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers brisk acceleration and ample power for city and highway driving, characteristic of instant EV torque delivery from its 200 Hp electric motor.
Fuel Economy
The 65 kWh battery provides a competitive 416 km (WLTP equivalent) range, making it suitable for daily commutes and longer trips with efficient energy consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent electric range for its class (416 km)
- • Instant torque and responsive acceleration
- • Improved interior design and technology features
- • Practical hatchback utility with generous cargo space
- • Competitive pricing for an EV with this range
Cons:
- • Exterior styling remains divisive for some buyers
- • DC fast charging speeds are not class-leading
- • Previous battery recall history (though addressed) may impact perception
- • Ride can be firm on rougher road surfaces
- • Limited availability in some markets
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Bolt EV: 2019 - February, 2021).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Bolt EV |
| Generation: | facelift 2021 |
| Modification (Engine): | 65 kWh (200 Hp) |
| Start of production: | February, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Electricity |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.1 kg/Hp, 122.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.5 kg/Nm, 221.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1628 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1614 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 470 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4145 mm mm [21mm less] |
| Width: | 1765 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1611 mm mm [16mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2600 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Front track: | 1501 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1501 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.62 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 1 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 276 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 264 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
| Electric: | |
|---|---|
| Gross battery capacity: | 65 kWh |
| Battery technology: | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location: | Below the floor |
| System power: | 200 Hp |
| System torque: | 360 Nm |
| All-electric range: | 416 km |
| Electric motor power: | 200 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque: | 360 Nm |
| Electric motor location: | Front axle, Transverse |
| Battery weight: | 430 kg |
| Battery voltage: | 350 V |
Behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. How does it handle on the road?