Looking for an eco-friendly ride? We compare the Chevy Volt and Bolt on key features, performance, and value to help you choose the best electric hybrid for your needs.
Design and Features
When it comes to designing a car that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, the fine folks at General Motors have truly outdone themselves. The Volt and Bolt are two electric vehicles that not only boast impressive specs but also turn heads on the road. But what makes them so special?
Exterior Dimensions and Curb Weight
Let’s start with the externals. The Volt and Bolt are both compact cars, but they’re not identical twins. The Volt measures 106.1 inches in length, 71.2 inches in width, and 56.4 inches in height, with a curb weight of around 3,543 pounds. The Bolt, on the other hand, stretches 164 inches in length, 69.5 inches in width, and 62.8 inches in height, with a curb weight of approximately 3,563 pounds. While they’re not huge, they’re certainly not tiny either. So, what’s the ideal size for an electric car, you ask? Well, it all depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re a city dweller, a smaller size might be more practical. But if you’re planning on taking long road trips, a bit more space can be a blessing.
Interior Space and Comfort
Now, let’s talk about the inside. When you step into the Volt or Bolt, you’ll be greeted by a spacious interior that’s perfect for daily driving. Both cars feature a comfortable cabin with plenty of legroom and headroom, making them ideal for road trips or shuttling around town. The Volt boasts 39 inches of legroom in the front and 34.8 inches in the rear, while the Bolt offers 40.1 inches in the front and 36.5 inches in the rear. But it’s not just about the numbers – the interior design is sleek, modern, and intuitive, with premium materials and soft-touch surfaces to make your driving experience as comfortable as possible.
Infotainment and Tech Features
And then there’s the tech. Oh, the glorious tech! Both the Volt and Bolt come equipped with an impressive array of infotainment features to keep you connected and entertained on the go. You’ll find an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system with six speakers. But that’s not all – you’ll also get advanced safety features like forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. And let’s not forget about the myChevrolet mobile app, which allows you to monitor your car’s performance, schedule service appointments, and even remote-start your vehicle from your phone. It’s like having your own personal concierge service, minus the high-end prices!
Electric Range and Charging
When it comes to electric vehicles, two of the most critical factors to consider are the electric range and charging capabilities. After all, who wants to be stranded with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere? In this section, we’ll delve into the electric range and charging features of the Chevy Volt and Bolt, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Volt’s Extended Range Capacity
The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid, which means it has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. This setup allows the Volt to have an extended range capacity, making it an excellent option for those who need to drive long distances regularly. With a fully charged battery, the Volt can travel up to 25 miles on electric power alone, after which the gasoline engine kicks in to provide additional power. This means you can drive for hundreds of miles without needing to recharge, making road trips a breeze.
Bolt’s Longer Electric Range
The Chevy Bolt, on the other hand, is a dedicated electric vehicle with no gasoline engine in sight. This allows it to have a longer electric range, with the ability to travel up to 259 miles on a single charge. To put that into perspective, you could drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and back again without needing to stop for a recharge. The Bolt’s longer electric range makes it an excellent option for those who want to drive emission-free without worrying about running out of juice.
Charging Time and Methods
So, how do you recharge these electric vehicles? Both the Volt and Bolt can be charged using a 120-volt Level 1 charger, which can be plugged into any standard household outlet. However, this method can take up to 24 hours to fully recharge the battery. If you need to charge your vehicle more quickly, you can opt for a 240-volt Level 2 charger, which can be installed in your garage or driveway. This method can recharge the battery in just a few hours. Additionally, many public charging stations offer DC Fast Charging, which can provide up to 90 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
Performance and Handling
The driving experience is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the Chevrolet Volt and Bolt are no exception. While they share some similarities, their powertrains and suspension systems have distinct differences that set them apart.
Volt’s Hybrid Powertrain
The Chevrolet Volt is equipped with a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor. This hybrid powertrain produces a combined output of 149 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque. The Volt’s engine is designed to work in tandem with its electric motor, providing additional power when needed. Think of it like having a trusty sidekick who kicks in to help you climb steep hills or merge onto a busy highway. This seamless collaboration between the engine and electric motor ensures a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Bolt’s Electric Motor Performance
In contrast, the Chevrolet Bolt is powered by a single electric motor, which produces 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. With no engine to provide additional power, the Bolt’s electric motor takes center stage. But don’t worry – it’s more than capable of handling the task. The instant torque provided by the electric motor makes the Bolt feel quick and agile, perfect for navigating city streets or zipping past slower traffic.
Suspension and Steering Dynamics
Both the Volt and Bolt feature a MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride and decent handling, making them well-suited for daily driving duties. However, the Bolt’s slightly sport-tuned suspension and its lower center of gravity (thanks to its battery pack) give it a more responsive feel when cornering or navigating twisty roads. Meanwhile, the Volt’s suspension is tuned more towards comfort, making it an excellent choice for road trips or daily commutes. As for steering, both vehicles feature an electric power steering system that provides a light and easy feel, making them easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Safety Features and Ratings
When it comes to safety, both the Chevrolet Volt and Bolt are designed to provide drivers and passengers with a secure and protected environment on the road. But how do they stack up against each other in terms of safety features and ratings?
Crash Test Ratings and Scores
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are two of the most reputable organizations when it comes to rating vehicle safety. So, what do their tests reveal about the Volt and Bolt?
The Chevrolet Volt has a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS also gives the Volt a “Good” rating (the highest rating) in all crashworthiness tests, including the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats tests.
The Bolt, on the other hand, has a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal and 4 stars in side crash tests. The IIHS also gives the Bolt a “Good” rating in all crashworthiness tests, except for an “Acceptable” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test.
Advanced Safety Features Comparison
But safety ratings are just the beginning. Both vehicles also offer a range of advanced safety features to help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. So, what sets them apart?
The Chevrolet Volt offers a range of advanced safety features, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Rear Vision Camera. The Volt also features a “driver attention system” that alerts the driver if it detects signs of distraction or drowsiness.
The Bolt, on the other hand, offers many of the same advanced safety features, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, and a Rear Vision Camera. However, the Bolt also offers a few unique features, such as a “following distance indicator” that alerts the driver if they’re following another vehicle too closely.
Airbag and Anti-Theft Systems
Finally, both vehicles also offer a range of airbag and anti-theft systems to provide an additional layer of protection.
The Chevrolet Volt features a total of 10 airbags, including dual-front, front-center, and side-impact airbags, as well as head-curtain and knee airbags. The Volt also features a “content theft deterrent system” that helps to prevent theft of valuables from the vehicle.
The Bolt, on the other hand, features a total of 10 airbags, including dual-front, front-center, and side-impact airbags, as well as head-curtain and knee airbags. The Bolt also features a “vehicle inclination sensor” that helps to prevent theft of the vehicle itself.
Price and Value
When it comes to buying an electric vehicle, one of the most important factors to consider is the price and value. After all, you want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. So, how do the Chevrolet Volt and Bolt stack up in terms of pricing and value?
Starting Prices and Trim Levels
The Chevrolet Volt is available in two trim levels: the LT and the Premier. The LT starts at around $33,000, while the Premier starts at around $38,000. The Bolt, on the other hand, is available in three trim levels: the LT, Premier, and Launch Edition. The LT starts at around $36,000, the Premier starts at around $44,000, and the limited-edition Launch Edition starts at around $45,000. But what do you get for your money?
Cost of Ownership and Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of electric vehicles is their lower operating costs. Because they don’t have gasoline engines, they don’t need oil changes, and they have fewer moving parts to replace. According to the US Department of Energy, charging an electric vehicle can cost as little as $3 to $5 per 100 miles, compared to $12 to $15 per 100 miles for a gasoline-powered vehicle. Over time, those savings can add up. But what about maintenance? Electric vehicles require less maintenance than their gasoline-powered counterparts, with fewer brake pad replacements and no transmission maintenance needed. According to Chevrolet, the Volt and Bolt require scheduled maintenance every 7,500 miles, compared to every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for gasoline-powered vehicles.
Incentives and Federal Tax Credits
In addition to lower operating costs and reduced maintenance needs, electric vehicles may also be eligible for government incentives. The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of a qualifying electric vehicle, and some states offer additional incentives, such as rebates or credits. Additionally, some utility companies offer special rates for electric vehicle owners, which can help reduce the cost of charging. So, when you factor in the incentives and tax credits, the cost of owning an electric vehicle can be even more affordable. But how do you take advantage of these incentives? Be sure to research the specific incentives available in your area and consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re taking full advantage of the credits and incentives available to you.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of electric and hybrid vehicles is a crucial aspect to consider, especially for eco-conscious buyers. With the rising concerns about climate change, air pollution, and depleting natural resources, it’s essential to evaluate how these vehicles fare in terms of sustainability.
Emissions and Carbon Footprint
One of the most significant advantages of electric and hybrid vehicles is their minimal emissions. The Chevrolet Volt and Bolt produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. In contrast, traditional gas-powered vehicles are a significant contributor to air pollution, with the average passenger vehicle emitting around 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year. By switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute less to air pollution.
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
Besides reducing emissions, electric and hybrid vehicles also promote eco-friendliness and sustainability in other ways. They require fewer resources to operate and maintain, and their electric motors are more efficient than traditional gas-powered engines. Additionally, many electric and hybrid vehicles are designed with sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, as the grid becomes increasingly powered by renewable energy sources, the carbon footprint of electric vehicles will continue to decrease, making them an even more attractive option for environmentally conscious buyers.
Energy Efficiency and Fuel Economy
Electric and hybrid vehicles also offer outstanding energy efficiency and fuel economy. The Chevrolet Volt has an estimated electric range of 259 miles on a single charge, while the Bolt has an estimated range of 259 miles on a single charge. In hybrid mode, the Volt achieves an estimated 42 mpg combined, and the Bolt achieves an estimated 108 mpg-e combined. This means you can travel longer distances while using less energy and producing fewer emissions. With their exceptional fuel economy and energy efficiency, electric and hybrid vehicles are an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact while saving on fuel costs.