Electric vehicles aren’t all that cheap. Think Tesla and one may need to break the bank if not rob it to own one of the coolest EVs around, even if Elon Musk does not appeal to all sensibilities.
Tesla is not cheap, and its history has shown its reliability to be erratic at best. So, which is the cheapest electric car in the US that will not break down and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere with no charging station in sight?
We are almost tempted to say Nissan Leaf, but with an optimistic range of 150 miles, this may run out of power even if it doesn’t break down. With Tesla and Nissan Leaf out, and most of the soon-to-come Chinese entrants too untested to rate, we have to turn to a car from the Detroit Three given its range, ROI, and brand name.
Interested? Well, here goes the cheapest electric car, for now, that won’t break down, as per the reliability ratings it has received.
The Chevrolet Bolt & The EV Landscape
What makes the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt stand out from the plethora of electric vehicles is its big range and the fact that it’s a mass-produced vehicle at an affordable price. Its an EV and on the whole, EVs are more expensive than their gas-powered and even hybrid counterparts. But it’s a price many willingly pay to do their bit for the environment, even if electric vehicles, on the whole, aren’t as environment-friendly as they are touted to be.
In 2017, it was the Chevrolet Bolt that was crowned the king and became Motor Trend’s Car of the Year beating out the likes of the Porsche 911. Surprised? So was the world which is why we still rate the Chevy Bolt as one of the cheapest EVs that will not break down easily.
Honestly, by now, the whole electric landscape is a lot different. Other than the expensive EVs like the Tesla Roadster or even the in-the-making new EV from Fisker, EVs, on the whole, have become relatively more affordable.
There’s the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq as well as Kona, Kia Niro, a Nissan Leaf with a longer range, and even more. Now there’s the Mustang Mach E to contend with, and entering into the competition with the Tesla Cybertruck is the Nikola Badger that may beat the Cybertruck to the market.
The Chevy Bolt's Edge
The Chevrolet Bolt has pumped in another 21 miles into its range for the 2020 model, and this was done without altering the physical battery pack, meaning the size and weight remain the same. The 2020 Chevy Bolt can give you an estimated range of 259 miles on a single, full charge, which is pretty good if you compare this to its rivals.
The Nissan Leaf, for instance, is cheaper but has a limited range of 150 miles, and the Nissan Leaf Plus that has an equivalent 258-mile range proves to be more expensive than the Bolt.
The Bolt recharges in about 10 hours with a 240V home charger, and at a rate of 4mph with a 120V plug. At a fast-charging station, it can charge up a 100 miles in a mere 30 minutes.
For a compact car, its 200 horses and 266 ft-lb of torque prove more than adequate for it, as does the 0-60 mph sprint of 6.3 seconds, faster than most of its contemporaries.
The Bolt also has a decent stopping distance, tested to 0-60mph, and back to 0 in 123 feet, matching the competition. The steering is good but lack of engine noise may confuse the drivers accustomed to gasoline-powered cars, and make them ease the throttle too much. Slow and steady is the best way to go with the Chevy Bolt.
The Final Word
If you are willing to spend a little more and want an electric vehicle that is also a sedan, the Tesla Model 3 is a better bet. In the world of compact and zippy EVs that are a nimble in-city drive and also a breeze to park, the Chevy Bolt is a winner, and it's as cheap as cheap can get, for now.
For a starting price of $36,000, roundabout, which may get further discounted because of federal tax credit and state incentives, the Chevy Bolt is a great city car and as American, as it can get. Plus with a five-star NHTSA rating, it will prove to be a reliable and environment-friendly EV to do your grocery shopping, in comfort.
The Kelley Blue Book gives it an overall 4.6 out of 5 score and its reliability ratings also stand at the same figure, making it yet another win-win for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. Plus, in 2018, Consumer Reports chose the Chevrolet Bolt as their top pick for "best small green car", so 2020 is going to be even brighter for the Bolt.
Sources: NHTSA, KBB, MotorTrend, CNN, Consumer Reports,