After blowing an early lead in the EV era, GM have been playing catch up in a market they clearly believe in once again.
When the EV1 wowed the world in the 90s with its technology that was quite literally a generation ahead of its time, GM had every opportunity to cash in on this pot of gold. Sadly a combination of external forces, politics and inept management bent on running one of the biggest companies in the world into the ground, the project had its plug rather spectacularly pulled.
Fast-forward to the world of today and instead of being a world leader in the EV market, they have become a bit part player desperately trying to turn the tide. After learning a few important lessons from the Volt, the newly developed Chevrolet Bolt has been a breath of fresh air for the brand, winning over pretty much everyone who has had a chance to drive the little car.
10 We Like: Genuinely Affordable
At just over $30,000 it is one of the most affordable EVs on the market, with only short range commuters coming in cheaper.
It offers a premium feel and is well specced. Compared to the competition, it offers better value and even gets adaptive cruise control as standard.
9 We Like: Well Designed
After the earlier models got a more traditional front end, the latest version has embraced its EV roots with a more futuristic look.
It looks like a run-of-the-mill crossover with its slightly elevated stance, on the outside the Bolt will blend in with any backdrop (even with the new lights) but on the inside you get an attractive facia and premium materials. The inside is where it matters for a commuter car like the Bolt.
8 We Like: Decent Range
The instant torque that all (with some exceptions) EVs offer makes them fun to drive, the Bolt comes with a sport mode and regenerative braking that helps conserve energy.
What really stands out though is the EPA estimated 259-mile range. It blows away the direct competition and is only outgunned by the more expensive Tesla Model 3.
7 We Like: Spacious Interior
By putting pretty much the entire battery pack under the rear seat, they have managed to truly get the most out of the interior.
It is a small car, but feels spacious and bigger on the inside. It can comfortably accommodate 4 adults, 5 will be a bit of a squeeze depending on their heft.
6 We Like: Fast Charging
Although it is by no stretch of the imagination class leading, getting 80% in around an hour is perfectly acceptable.
It is still one of the pain points for mass EV adoption, having a charger at home that can charge overnight is still a must.
5 We Like: Great Infotainment
It has an appropriately sized screen that is easy to navigate. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay pair wirelessly without any issue too.
Connectivity is a big part of the new automotive landscape and GM have clearly taken this part of the car pretty seriously, their new infotainment 3 software is a step in the right direction. It accommodates a list of apps that can help monitor energy consumption and battery health.
4 We Like: Solid Commuter
All this makes the car seem like a very good little commuter car that can be charged daily if needed, preferably every other day with the odd top up at a fast charger.
Few EVs make any sort of argument as a long distance cruiser, and the Bolt isn’t pretending to be that, it has a range well suited to long commutes as opposed to short trips out of town.
3 We Like: Dealer Network
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One thing it has over pretty much any of the smaller EV players is an exceptional dealer network.
Chevrolet have established dealers in all the major cities and this makes it convenient to repair, service, or erm, take back for a recall.
2 Never Buy: Fire
Back in November last year, they issued a recall because a handful of Bolts caught fire. With EVs this is not uncommon and understandable that it is part of the teething process, and happening in isolation is a very real risk.
Much like driving a gas powered car is risky (a tank full of gas is basically a firebomb). Chevrolet issued a recall and discovered an issue with the battery pack, but insisted the newer models were not affected.
1 Never Buy: More Fire (Seriously)
Now the tune has changed rather dramatically, no longer is this a few isolated events but a very serious manufacturing error.
The finger pointing has already begun, with GM and their supplier LG essentially blaming each other for the $1billion fault. 73,000 Bolts are being recalled, and one suspects this rather promising little car will never quite recover after this fiasco.