The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a functional and affordable small electric vehicle (EV) that’s full of surprises. For a vehicle its size, it has a surprisingly spacious and versatile cabin. It’s also surprisingly fun to drive.

What’s New for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Bolt was first introduced in 2017, and it received a major update for the 2022 model year. Those ’22 changes include updated styling, more standard features, and new infotainment technology. Those changes carry over into the 2023 model.

Design

The Bolt EV features an aerodynamically optimized hatchback layout. It has dark accents to give an athletic appearance. The 2023 Bolt comes standard with silver painted aluminum wheels. The 2LT trim comes with a unique aluminum wheel design that is also optional on the base 1LT trim.

Powertrain

A single electric motor routes 200 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It receives power from a 65-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It has a range of 259 miles on a single charge. Using a household power outlet will add just four miles of range per hour. A 240-volt Level 2 charger will recharge the battery in about seven hours. The Bolt also comes with DC fast-charging capability, which can add about 100 miles in as little as 30 minutes.

Interior

Trims for the Bolt EV are 1LT and 2LT. Standard features on the 1LT includes manually adjustable front seats, push-button start, automatic climate control, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 1LT trim is also available with a Comfort and Convince Package that adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats.

Moving up to the 2LT trim adds leather upholstery, a 360-degree parking camera system, and a rear center armrest. It also adds the features from the Comfort and Convenience Package.

Technology

The Bolt EV comes standard with a fully digital instrument panel, a pair of USB ports, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The touchscreen is very easy to use and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The 2LT trim is available with an Infotainment Package that adds wireless device charging, two rear USB ports, and a Bose premium stereo system.

Safety

Standard driver-assistance features on the Bolt EV includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. It also comes with the Teen Driver system, which allows the owner to set speed and volume limitations for a second set of keys. The Bolt EV also earns a Five-Star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A Driver Confidence Package is available on the 1LT (included on 2LT) that adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing

At the time of this writing, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV has a base MSRP of $27,495 for the 1LT trim. The 2LT trim starts at $30,695. Both prices represent a reduction of roughly $4,000 over the 2022 model. The Bolt’s battery is backed by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.