The Chevrolet Bolt EV has always been known for offering a high-quality electric car experience at a reasonable price, while its sibling, the Bolt EUV, provides a larger option for those who need a bit more room. Both vehicles are among the most affordable in their class, yet still deliver good range and a variety of attractive features.
But which one is the better choice?
While the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV share many similarities, there are some key differences that might make one more appealing than the other, depending on what you’re looking for. We compared the two to see if one clearly stands out. Note that this comparison focuses on the 2023 models of both the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, though updates for both are likely on the horizon.
Neither the Bolt EV nor the Bolt EUV are the most stylish cars out there, but they’ve improved quite a bit in appearance. The Bolt EV is a small hatchback featuring a rounded nose and sleek, angled headlights.
The Bolt EUV shares a similar style to the Bolt EV. It’s not exceptionally stylish either, but its slightly larger size makes the design look a bit better. The Bolt EUV’s more rounded rear and less prominent nose make it a bit more aesthetically pleasing.
In terms of looks, the Bolt EUV has a slight edge over the smaller Bolt EV.
Winner: Chevrolet Bolt EUV
When it comes to the interior, both cars offer a similar style. They each have five seats with standard cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats. Optional features include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and higher-quality leather-trimmed upholstery.
There is a slight difference in interior space. The Bolt EV provides 93.3 cubic feet of passenger space and 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Bolt EUV offers a bit more passenger space at 97 cubic feet, but slightly less cargo space at 16 cubic feet.
Storage space is limited in both models.
Both cars also feature similar tech. You’ll get a 12.2-inch display with CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, despite General Motors’ plans to eventually phase out these features. The infotainment system also includes backup cameras and driver-assistance tech.
The Bolt EUV wins here for its marginally extra passenger space.
Winner: Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Performance-wise, both cars are quite alike. Each has a single 200-horsepower motor powering the front wheels. Both lack an all-wheel drive option. The Bolt EV can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds, whereas the heavier Bolt EUV takes 7.0 seconds.
Though performance differences are minor, the Bolt EV’s lighter weight gives it a slight advantage in acceleration.
Winner: Chevrolet Bolt EV
Both cars come with a 65-kilowatt-hour battery pack. However, due to weight differences, the range varies slightly. The Bolt EV offers an estimated range of 259 miles, while the Bolt EUV provides 247 miles. This range difference is minor but could be important if maximizing range is a priority.
Charging speeds are identical for both models, delivering around 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
In terms of range, the Bolt EV has the upper hand.
Winner: Chevrolet Bolt EV
Both the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are currently available at local Chevrolet dealers. The Bolt EV starts at $26,500, making it slightly more affordable compared to the larger Bolt EUV, which starts at $27,800. This $1,300 price difference isn’t huge, but the Bolt EV is cheaper.
Winner: Chevrolet Bolt EV
Deciding a clear winner is tough because the two cars are similar in many ways. The Bolt EUV’s larger size makes it a better choice for those who need more space, although the increase is not as significant as one might think. The extra weight results in slightly slower performance and reduced range, which are critical considerations for electric vehicles today.
Ultimately, the differences are minimal. If you need a bit more space, the Bolt EUV could be worth the extra cost. But if affordability and range are your main concerns, the Bolt EV is an excellent option.