High Boltage
It ain’t easy going green. But it’s easier than you might think. Dispelling some of the myths and anxieties surrounding EV’s is a loft goal. There is over a century of gasoline dependence that needs to be undone – but with so many automakers pledging to at least shift to a majority hybrid model, we’re all going to have to dip our toes in eventually, and we think the Chevy’s Bolt has been a great first step for buyers. But like the mere cost of existence, the Bolt too, is increasing in size, price, and allegedly, utility. Enter the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
That’s Electric Utility Vehicle, to you. The Bolt has always had awkward proportions in our eyes. The EUV follows suit – sizing up almost to the image of a crossover, but still maintaining a relatively low ride height and smaller, car-sized tires. However, that just means it’s easy to get in and out of, it’ll cost you less to buy new rubber, and there’s max headroom.
Inside the EUV, visibility is top notch – and an optional panoramic sunroof gives your green car and almost greenhouse-like feeling behind the wheel. There is a nice mix of varying textures and materials in the cabin – a large step up from the baby Bolt, which largely featured plasticky surfaces and more obvious cost-savings measures. Our tester, in its premium trim, also featured heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and adaptive cruise control, unlike some of Chevy’s more expensive offerings. We’re also glad there’s enough tangible button functions at work in the EUV including climate control. What has been relegated to the touchscreen includes media, navigation and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. We’re not a huge fan of the button-push gear selector, but such is life. It’s hardly the worst sin a carmaker can commit. We’re just glad Chevy didn’t opt for the single iPad-like display in the centre console like so many are.
Despite being larger than its sibling, the Bolt EUV actually has a little less cargo room. But what it lacks there, it more than makes up for in increased headroom, legroom and comfort for passengers front and back – which is great for longer journeys. The Bolt EUV has Super Cruise capability – allowing for somewhat hands-free driving on compatible freeways. A camera in the gauge cluster monitors the driver, so don’t be naughty and pick up your phone, yeah? If you find yourself on a compatible freeway, as jarring and unnatural as it may seem, the system does work quite well. Just be sure to keep your vehicle’s sensors unobscured by road salt and the like.
Chances are, along those highways, and hopefully many more in the future, you’ll encounter your fair share of level 3 fast chargers, replenishing up to 80% of your battery capacity in about half an hour. Great – because highway driving is a drain on any EV – and this bigger bolt is no exception – especially with the added heft over the standard Bolt. The EUV has a claimed range of 397km on a full battery, but expect to lose around 80km come winter time. As drastic as this may seem – no EV is immune from such conditions. Until our battery technology improves, it’s a reality we all have to contend with. But consider how much you actually drive on any given day or week. If you’re like the average commuter, even with that sapped range, chances are, the EUV will have more than enough juice for you.
For Canadians, there may be yet another fly in the ointment – that’s also largely due to misconceptions. The Bolt, and the EUV are both only available in FWD. On Chevy’s part, this likely just means some cost savings. But for some drivers, that translates to a perception of lessened safety, especially in winter. But there are also many who believe all-season tires are just that. Know what’ll get you the best traction in winter? A proper set of winter tires. Your insurance company will even give you a little discount. Just do it. Granted, our testing was done in Southern Ontario, but there was zero issue driving the bolt in wintry conditions, and we’re gonna imagine you won’t find much fault either. It’s a comfortable, quiet, and capable ride that happens to never need gas. Not too bad. There’s also a “sport’ driving mode, but it is a gimmick at best. Let the EUV do its thing and you’ll be a happy camper. One-pedal-driving is also a toggleable option. Nice!
The Bolt EUV starts at just over $40,000 in Canada, and our Premier trim tester pushed that cost to just under $45,600. Even before rebates, this is a pretty expected price for an EV in Canada. All Canadians can claim a $5,000 rebate through the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles program with the EUV, but other rebates will vary from province to province – the most impressive being Quebec’s $8,000 offering – which makes this a seriously tempting offer if you can take $13,000 off. Not bad at all. But that’s another rub – compared to gasoline counterparts, EV’s still command a premium and any return from fuel savings won’t be seen for years. It’s not an easy sell at the moment – but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one.
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