2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt has been on sale for a few years, and when it was introduced it was one of the cheapest long-range EVs around. It's marketed as a small crossover, but you could fairly call it a compact hatchback. Its range is still superb; its EPA estimate is 238 mile on a full charge. It also drives well enough, is incredibly roomy inside, and is one of the few inexpensive EVs that is (mostly) built in America – its driveline is built in South Korea, but final assembly takes place in Michigan. There are some downsides: the cargo area is small, and the interior materials and fit and finish are disappointing. With new challengers in the form of the Nissan Leaf Plus, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV, the Bolt's once-formidable range is no longer a unique selling point. What's new for 2019? Not a lot. The major mechanicals and interior features haven't been changed for this model year, so there's a short list of things to cover. For one, the color palette has changed slightly, so there are several new colors – Green Mist Metallic, Shock (a very bright green), and Slate Grey Metallic – and several that have gone missing – Arctic Blue Metallic and Orange Burst Metallic. There are also some new features for the Bolt through the myChevrolet app on iOS and Android, incorporating some new features from partner charging networks EVgo, ChargePoint, and Greenlots, giving drivers more information about charging stations through the Bolt's infotainment system. Remember, the Bolt doesn't offer built-in navigation even as an option, so you can't use the infotainment system to find a charging station unless you have a smartphone on board. That makes these app improvements all the more valuable to Bolt drivers. What are the Chevy Bolt's interior and in-car technology like? The Bolt's interior is remarkably packaged, emphasizing passenger space at the expense of cargo room. Four adults can fit comfortably inside, and there's enough room for an adult to sit up front with a large rear-facing child seat behind. That said, the cargo area's size and shape may make it difficult for families hoping to haul bulky items like strollers. The thin front seats can also be unsupportive, with sparse cushioning stretched over a seat frame that can dig into the shoulder blades of some front passengers. The bench-style rear seat isn't very contoured and can be tiring to sit in for long stretches. That said, the low front sills make stepping into the Bolt a breeze, and the high greenhouse is surprisingly airy. In terms of quality, the cabin materials and fit and finish are lower than even the disappointing GM norm – hard plastics, large gaps and rough edges. It looks OK, but there are nicer environments found in the Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro and Nissan Leaf. The Bolt, as mentioned above, doesn't offer onboard navigation, which makes using a smartphone virtually a requirement if there's a chance you'll need to find …
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