Chevrolet Bolt 2026 Review: Early Impressions & Tech Analysis
Chevrolet Bolt Introduction:
Chevrolet Bolt arrives for the 2026 model year with familiar proportions and a sharpened purpose. American production anchors the compact electric hatchback in practical thinking. Engineers focus on usable range, predictable response, and ownership costs that stay within reach. City drivers and first time electric buyers sit squarely in the crosshairs. The five door layout supports daily errands, short highway hops, and crowded parking garages. Pricing strategy keeps the entry point low while maintaining modern safety and charging capability. And that balance explains the renewed attention around a nameplate many drivers already recognize.
- Manufactured in the United States with an emphasis on supply stability and cost control
- Model year 2026 signals a renewed push toward accessible electric mobility
- Updated battery chemistry supports frequent charging and daily durability
- Starting price set at $28,995 USD (€24,820) places the hatchback among the most affordable new EVs
- Market role centers on urban drivers and first time electric ownership
What is the Price of Chevrolet Bolt in 2026?
The Chevrolet Bolt price starts at $28,995 USD (€24,820). That figure anchors the hatchback in the affordable electric segment. Compact rivals often arrive with higher stickers and similar equipment. Pricing clarity remains part of the appeal.
| Trim Level | PRICE | KEY FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
|
LT Base
|
65 kWh battery, 11.3 inch display, DC fast charging support, cloth seating, core driver assistance systems.
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|
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LT Comfort
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Heated seats, expanded driver aids, upgraded interior trim, comfort focused cabin details.
|
|
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RS Sport
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Sport exterior accents, larger wheels, darkened trim, same battery and motor setup.
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Each trim shares the same battery and motor hardware. Buyers choose style and comfort rather than range or output differences. Decision making stays simple, which many shoppers appreciate.
Engine, Battery, and Performance Specs:
Battery & Charging Specifications
Energy storage relies on a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery designed for consistent daily use. Estimated range reaches 410 kilometers or about 255 miles per charge. City driving often approaches that figure thanks to regenerative braking. LFP chemistry welcomes frequent full charging, ideal for home routines.
- Battery capacity 65 kWh
- Estimated range 410 km or 255 miles
- DC fast charging up to 150 kW
- 10 to 80 percent charge in about 26 minutes
- AC charging up to 11.5 kW
Electric Motor Specifications
A single front mounted electric motor delivers smooth response for daily driving. Output reaches 213 horsepower or 157 kilowatts. Torque peaks at 229 Newton meters or 169 pound feet. Front wheel drive simplifies packaging and efficiency.
- Single front mounted motor
- Maximum power 213 hp or 157 kW
- Torque 229 Nm or 169 lb ft
- Drive type FWD
Performance Specifications
Acceleration feels brisk without aggression. Zero to 100 kilometers per hour arrives in 6.7 seconds, matching 62 mph. Top speed reaches 150 kilometers per hour or 93 mph. One pedal driving eases traffic flow.
- 0 to 100 km h in 6.7 seconds
- Top speed 150 km h or 93 mph
- Single speed transmission
Consistency defines the driving experience. Energy use remains efficient. Charging stays predictable. And that reliability suits daily ownership.
Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior Design
Exterior updates introduce a cleaner front fascia and slim lighting signatures. Aerodynamic tuning trims drag at highway speeds. Seventeen inch wheels balance comfort and efficiency. Overall length measures 4,307 millimeters or 169.6 inches, simplifying parking.
Interior & Technology
The cabin centers on an 11.3 inch touchscreen with Google based software. Physical climate controls remain, appreciated during quick adjustments. Seating supports five adults. Cargo volume reaches 458 liters or 16.2 cubic feet, expanding to 1,594 liters or 56.3 cubic feet.
Interior materials emphasize durability. Technology favors ease of use. That philosophy fits the hatchback mission.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Affordable electric entry point
- Durable LFP battery chemistry
- Fast DC charging capability
- Compact size ideal for cities
Cons
- Front wheel drive only
- Moderate top speed
- Interior prioritizes function
Market position & Expert Data:
Chevrolet Bolt occupies a strategic spot in the current electric market. Affordable EVs support wider adoption across North America. Research shows buyers under $30,000 USD (€25,680) prioritize range and charging convenience.
Data from 2025 surveys indicates compact electric hatchbacks attract first time EV owners. According to McKinsey research, vehicles offering over 250 miles of range improve buyer confidence in urban regions.
Conclusion:
The 2026 Chevrolet Bolt delivers sensible electric mobility for everyday drivers. Range supports daily routines. Charging speeds add flexibility. Pricing lowers the entry barrier. For households focused on usability and cost awareness, the hatchback satisfies practical needs.
Exterior and Interior photos of Chevrolet Bolt 2026
Watch the Video Overview
Full Specifications List:
Model Specs
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Model Name
|
Chevrolet Bolt
|
|
Model Year
|
2026
|
|
Country of Manufacture
|
USA
|
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Vehicle Class
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Hatchback, 5 doors
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Power Type
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Full electric
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Starting Price
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$28,995 USD (€24,820)
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Performance
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Powertrain
|
Single motor electric
|
|
Drive Type
|
FWD
|
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Max Power
|
213 hp (157 kW)
|
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Max Torque
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229 Nm (169 lb ft)
|
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Acceleration 0 to 100 km h
|
6.7 seconds
|
|
Acceleration 0 to 62 mph
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6.7 seconds
|
|
Top Speed
|
150 km h (93 mph)
|
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Transmission
|
Single speed
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Battery and Charging
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Battery Capacity
|
65 kWh
|
|
Battery Chemistry
|
Lithium iron phosphate
|
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Nominal Voltage
|
Not specified
|
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DC Fast Charging Peak Rate
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Up to 150 kW
|
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Charging Time 10 to 80 percent
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About 26 minutes
|
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AC Onboard Charging
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Up to 11.5 kW
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Estimated Range Data
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Estimated Electric Range
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410 km (255 miles)
|
|
EPA Range
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Not specified
|
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WLTP Range
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Not specified
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City Range
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Not specified
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Highway Range
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Not specified
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Cold Weather Range
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Not specified
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Body Specifications
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Body Type
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Hatchback, 5 doors
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Seating Capacity
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5
|
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Overall Length
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4,307 mm (169.6 in)
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Wheelbase
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Not specified
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Width
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Not specified
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Height
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Not specified
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Ground Clearance
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Not specified
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Curb Weight
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Not specified
|
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Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats
|
458 L (16.2 cu ft)
|
|
Max Cargo Volume
|
1,594 L (56.3 cu ft)
|
Exterior Design Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Wheel Size
|
17 inch (432 mm)
|
|
Lighting
|
Slim lighting signatures
|
|
Aerodynamic Focus
|
Aerodynamic tweaks to reduce drag
|
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Available Colors
|
Not specified
|
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Active Aerodynamics
|
Not specified
|
Interior Design and Materials
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Seating
|
5 seat layout
|
|
Cabin Materials Focus
|
Durable, easy to clean surfaces
|
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Comfort Features
|
Heated seats available by trim
|
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Rear Seat Utility
|
Flat floor supports improved rear legroom
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Cabin Technical Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Center Display
|
11.3 inch (287 mm) touchscreen
|
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Infotainment Software
|
Google based interface with navigation and voice control
|
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Controls
|
Physical buttons for climate functions
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Driver Assistance
|
Advanced driver aids available by trim
|
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Driving Features
|
Regenerative braking with one pedal driving support
|
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Sound System
|
Not specified
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How Chevrolet Bolt 2026 Compares to Rivals
Chevrolet Bolt plays the practical electric hatchback card against four familiar names: HYUNDAI Kona Electric FWD 64 kWh, Chevrolet Equinox 2RS, Tesla Model 3 2026, and Nissan Leaf 2026. One leans hard on value, another on size and shove, and one aims at headline range. Meanwhile the fifth entry focuses on mainstream comfort with a familiar badge. Put them together and you get a neat snapshot of how the affordable electric car space stretches in 2026.
| EV Model | PRICE (USD) | KEY FEATURES | EV PAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bolt
|
Model Year 2026, Manufactured in USA, Estimated range 255 miles (410 km), battery 65 kWh, Drive Type FWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km h) 6.7 sec., Top Speed 93 mph (150 km h), Power 213 hp (157 kW) |
||
|
HYUNDAI Kona Electric FWD 64 kWh
|
Model Year 2021, Manufactured in South Korea, Estimated range 279 miles (449 km), battery 64 kWh, Drive Type FWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km h) 7.6 sec., Top Speed 104 mph (167 km h), Power 201 hp (150 kW) |
View | |
|
Chevrolet Equinox 2RS
|
Model Year 2023, Manufactured in USA, Estimated range 280 miles (450 km), battery 79.7 kWh, Drive Type AWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km h) 6.2 sec., Top Speed 111.8 mph (180 km h), Power 290 hp (216.2 kW) |
View | |
|
Tesla Model 3 2026
|
Model Year 2026, Manufactured in USA, Estimated range 466 miles (750 km), battery 82 kWh, Drive Type RWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km h) 4.9 sec., Top Speed 124 mph (200 km h), Power 272 hp (202.8 kW) |
View | |
|
Nissan Leaf 2026
|
Model Year 2026, Manufactured in Japan, Estimated range 298 miles (480 km), battery 60 kWh, Drive Type AWD, Acceleration 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km h) 7.5 sec., Top Speed 99 mph (160 km h), Power 300 hp (223.7 kW) |
View |
Range and Real World Usability
The range spread tells the story fast. The Model 3 stretches to 466 miles (750 km), a big cushion for long commutes and weekend escapes. Kona and Equinox sit near the 279 to 280 mile mark (449 to 450 km), which suits mixed driving with fewer charging stops. Leaf lands at 298 miles (480 km), while the Bolt targets 255 miles (410 km), a sweet spot for city electric vehicle duty and home charging rhythm.
Charging Time and Daily Convenience
Daily convenience starts with battery size and how often you plug in. Bigger packs like 82 kWh and 79.7 kWh can mean fewer sessions, yet they ask for more energy per fill. The 65 kWh and 60 kWh setups often fit apartment charging windows and suburban garages. For errands, the compact electric drivetrain vibe matters more than raw numbers, especially when predictable stops and smooth regen keep the routine calm.
Price Positioning and Value Logic
Price lines up like a ladder. Bolt sits at $28,995, then Leaf at $35,000, then Model 3 at $36,990. Equinox steps up to $39,990 with AWD and SUV mass, while Kona reaches $47,475 with a long range profile. So the decision comes down to what you value most: lowest buy in, longest distance per charge, or the extra grip and space that an AWD electric SUV provides.
Compare with similar:
Latest News:
Related news from the different online sources
January 10, 2026 Chevrolet's 2027 Bolt EV arrives at dealerships with an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles, exceeding the promised 255 miles. This beats the previous Bolt's 259 miles and Bolt EUV's 247 miles. Starting at $29,990 including destination, it's one of the most affordable EVs. A cheaper variant at $28,995 is coming soon, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious electric vehicle buyers seeking improved efficiency and value in the compact crossover segment.
January 10, 2026 The top-trim 2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS can reach about $43,000, surpassing the base Tesla Model Y's price. It offers 262 miles of EPA-rated range, starting from $28,995 for the LT model. This makes it a competitive affordable EV option with enhanced tech and space, though higher-end versions approach premium pricing. EV enthusiasts will appreciate the balance of cost, range, and features in Chevy's revived Bolt lineup.
January 9, 2026 The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt outperforms the Nissan Leaf with 262 miles of EPA range compared to the Leaf's 259 miles, all for a lower starting price of $28,995. While the Leaf's efficient trim hits 303 miles, the Bolt provides better value overall. This positions the Bolt as a top pick for American drivers wanting an economical EV with solid range and faster charging capabilities up to 150kW.
December 25, 2025 The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt boasts improved DC fast-charging, doubling the previous model's rate to 150kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in 26 minutes. It features a 65-kWh LFP battery for 255 miles of range, starting under $30,000. Production began in November, with deliveries starting January 2026. This upgrade addresses key EV concerns like charging speed, making the Bolt more practical for long trips and daily use.
December 5, 2025 Chevrolet's 2027 Bolt configurator is now online, revealing the base LT at $28,995 including destination. The most expensive add-ons total $3,255, keeping it affordable. It ships early 2026 with 255 miles of range, redesigned interior, and NACS charging port. This revamped EV offers great value for American buyers, combining low cost, ample range, and modern features in a compact hatchback design.