Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 2

Overview

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt, particularly this "Gen 2" iteration representing the 2020-2021 model years, was a real game-changer in the affordable EV scene! This zippy hatchback offered a compelling package for US buyers looking to go electric without breaking the bank. Its key strengths were a solid real-world range and a surprisingly roomy interior for its compact footprint. As a discontinued model, you can now snag one on the used market for around $7,980, making it an even bigger bargain. It’s a smart, practical choice for city cruising and daily commutes.

What's New for 2021?

For the 2021 model year, the Bolt EV "Gen 2" (referring to the 2020-2021 iteration) carried forward the key upgrade from 2020: a beefier battery! This meant more miles between plug-ins, a significant jump compared to pre-2020 Bolts. While 2021 wasn't a year of massive new gizmos or a complete facelift (that came later), it solidified the Bolt's position with this enhanced range. Essentially, you got the improved 2020 recipe, offering a more capable and confident all-electric drive, making range anxiety less of a worry for many.

Design & Exterior

The 2021 Bolt "Gen 2" keeps its distinctive, slightly tall-boy hatchback charm. It's not trying to be a sports car, but its purposeful design is both modern and aerodynamic. Up front, you'll find slim headlights, and its compact dimensions – 164 inches long, 69.5 inches wide, and 62.8 inches tall – make it a doddle to park in tight city spots. While not radically different from its earlier self, the look is clean and contemporary, fitting right in with the urban EV vibe. It’s a familiar face that still looks fresh.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Hop inside the 2021 Bolt "Gen 2" and you’re greeted by a surprisingly spacious cabin for a car this size, though some plastics feel a bit budget. Passenger room is decent, and out back, you get a practical 16.9 cubic feet of trunk space. Fold those rear seats down, and that expands to a massive 56.6 cubic feet – pretty handy! Tech-wise, a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system is usually standard, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No frunk on this one, but overall, it’s a functional and user-friendly interior.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don’t let its sensible looks fool you; the 2021 Bolt "Gen 2" is a proper little pocket rocket! With its 150 kW (around 201 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sending 266 lb-ft of instant torque to the front wheels, it’ll scoot from 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. That’s nippy! The FWD setup provides good traction for daily driving. It’s great fun to zip around town, and the one-pedal driving mode is super intuitive, making stop-and-go traffic a breeze. Ride comfort is generally good for a small car.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2021 Bolt "Gen 2" packs a 62.7 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 246 miles – pretty good for your daily grind and then some! Efficiency is a respectable 3.92 mi/kWh. For charging, its standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up fully in about 9 hours overnight. On the go, it supports DC fast charging via its CCS Type 1 port at up to 50 kW, which can add around 100 miles of range in roughly 30-40 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Chevy didn't skimp on safety with the 2021 Bolt "Gen 2," earning a top 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. While some advanced driver-assistance features were part of optional packages or higher trims, you still got a good base. Standard kit typically included a rearview camera. Available goodies, often found on well-specced used models, include Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Monitoring, helping you keep an eye out and stay secure on your journeys. Always check the specific car's features!

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2021 Bolt "Gen 2" came with Chevy’s standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Crucially for an EV, the battery components were typically covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Chevy often included one complimentary maintenance visit. As a used buy, ensure any recall work, especially concerning the battery, has been completed by a dealer. These Bolts have proven fairly reliable aside from the widely publicized battery recall, which should now be addressed on most vehicles.