Chevrolet Bolt EUV Gen 1

Overview

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV "Gen 1" (referring to the refreshed first-generation model) was a cracking little electric runabout, offering zippy performance and a decent range for an absolute steal, especially on the used market where it can be found for around $11,433. Though discontinued after 2023, it solidified its spot as a go-to for budget-conscious EV buyers in the US. Its compact footprint made it a champ for city driving, while still packing enough tech and practicality to keep you smiling.

What's New for 2023?

For 2023, the Bolt EV didn't get a massive shake-up feature-wise, as it was already nicely refreshed in 2022. The big headline was a significant price slash from Chevy, making it one of the most affordable EVs out there! This move made it a proper bargain. However, the bittersweet news was that 2023 marked the end of the production line for this much-loved electric hatch, making it a last chance to snag one new, if you were quick.

Design & Exterior

The 2023 Bolt EV "Gen 1" sported the sharp, modernized look from its 2022 facelift, ditching the slightly dorky old front for something much sleeker with slim LED headlights and a more aggressive vibe. It’s a compact SUV (as per official classification, though it feels more like a tall hatch) that measures 169.5 inches long, 69.7 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 63.6 inches tall. It’s not trying to be a spaceship, just a cool, contemporary electric ride.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2023 Bolt EV "Gen 1" was a leap forward from its earlier iterations, boasting an updated dash and improved materials. You got a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an 8-inch digital driver display – pretty slick! Passenger space is surprisingly good for its size. Cargo-wise, there's 16.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. No frunk on this one, though.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Bolt is a proper pocket rocket for city streets! With its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) sending 150 kW (around 200 hp) and 266 lb-ft of instant torque to the front wheels, it zips from 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds. The FWD setup provides predictable handling, and it’s genuinely fun to dart around in, with responsive steering and a comfortable ride. One-pedal driving is a highlight, making stop-and-go traffic a breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2023 Bolt EV "Gen 1" packs a 61.8 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 235 miles – plenty for most daily driving and even some road trips. Efficiency is solid at 3.8 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 11.5 kW on-board AC charger can juice it up fully in about 6-7 hours. DC fast charging via the CCS Type 1 port maxes out at 55 kW, adding around 90-100 miles in 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Chevy didn't skimp on safety for the Bolt EV "Gen 1," earning it a top 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard Chevy Safety Assist is a big plus, bundling features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and Front Pedestrian Braking. You could also get goodies like Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring, typically on higher trims if available, though this "Gen 1" spec lists robust standard kit.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

The 2023 Bolt EV "Gen 1" came with Chevrolet's standard warranty package, which is pretty competitive. You got a 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty, and crucially for an EV, an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery and electric drive components. Chevy often included the first scheduled maintenance visit too. Overall, Bolts have developed a reputation for being quite reliable, keeping running costs low beyond just fuel savings.