Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1

Overview

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Gen 1 was a game-changer, democratizing long-range electric driving in a compact, practical package. This zippy hatchback offered impressive real-world miles without breaking the bank, especially now on the used market where you can snag one for around $6,995 according to provided data. It’s a smart, no-nonsense EV that’s perfect for city commutes and surprisingly spacious for its size. The Bolt really set the bar for what an affordable EV could be, proving electric dreams were within reach for many American families.

What's New for 2019?

For 2019, the Bolt EV didn't get a massive overhaul but saw some neat refinements. Chevy rolled out a few fresh paint jobs to keep things spicy, including a rather loud 'Shock' yellow. More practically, they introduced a clever charge control feature, letting you set a target charge level below full – great for battery longevity. A standard tire fill alert also joined the party, making sure your rubber meets the road just right. Otherwise, it was more of the same solid EV goodness from the previous model year.

Design & Exterior

The 2019 Bolt Gen 1 sports a distinctive, somewhat futuristic tall-hatchback look that’s all about maximizing interior space. It’s not trying to be a sports car, but its quirky charm grows on you! Measuring 164 inches long, 69.5 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 62.8 inches high, it’s perfectly sized for urban adventures. Standard features like LED daytime running lights and taillights give it a modern touch, while the compact footprint makes it a doddle to park. It’s a clever design that prioritizes function with a dash of flair.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 2019 Bolt, and you’re greeted by a surprisingly airy cabin thanks to its upright design. While some plastics feel a bit budget, the layout is user-friendly. Tech-wise, a big 10.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard – nice one, Chevy! Passenger space is decent for five, and cargo is impressive for its class: 16.9 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a whopping 56.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Sadly, no frunk here, but the main boot is plenty practical.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its sensible looks fool you; the 2019 Bolt is a proper pocket rocket! With its front-wheel-drive setup powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering 150 kW (that's about 201 horsepower) and 266 lb-ft of instant torque, it scoots from 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.9 seconds, topping out at 91 mph. It’s genuinely fun to nip around town in, with responsive steering. The one-pedal driving mode is fantastic for maximizing range and makes city driving a breeze, though the ride can be a tad firm.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2019 Bolt Gen 1 packs a 57 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 226 miles – pretty solid! Efficiency is rated at an impressive 3.96 mi/kWh. For charging, it features a CCS Type 1 port. At home, the standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger can deliver a full top-up overnight. On the go, DC fast charging maxes out at 50 kW, which can add significant range relatively quickly, making longer journeys feasible. This trim has a 400V battery architecture.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety first! The 2019 Bolt Gen 1 scored a top-notch 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, which is great peace of mind. While a rearview camera is standard, many of the advanced driver-assistance systems were often optional extras or part of specific packages for the Gen 1 models. These could include features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. If you're looking at a used model, it’s worth checking which of these helpful features are equipped.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2019 Bolt typically came with Chevrolet's 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty. Critically, the battery and electric drive components were covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever came first. Maintenance on an EV like the Bolt is generally lower than a gas car – no oil changes to worry about! However, given its age, it's wise to check the status of any recalls, particularly regarding the battery, to ensure all necessary updates or replacements have been performed on a used model.