USA EV Comparison: Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 vs BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah

Side-by-side comparison of all specifications in imperial units (mi, lb). To see metric units (km, kg), switch website version to Global.
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General Info

Since both vehicles have been discontinued, they are now only available on the used car market. You can get the Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 (2017-2019) for as low as $6995, while the BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018) begins at $8989.

The two vehicles share the same body style: Hatchback.

Property Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah
Years of Production 2017-2019 2017-2018
Current Status Discontinued Discontinued
Country of Manufacture USA Germany
Body Style Hatchback Hatchback
Market Availability USA EU, USA
Price USA (Used) $6995 $8989
GCC Score 5.1 5.1

Range and Efficiency

While the Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 (2017-2019) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018).

Property Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah
Range (EPA) 238 mi 114 mi
Range (GCC) 226 mi 124 mi
Battery Capacity (Nominal) 60 kWh 33.2 kWh
Battery Capacity (Usable) 57 kWh 27.2 kWh
Efficiency per 100 mi 25.2 kWh/100 mi 21.9 kWh/100 mi
Efficiency per kWh 3.96 mi/kWh 4.56 mi/kWh
Range and Efficiency Score 7 6.2

Charging

Both vehicles utilize a standard 400-volt architecture.

Both vehicles support DC fast charging with a maximum power of 50 kW.

The BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 7.4 kW, whereas the Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 (2017-2019) is limited to 7.2 kW.

Property Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah
Max Charging Power (AC) 7.2 kW 7.4 kW
Max Charging Power (DC) 50 kW 50 kW
Architecture 400 V 400 V
Charge Port CCS Type 1 CCS Type 1
Charging Score 4.3 4

Performance

The BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018) is rear-wheel drive, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 (2017-2019) offers a front-wheel drive system.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 (2017-2019) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.

Property Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah
Drive Type FWD RWD
Motor Type PMSM PMSM
Motor Power (kW) 150 kW 125 kW
Motor Power (hp) 201 hp 168 hp
Motor Torque 266 lb-ft 184 lb-ft
0-60 mph 6.9 s 7.2 s
Top Speed 91 mph 93 mph
Performance Score 3.5 3.2

Dimensions

The Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 (2017-2019) is longer, but has a similar width and height to the BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah (2017-2018).

Both models have similar wheelbase lengths.

Property Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah
Length 164 in 157.9 in
Width (with Mirrors) 80.3 in 80.3 in
Width (w/o Mirrors) 69.5 in 69.9 in
Height 62.8 in 62.9 in
Wheelbase 102.4 in 101.2 in

Cargo and Towing

The Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 (2017-2019) provides more cargo capacity, featuring both a larger trunk and more space with the rear seats folded.

Neither car is equipped with a frunk (front trunk).

Neither vehicle is officially rated for towing in the US.

Property Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1 BMW i3 BEV 94 Ah
Number of Seats 5 4
Curb Weight 3580 lb 2961 lb
Cargo Volume (Trunk) 16.9 ft3 9.2 ft3
Cargo Volume (Max) 56.6 ft3 38.8 ft3
Cargo Volume (Frunk) - Cargo Volume (Frunk) - Cargo Volume (Frunk)
Towing Capacity - Towing Capacity - Towing Capacity
Cargo and Towing Score 4.7 4.3
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