Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 2

Overview

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt "Gen 2" is a cracking little electric hatchback that punched above its weight, especially in the US market where it was primarily sold. Think of it as a practical, zippy city slicker with a surprising amount of space and decent real-world range. While not officially retailed new in Europe under this exact guise for 2021, its specs make for interesting reading. This particular "Gen 2" iteration, built from 2020-2021, packed an updated battery offering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 396 km. It's a no-nonsense EV focused on delivering electric mobility.

What's New for 2021?

For the 2021 model year, this "Gen 2" Bolt was largely a carry-over from its 2020 update, which crucially brought the larger 66 kWh (nominal) battery pack, boosting its appeal. This meant more kilometres between plug-ins – a big win! DC fast charging at 50 kW became a standard affair, making those longer trips a bit less daunting. While a more significant facelift was waiting in the wings for 2022, the 2021 model solidified the Bolt's position as a range-competitive compact EV, especially for those not needing all the latest design frills.

Design & Exterior

The Bolt’s exterior is best described as a tall, five-door hatchback – practical and purposeful rather than overtly flashy. Its compact dimensions (4166 mm long, 1765 mm wide, 1595 mm high) make it a doddle to park in tight city spots. The "Gen 2" for 2021 retained the original, somewhat quirky but friendly face, with neat light clusters and sensible alloy wheel designs. It's not a head-turner in the traditional sense, but its upright stance hints at the surprisingly roomy interior. It’s an honest, unpretentious design that gets the job done efficiently.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 2021 Bolt "Gen 2", and you'll find a cabin that's surprisingly airy for a compact car, thanks to its tall roofline. Material quality is functional, with some harder plastics, but it’s well put together. Passenger space is decent for five occupants. Tech-wise, a clear 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system usually takes centre stage, typically packing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Boot space is a very useful 479 litres, expanding to a massive 1603 litres with the rear seats tumbled. No frunk on this one, though; all business at the back!

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its sensible looks fool you; the Bolt "Gen 2" is surprisingly nippy! With its 150 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor delivering a healthy 360 Nm of torque to the front wheels, it zips from 0-100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. That’s plenty quick for city driving and even confident overtakes. It offers a genuine one-pedal driving mode which is brilliant for urban crawls. The ride can be a tad firm over rougher stuff, but generally, it’s a responsive and easy-to-drive EV with a good punch when you need it.

Range, Battery & Charging

Juice-wise, the 2021 Bolt "Gen 2" packs a 62.7 kWh usable battery, good for a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 396 km – pretty solid! Efficiency is rated at a decent 6.32 km/kWh. For top-ups, the standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger will fill it from empty in around 9 hours. On the go, it supports DC fast charging up to 50 kW via a CCS Type 2 port (for European compatibility), meaning you can add significant range in about 30-60 minutes. It's a practical setup for daily use.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2021 Bolt "Gen 2" (as a US model) earned a 5-star NHTSA rating, a direct Euro NCAP score for this specific version isn't available; its earlier European twin, the Opel Ampera-e, scored 4 stars in 2017. Standard kit typically included an HD rear-view camera. Crucial driver aids like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Monitoring were often part of optional ‘Driver Confidence’ packages in its primary market. So, check the spec carefully if you're looking at an import for these features.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In its home market, Chevrolet typically offered a 3-year/approx. 58,000 km basic warranty and a 5-year/approx. 96,500 km powertrain warranty. The crucial battery warranty was usually 8 years or approximately 160,000 km, covering against significant degradation. Some initial maintenance might have been included. It's important to note that 2017-2022 Bolt models, including this 2021 version, were subject to a significant battery recall; any used example should have had this vital update addressed by Chevrolet for peace of mind regarding its long-term reliability and safety.