Chevrolet Bolt EV Gen 1

Overview

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Gen 1 was a game-changing compact electric hatchback, one of the first to offer genuine long-range capabilities to the masses. Though discontinued and primarily a US market vehicle (its European twin was the Opel Ampera-e), it packed a practical punch with a spacious interior for its footprint. This final year model of the first generation solidified its place as an EV pioneer. While direct new EU pricing isn't applicable, used examples of its Ampera-e sibling can be found, though specific 'Bolt' badged used prices in Europe are rare.

What's New for 2019?

For its final model year, the 2019 Bolt Gen 1 was more about refinement than revolution, carrying over the successful formula. Any updates were subtle, likely focusing on software tweaks to enhance the user experience or potentially optimise battery management for longevity and the charging curve slightly, though the maximum DC charge rate remained. Think of it as the most polished version of the original groundbreaking hatch, before the next generation and EUV variants arrived, offering a proven package for those looking for a used EV with decent cred.

Design & Exterior

The Bolt Gen 1 rocks a distinctive, somewhat futuristic hatchback silhouette that screams 'EV pioneer'. It's not a low-slung sports car, but its upright stance (1595 mm height) and compact dimensions (4166 mm length, 1765 mm width excluding mirrors) make it a doddle to park in tight city spots. The design prioritises interior space and aerodynamics over outright aggressive looks. Features like its signature front-end design and practical 17-inch alloy wheels define its purposeful, if a little quirky, appeal that still looks fresh enough on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Hop inside the Bolt, and you're greeted by a surprisingly airy cabin for a compact car, thanks to clever packaging. While some plastics feel a bit budget, the design is modern and functional. A big 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, usually with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, takes centre stage. Passenger space is decent, and cargo is a strong suit: a generous 479 litres in the boot expands to a van-like 1603 litres with the seats down! No frunk, though, so keep your charge cables in the back.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let its sensible looks fool you; the Bolt Gen 1 is surprisingly nippy! Its front-wheel-drive setup, powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), churns out 150 kW and a meaty 360 Nm of instant torque. That translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.2 seconds – plenty quick for city dashes and merging onto motorways. It offers true one-pedal driving and regenerative braking modes, making for a smooth and engaging EV drive. Ride comfort is generally good, soaking up most bumps competently.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Bolt Gen 1 boasts a 57 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated 'real-world' range estimate of around 364 km – impressive for its era! Efficiency is a solid 6.39 km/kWh. For charging, it supports up to 7.2 kW AC, meaning a full top-up takes around 8 hours. On the DC fast charging front, it peaks at 50 kW via its CCS Type 2 port (typically front-left), getting you back on the road swiftly, though not as fast as newer EVs. V2L isn't a feature here.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety-wise, the Bolt’s European twin, the Opel Ampera-e, scored a respectable 4 stars from Euro NCAP (2017). While the US NHTSA gave the Bolt itself a top 5-star rating, direct EU ratings for the 'Bolt' are scarce. Standard kit usually included essentials, but look for higher trims or optional packs for goodies like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Always check the spec of a used example, as these features weren't universally standard.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While new warranties are long past for the 2019 Bolt, in Europe, its battery pack typically came with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, guaranteeing around 70% capacity. Basic vehicle warranties were shorter, often around 3 years or 100,000 km. One of the big EV perks is reduced maintenance – no oil changes here! Reliability has been a mixed bag due to a significant battery recall affecting early models; ensure any used model has had the necessary recall work completed for peace of mind, after which they're generally dependable.