2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Grab it while it’s hot, and available. The new 2027 Chevrolet Bolt proves that EVs don’t need to be boring. And the available part? That’s because the plant they are currently being built in will soon be shutting down to reconfigure for different vehicles to be built there. At Napleton News, we are all about exclusives. So get in there now before the getting is gone.

Not shockingly, the Bolt is an EV

Chevy Bolt in front of brick bldg — **Chevrolet Bolt RS in Habanero Orange**

The Chevrolet Bolt is one of the latest electric vehicles from the General. Think of it as the anti-lac (anti-Cadillac. Get it?). Hear us out: For the past several years, Cadillac has been building electric vehicles that are priced in the range of a six-figure lotto ticket. This being a Chevrolet means its pricing isn’t as rich. Powered by a 210 horsepower single electric motor with front-wheel drive, it features newer lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery formulation and Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug-in outlet for a range of approximately 262 miles per charge. One pedal driving is possible here, but GM ditched the paddle shift lever that used to take care of those duties.

NACS port on the bolt — **Native NACS Charging Port**

GM’s Super Cruise is an available option, but was not included on our test vehicle.

What about the Bolt EV looks?

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV features creases, shoulders, sharp taillights and more. In other words, it’s angular in an anime sort of way. Broad shoulders, and bold rocker panels adorn the sides, while a Camaro-ish lighting look prevails in front. If you liked the original Chevy Bolt EUV, you’ll enjoy this one as well, as it updates that model, replacing the original Bolt.

Pair of Bolts — **2027 Chevrolet Bolt RS and LT**

The charging port is on the left front fender, which may or may not be ideal for you. In some cases, we found it necessary to park really close to the Tesla charger. Charging is another story, especially for those of us doing our first time on a Tesla SuperCharger. No one told us you needed the Tesla App in order to get some juice. Luckily, a fellow driver took pity on me and my plight and asked if I had the Tesla app on my iPhone. I didn’t, at that moment but after a quick download and setting it up with my credit card, we were off to the races. Forty minutes and 60 percent more battery power later, we were once again on our way to Naples, FL, from West Palm Beach.

How about inside the Bolt?

Bolt interior — **Bolt RS exclusive interior with red stiching detail**

Everything needs a refresh every now and then and the Chevy Bolt is no different. With the previous version winning no prizes to speak of, GM got back to basics with several improvements. These include a refined dashboard with open storage areas that don’t actually protect valuables but at least give you a place to store things.

google system — **Interior with 11″ driver information center and 11.3″ center infotainment screen**

The Google infotainment system is something else. And not in a good way. Unlike Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, there’s no phone mirroring that shows you your apps on a larger screen. Instead, you must first download apps to the car. You will need an OnStar subscription, which in this case, is included for eight years. Trust us, it is lacking when compared to the better configured CarPlay and Android Auto systems.

Some have said the seat bottoms are too short but we had no problems adjusting to ours. Cargo space is over 16-feet, which works out perfectly for two people road tripping along with a pair of rollaboard suitcases and a cooler.

Behind the wheel of the Bolt EV

rear view bolt — **Rear 3/4 view of the Bolt RS in Habanero Orange**

If you are coming to the Bolt from an economy car like the Toyota Corolla or Kia K4, you will find the Bolt behaves like the Artemis II rocket. Well, not really, but it feels like that when compared to the Toyota or Kia.

Also part of this mix is the one-pedal-driving mode. It’s a great feature, but now it’s buried in the menus. So in this case access is difficult but execution is good. The system works well and was the perfect foil for our right foot. It made for a relaxing ride for the round-trip between Florida’s east and west coasts. The added effect was that the system automatically recovers as much energy as possible.

Ride quality seemed a mixed bag. On normally paved road surfaces, the ride was great. We didn’t try severely choppy roads but found the Bolt adapted to the moderate ones just fine.

The Spousal Unit is the ultimate car critic. She likes her luxury cars and is partial to Land Rovers. But after getting out of the Bolt following a day of road tripping, she exclaimed, “I could live with this!”

That’s high praise indeed.