Chevy Bolt vs Chevy Volt: How Can I Choose?

The iconic Chevrolet brand has been among the pioneering electric vehicle producers in the US. The top two are the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Chevrolet Volt. The Bolt is Chevy’s first long-range all-electric vehicle, and the Volt is the first plug-in hybrid.

So how do you decide which one to choose?

Read on to find out how based on their specifications. We’ll use pricing, charging time, and other constraints to help you make the best decision.

Let’s get this show on the road.

Comparing the Machines

This section breaks down the comparison between the Chevy Bolt and the Volt based on:

Price

The latest Chevy Bolt EV purchase price is $26,500 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MRSP). The 2019 Volt has a starting MSRP of $33,520. Please note that these prices may be higher or lower depending on the dealer selling the car. The price decreases due to discounts and increases due to markups and extra incentives.

The US also offers federal and local government tax incentives to encourage its citizens to buy EV cars. The primary one is the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Tax, which offers $7,500 in tax credits. This figure is calibrated based on battery capacity, manufacturer cap, vehicle eligibility, price, and income limits.

Exterior

Bolt’s exterior is a hatchback with a taller design. You can select one of nine colors for the model. The Ice Blue Metallic is so far the favorite among many.

The Volt has a Sedan exterior that rides low, and the exterior colors vary based on the year of manufacture. The 2016 model is available in seven hues, the 2017 model in eight colors, and the 2019 model in six. Earlier models were available in four tones. Of all the above, the Jet Black EVs are the most beloved.

Interior

The Chevy Bolt has an internal space of 95 cubic feet, compared to the more compact Sedan, 90 cubic feet Volt. Despite this difference of 5 cubic feet, they both offer comfortable interiors for all car occupants.

Driving and range

The Bolt EV’s driving range is 238 miles on a single charge. It also delivers a powerful torque of 266 lb-ft from a standstill. When you start moving, you feel an excellent, powerful acceleration.

The Volt, being a hybrid, has a shorter range of 53 miles per charge. Thankfully, it can go longer because it also uses gasoline, eliminating the anxiety of a breakdown on mile 54. This hybrid has 149 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque output from a standstill.

Charging

The Chevy Bolt EV has a larger battery pack (about 60kWh). Filling this battery on a 240V Level 2 charger will take about 9.3 hours. Charging Chevy Bolt on a Level 1 120V charger will take approximately an entire day, 24 hours.

You can also charge it on a Level 3 DC fast charging charger, which takes an even shorter time. The manufacturer recommends using a Level 3 DC charger for quick boosts because frequent use can lower the battery life.

Charging the Volt on a 240V Level 2 charging pot takes about 2.3 hours. It takes around 13 hours to use a Level 1 120V charging port. Unfortunately, you cannot charge the Volt on a DC fast charger because it lacks a DC port. This make isn’t designed to withstand direct current, which could ruin the internal systems and the battery 18kWh pack.

Trunk Mechanism

The Chevrolet Bolt EV provides a standard power liftgate to open the trunk. The Volt has a manual latch mechanism.

A standard liftgate is an automatic opening and closing mechanism for rare cargo hatches. To activate it, press the trunk door button.

The manual latch mechanism uses a button or lever you press or lift to open the trunk. Sometimes, when the battery is dead, neither of these operations works. In that case, you can pull on the manual release lever within the trunk.

Chevy Bolt Vs Chevy Volt: What Suits What?

If you’re still debating what to select, here is a breakdown of both vehicles’ values based on several factors.

Commute Length: Short or Longer?

If your need for an EV is short commutes, the Bolt EV offers more value for your money. Its all-electric design is eco-friendly with zero greenhouse emissions. The Volt, due to its dual power transmission, is a beast for longer trips. Another advantage over the Bolt is that it charges faster.

The Bolt becomes the best option if you commute less than 50 miles daily.

Budget and Daily Costs: Higher or Lower?

If budget is a considerable determinant, then the Bolt is a more affordable pick than the Volt.The Chevy Bolt’s operational costs are 3.7 cents per mile, compared to 4.3 cents per mile for the Volt.

Luckily, both vehicles are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. This relief makes the price differ by only $3,400.

Comfort Level?

The Bolt’s seats are well cushioned, but a few users attest it lacks sufficient thigh support for longer commutes. There is enough room for two adults at the back, but there is a need for more overall cabin space, especially for taller individuals.

The ride quality is impressive on smooth pavements but gets shacky on rough roads. Its suspension might not absorb the bumpy road effectively.

The Volt’s seats offer more support and firmness, but users leave mixed remarks about them. The interior space fits two adults, but the Volt has a similar issue when carrying taller passengers. The Chevrolet Volt's ride quality is smoother and more comfortable because of the better suspension on bumpy roads.

In this comparison, the Volt wins.

Tips Before Selecting Chevy Bolt vs Chevy Volt

Sometimes, what you read serves only as a guide. The experience is a better determinant. That said, here are a few things you can do before deciding between the Chevy Bolt and Chevy Volt:

• If you can, test both cars. This way, you can experience the seats, ride quality, and power yourself. But just know that the Volt was discontinued in February 2019; you can only buy a used one.
• Consider your budget and daily running costs to ensure your purchase is reasonable.
• Consult experts or ask people who are already driving the vehicles.

So, Chevy Bolt or Chevy Volt?

The Bolt wins with short commutes, more power, lower budget, eco-friendliness, and operational costs. The Volt wins if you want longer commutes, less charging time, and better suspension.

But remember, test both cars and choose according to your preference. If you must, seek expert advice to select the best.