
The Good
The 2020 Bolt EV offers quick acceleration and a surprisingly fun driving experience appealing to the emotional buyer. Practically, it boasts excellent efficiency, long electric range, and decent reliability. Its hatchback design provides ample cargo space, increasing its daily usefulness. The comfortable interior and available driver-assistance features enhance the overall ownership experience.
The Bad
One prominent weakness of the 2020 Bolt EV is its relatively basic interior design and materials. The rear seats can feel cramped for taller passengers. Pre-2020 models, including the 2020, were subject to recalls related to battery fire risks; verifying the recall status and battery replacement is crucial before purchasing. Charging infrastructure availability can also be a concern depending on location.
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Quick Overview
- Engine Option: Single electric motor
- Horsepower: 200 hp
- Fuel Economy (MPGe): 127 city / 108 highway / 118 combined
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing
- Trim-Level Features:
- LT:
- Keyless open and start
- Automatic climate control
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with 10.2-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- DC fast charging capability
- Driver confidence package (Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert)
- Premier (adds to/replaces LT features):
- Leather-appointed seats
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Surround Vision
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bose premium audio system
- LT:
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 2020 |
Make | Chevrolet |
Model | Bolt EV |
Trim | - |
Style | - |
Type | Passenger Sedan |
Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | United States |
Manufacturing City | LAKE ORION |
Dimensions
Doors | 4-Door |
Curb Weight | - |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
Overall Height | - |
Overall Length | - |
Overall Width | - |
Wheelbase Length | - |
Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
Engine | - |
Engine Size | - |
Engine Cylinders | - |
Transmission | 1 Automatic |
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Transmission Speeds | 1-Speed |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | Standard |
Steering Type | - |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
Invoice Price | - |
Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Have?
Other reported issues include occasional infotainment system glitches and minor electrical problems. Some owners have reported issues with the climate control system's efficiency. Long-term reliability concerns primarily revolve around the battery's degradation over time, though Chevrolet's battery warranty provides some protection. The severity of battery degradation can vary depending on usage patterns and climate. Regular software updates are crucial for maintaining optimal performance and addressing potential software-related issues.
How long will the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The Premier trim adds advanced features such as Surround Vision (360-degree camera), Rear Camera Mirror, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. A Bose premium audio system is also exclusive to the Premier trim. Optional features include navigation and a sunroof (Premier only).
Safety-wise, the 2020 Bolt EV received good crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), including a "Good" rating in several crashworthiness categories. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded it a 5-star overall safety rating. These ratings demonstrate the vehicle's strong safety performance.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Prices and Market Value
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Cost of Ownership
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Fuel Efficiency
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Safety Rating
NHTSA
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Recalls & Defects
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch
Seat Belts
Seat Belts:critical Fasteners
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
Structure:body:roof and Pillars
Seat Belts:pretensioner
Structure:body:roof and Pillars
Seat Belts:pretensioner
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery Thermal:management:software
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Compare to Other Passenger Sedan?
Feature-wise, the Bolt EV is generally well-equipped, though the LEAF may offer a more comfortable ride, and the Hyundai/Kia models may provide more advanced driver-assistance systems, depending on the trim. Price-wise, the used Bolt EV can be an attractive value proposition, especially after the battery replacement.
Alternatives to consider include the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV for their superior reliability records and more refined interiors, although they may come at a higher price. If budget is a primary concern, a newer Nissan LEAF (with careful consideration of battery range and degradation) could also be considered.
Ranks #153 Truck
1 | 2023 Toyota Tundra | (5.0★) |
2 | 2022 Honda Ridgeline | (5.0★) |
3 | 2023 Ford E-Transit Chassis | (0.0★) |
4 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis | (0.0★) |
5 | 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD | (0.0★) |
6 | 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | (5.0★) |
7 | 2023 Nissan Frontier | (5.0★) |
8 | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD | (0.0★) |
9 | 2023 Ram 4500 | (0.0★) |
10 | 2022 Jeep Gladiator | (5.0★) |
11 | 2012 Suzuki Equator | (0.0★) |
12 | 2009 Mitsubishi Raider | (5.0★) |
153 | 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV a Good Passenger Sedan?
mike Russell on August 16, 2024
Don't believe the hype!Don't believe the hype! Rent one first. The range was horrible! I could barely make it to work and back home without the battery being half dead! If you live where it is hot like oklahoma running the ac is a no go. The car battery will be dead soon if you run it! Constant daily charging for 2 hours just to drive 25 miles a day is insane! After 6 months of daily charging and terrible range, I was done with this awful EV! I lost $5000 trading it for a gasoline small car.
DRDESERT on August 20, 2023
Bolt is outstandingI love driving this car! It is fast and efficient. I love the one-pedal braking and seldom have to use the brake pedal. It also has a hand brake on the left side of the steering wheel that is a great accessory. The car looks small, but there is ample room for 4 adults. The storage in the back is limited, but plenty of space for our needs. We can also put two suitcases in that space. If it is just the two of us, we can drop the back seat and create more than enough space for all the luggage we would need on a long trip. The torque is outstanding and is great to have entering a freeway or passing another vehicle. The visibility around and behind the car is the best I think I've ever had in a car. No maintenance other than tire rotations and we have solar panels at our house, so I haven't paid for gasoline (or electricity) in over 3 years. The only negative is long distance driving and that will soon be solved when the Tesla Supercharging Station adapters will be available for GM cars in 2024. Did I say this was a great car? We love it.
R. C. on April 15, 2023
1 of the Best of 63Owned from new to 66,000 miles and never had a problem whatsoever. Saved us over $5000 vs a typical gasoline car, plus all the maintenance that goes along with one. Quick, fits just about anywhere, and the cheapest EV one can buy with respectable range. Have owned 63 cars, and this one was the most reliable and cheapest to keep.
Gallum on March 25, 2023
A pleasure to driveJust absolutely love this car! The only drawback, and it's minor in comparison, is the seats upfront which I find a bit rigid. Nevertheless with minor and rather cheap investments the seats can be cushioned to better support the driver and passenger. The seats in the back are well cushioned oddly enough and comfortable. Love the technology, which there's plenty of. The car keeps you well informed of its driving efficiency via evaluation info panels thereby helping the driver to drive better overall. I should mention that if the vehicle is purchased used it may not come with the stock self-healing tires and that is somewhat of a concern as GM does not, by reason of the battery location, provide the vehicle with any spare at all. This can be mitigated by purchasing a cheap compatible tire for a 2011-2014 Chevy Cruze which will fit the vehicle just so one can make it to a repair shop. I drives quietly and quite smoothly in both acceleration and deceleration, even in one-pedal driving, making it a real pleasure to get around in. The sound system is also very good and very configurable.
Marie Sinclair on October 7, 2022
I absolutely love my BoltI bought my 2020 bolt new when my dealer was still discounting for 25k. I could pay cash so I don’t have payments. This car is absolutely great for driving around town. It’s saved me so much money on energy and everything. My experience is wonderful. The value for what I paid is incredible. It’s great for what it is. It’s not a great long trip car and I wish it was capable of charging faster but it delivers in what I need it for. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a commuter car.
DRDESERT on September 18, 2022
Love the Bolt!We love our 2020 Chevy Bolt. It is much roomier than expected and comfortable for 4 adults. It has a deep trunk, so we can put our luggage in it with ease. LOVE the one pedal braking! It has great visibility all around and the arm rests are exactly where we want them. Of course, not paying for gas for 2.5 years has been awesome. With my house solar, I have paid nothing for electricity OR gas for the past 23 consecutive months. No maintenance on these cars, other than tire rotations. GM is providing a new battery on a recall and we are expecting that to arrive soon. That should get us back to the 275 mile range, which was reduced by 80% with the recall. We were going to trade it for a larger EV, but decided we like this car so much and it still met our needs, so we will keep it.
Boltfan on June 15, 2021
It's fun to drive again!This is be far the nicest car I've ever owned. It's very responsive when a quick response is needed and very economical overall. I really like that I dont have togo to agas station ever again and no more oil changes or emmision tests. This car is smooth and quiet on the road and the 120 MPGe is impressive. It handles better than any car I've ever driven. It also feels good to be environmentally concious.
DDH Jeep on March 12, 2021
Range Anxiety is realI bought my first all-electric car! Well, it has been a stressful 7 days. I was not ready to constantly be thinking how far I can make a round trip. I was not ready to double my time on out-of-town trips. I was not ready to drive with no heat and in the slow lane just to increase my miles so that I could make it to work and back for 3 days in a row. I was not ready to purchase an additional $1500 level 2 charger, just so I could drive somewhat normally. I was not ready to sit for an hour every 3 days at a charger so that I could get to work the next day. The car is fun to drive and a marvel of technology, but so many things to get used to, it just isn't for me.
Ron on March 12, 2021
Really a fun carIt is the perfect for us. It is the perfect size to replace our Forrester. We love not needing to go to a smelly, dangerous gas pump.
Deb on February 11, 2021
First electric carFun to drive Has a lot of power. Comfortable ride Love the heated seats and steering wheel. Has a lot of safety features .Nice display screen