The electrical automobile revolution is correct across the nook as a slew of new models are on the horizon and an rising variety of manufacturers are saying plans to go EV-only.

Whereas Tesla is commonly credited with pushing the world to embrace EVs, GM is an electrical automobile pioneer. The EV1 was many years forward of its time and was adopted by the Bolt in 2016. The latter has been a modest success as the corporate has offered over 100,000 models globally and roughly 75% of patrons are first time GM clients. That’s nothing to sneeze at, however the Bolt is a hatchback and People received’t hand over their crossovers till you pry them from their chilly, useless arms.

Chevrolet is addressing this challenge with the all-new Bolt EUV. Basically an prolonged and crossover-ifed model of the 2022 Bolt, the Bolt EUV goals to enchantment to a wider viewers.

A Distinctive, Crossover-Impressed Design

Whereas the 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUV have comparable styling, no physique panels are shared between the 2 and the EUV appears to be like a bit extra rugged than the common hatch.

Among the many crossover-inspired styling cues are plastic physique cladding, roof rails and a silver entrance skid plate. They’re joined by a singular entrance fascia, which options an enclosed grille that’s flanked by normal LED headlights. The latter reside beneath high-eye daytime operating lights that double as sequential flip alerts.

Persevering with down the perimeters, the Bolt EUV is distinguished by a better beltline and a singular greenhouse. Each assist the mannequin to look extra crossover-like, however the 17-inch aluminum wheels betray that message.

The identical can’t be mentioned in regards to the rear finish as there’s a black rear bumper with a fake skid plate that echoes the one up entrance. Designers additionally gave the mannequin slender taillights, a sporty spoiler and black bow tie badges.

Styling apart, the Bolt EUV is 6.3 inches (160 mm) longer than the usual mannequin and contains a wheelbase that has been stretched by 2.9 inches (74 mm). The opposite dimensions are nearly unchanged because the crossover is a mere 0.2 inches (5 mm) wider and taller than the hatchback.

A Trendy And Spacious Inside

Chevrolet tends to place quirky interiors of their eco-friendly autos, and the unique Bolt was no exception, because it was outfitted with an odd middle console and a dashboard with a chin.

Fortunately, they’re not discovered within the 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUV as each have a contemporary and classy inside. As a substitute, there’s a extra conventional sprint sporting gloss black trim and metallic accents in addition to an upgraded 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Different highlights embody a ten.2-inch infotainment system, top quality switchgear and a brand new floating middle console. The fashions additionally undertake an intuitive push-button shifter which helps to make the cabin really feel extra spacious.

One of many key inside highlights are the redesigned seats which characteristic an upscale triangular geometric sample and distinction stitching and look notably good when wrapped in two-tone Darkish Ash Grey and Sky Cool Grey leather-based. The 2-tone design can be echoed on the dashboard and door panels, and this helps to make the Bolt EUV really feel extra premium than it’s. Moreover, the entrance seats provide heating and air flow whereas heating can be accessible for rear outboard seats.

Nevertheless, there are many onerous plastics to deliver you again all the way down to actuality. Whereas this isn’t too stunning given the value, a few of them are positioned at frequent touchpoints such because the door pull.

On the intense facet, the Bolt EUV’s prolonged wheelbase helps to create a extra accommodating cabin. Rear seat passengers have 39.1 inches (993 mm) of rear seat legroom, which is a large bounce from the 36.0 inches (914 mm) present in the usual Bolt.

Due to the additional room, this 6’ 2” reviewer may simply slot in again even with the entrance seat adjusted. That being mentioned, headroom is usually a bit tight for taller of us and the backrest felt a bit on the agency facet.

Talking of house, the Bolt EUV has barely much less cargo room than the usual Bolt regardless of its elevated dimensions. That is considerably perplexing, however there’s 16.3 cubic toes (462 liters) of room behind the second row and 56.9 cubic toes (1,611 liters) general.

It Drives Like A Hatchback

The Bolt EUV rides on the identical platform that underpins the Bolt, so it comes as little shock that it drives like a hatchback. Whereas we solely acquired to spend a few hours with a pre-production mannequin, the steering felt properly weighted and the crossover appeared comparatively nimble. That being mentioned, the mannequin’s turning circle is 3.5 toes (1.1 meters) bigger than the hatch at 38.3 toes (11.7 meters).

Journey high quality appears promising in addition to our brief, highway-focused journey was snug and drama free. The shortage of an engine additionally makes the automobile fairly quiet as all you’ll hear is a little bit of wind and tire noise.

Energy comes from an electrical motor that produces 200 hp (150 kW / 203 PS) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. Whereas these numbers aren’t too spectacular, the Bolt EUV in all fairness fast because the sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h) takes about seven seconds.

In fact, it’s value noting that just like the Kia Niro EV, the Bolt EUV is front-wheel drive solely. This might restrict the mannequin’s enchantment, however chief engineer Jesse Ortega advised us all-wheel drive was eschewed for price and complexity causes. It’s additionally value mentioning the mannequin rides on the BEV2 platform and GM is placing the ending touches on the all-new Ultium platform, which is able to underpin dozens of EVs going ahead.

250 Miles Of Vary

Getting again to the powertrain, the Bolt EUV has a 65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which gives a GM-estimated vary of 250 miles (402 km). That’s a bit in need of the 300 mile (483 km) “candy spot”, however in a pre-COVID world the common American solely traveled a mere 29 miles (46.7 km) a day.

When house owners have to recharge, they’ll rise up to 95 miles (153 km) of vary in simply half-hour through the use of a DC quick charger. Nevertheless, most charging happens at house and house owners can anticipate a full cost in roughly seven hours with a 240V connection. In the event that they should make do with an ordinary 120V outlet, they’ll anticipate 4 miles (6.4 km) of vary for each hour of charging.

Since drivers will encounter 120V and 240V shops most frequently, the Bolt EUV comes with a brand new Twin Degree Cost Twine. It contains a swappable part which permits house owners to simply go from a 120V to 240V setup and vice versa. That’s a neat trick and it saves house owners from having to purchase a second charging cable.  Nevertheless, it’s restricted to a charging price of 7.2 kW as a substitute of the automobile’s most Degree 2 capability of 11 kW.

Talking of comfort, Chevrolet has teamed up with Qmerit to supply free normal set up of Degree 2 charging functionality in the home of eligible clients who buy or lease a Bolt EUV. As a part of the provide, the corporate will cowl the set up of a 240V outlet and a brand new 40-amp breaker in an present electrical panel.

This guarantees to save lots of clients cash, whereas additionally permitting them to get essentially the most out of their EV. Extra particulars might be introduced nearer to launch, but it surely seems this might be a restricted time provide.

Tremendous Cruise In A Chevy

One of many crossover’s keynote options is the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system, which was once unique to Cadillac. It’s a $2,200 possibility on the Premier trim and it permits for hands-free driving on greater than 200,000 miles (321,869 km) of roadway in america and Canada.

The system makes use of LiDAR map information in addition to cameras, sensors and real-time positioning data to allow the automobile to steer itself on sure roadways. The system works along with adaptive cruise management, so you possibly can sit again and chill out in your commute whereas additionally keeping track of the highway forward.

Throughout our testing, the know-how labored effectively and was straightforward to make use of as you activate adaptive cruise management after which hit the Tremendous Cruise button. That’s oversimplifying issues a bit because the automobile checks to ensure you’re on a appropriate roadway and paying enough consideration earlier than activating.

When Tremendous Cruise is engaged, you possibly can take away your arms from the steering wheel and your toes from the pedals. This makes ‘driving’ a bit boring, however the crossover simply handled site visitors in addition to curves within the highway.

Whereas the EUV’s Tremendous Cruise system doesn’t have an automated lane change function like newer Cadillacs, that isn’t a lot of a difficulty. As a substitute, you merely change lanes usually and the system is able to take again management when you get centered within the new lane.

Since security is essential, there’s a Driver Consideration System which makes use of a small digital camera on prime of the steering column to ensure you’re watching the highway forward. Fortunately, it’s not overly aggressive as you divert your gaze to regulate automobile setting with out an digital nanny begging for consideration. That being mentioned, if you happen to take your eyes off the highway for too lengthy it is going to let you recognize.

Moreover, Tremendous Cruise will present audible and visible warnings if it is advisable resume management of the automobile. In excessive circumstances, if the driving force fails to reply, the automobile will progressively brake to a cease and hook up with an OnStar advisor to make sure you’re okay.

Sadly, house owners will solely get three years of Tremendous Cruise with the acquisition or lease of their Bolt EUV. After that time, they’ll have to enroll in a paid plan to proceed utilizing the characteristic they’ve already shelled out $2,200 for.

Pricing Begins At $33,995

Chevrolet hasn’t launched particulars specs, however the entry-level Bolt EUV LT begins at $33,995 and comes outfitted with fabric seats, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and a ten.2-inch infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and wi-fi Apple CarPlay. It additionally has an assortment of driver help techniques together with Computerized Emergency Braking, Ahead Collision Alert, Entrance Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Hold Help with Lane Departure Warning.

A bunch of choices might be accessible together with a $495 Driver Confidence bundle which provides Lane Change Alert with Aspect Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Visitors Alert and Rear Park Help. Clients may get the $895 Consolation bundle that features an 8-way energy driver’s seat, heated entrance seats and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel.

Consumers in search of extra luxurious can get the $1,695 Comfort bundle. It provides leather-based upholstery, heated / ventilated entrance seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Different niceties embody rear arm relaxation and two-tone alloy wheels.

Transferring up the trim ladder is the Bolt EUV Premier, which begins at $38,495. It builds on the bottom mannequin by coming normal with leather-based in addition to high-tech options similar to adaptive cruise management, a rear digital camera mirror and a encompass imaginative and prescient system.

The Premier can be outfitted with increased finish choices such because the aforementioned Tremendous Cruise Bundle. It’s joined by a $2,495 Solar & Sound Bundle that provides a panoramic sunroof, a Bose audio system and GPS navigation.

Sitting on the high quality is the Bolt EUV Launch Version. It prices $43,495 however comes loaded with options similar to a panoramic sunroof, an illuminated charging port and Tremendous Cruise, in addition to distinctive wheels and badging.

Whereas it’s onerous to argue with the pricing, it’s essential to notice the Bolt EUV isn’t eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. This makes it a harder sale because the credit score lowers the value of the Ford Mustang Mach-E to $36,495 whereas the Volkswagen ID.4 drops to $33,690.

A Larger, Higher Bolt

When Chevrolet was growing the 2022 Bolt EUV, they listened to shoppers who advised them they wished crossover-inspired styling and a nicer inside with extra room. The mannequin actually ticks these bins after which some because it prices $3,500 lower than the 2021 Bolt. On prime of that, it comes with a swappable charging twine and free Degree 2 charging set up, which makes going electrical simpler than ever.

There aren’t actually any main downsides both because the EUV solely weighs 90 lbs (41 kg) greater than the hatchback and its estimated vary is simply 9 miles (14 km) shorter. Throw in a great journey and superior options similar to Tremendous Cruise, and the 2022 Bolt EUV is actually an attention-grabbing possibility for individuals available in the market for an electrical automobile.

That being mentioned, the shortage of all-wheel drive and federal tax credit score eligibility makes the Bolt EUV fairly a bit much less interesting. This can be a disgrace because it looks like a great crossover and it’s unhappy the mannequin is successfully getting punished by laws that have been meant to spur electrical automobile adoption.

There has, nonetheless, been speak of extending and increasing the electrical automobile tax credit score and, if that have been to happen, the Bolt EUV can be significantly extra interesting. Guess we’ll simply have to attend and see.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops