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First Look: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Bolt EV

Lightning strikes twice as GM unveils two EVs, one all-new and one a redesign

Andrew McCredie
Feb 14, 2021  •  May 19, 2021  •  4 minute read  •  Join the conversation
Chevrolet Bolt EV & EUV
Chevrolet Bolt EV & EUV Photo by GM Canada

I don’t know what is the bigger headline: the pricing or the seats. Obviously, base pricing for a new EV with 400+ kilometre range that is below the $45,000 government rebate threshold is enticing news for those looking to make the jump into an electric vehicle. But then again, improved seats and a fully updated interior in an existing EV that, apart from somewhat uncomfortable seats and somewhat unrefined interior finish, was one of the best value-for-money and fun-to-drive propositions in the Canadian EV marketplace is very welcome news too.

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Chevrolet unveiled two electric vehicles today — each named Bolt — that are part of parent company General Motors’ ambitious plan to launch 30 new EVs globally by 2025. The 2022 Bolt EV is a redesign of the five-door hatch that debuted in 2017 and has sold over 100,000 units globally, including more than 13,000 to Canadians. The Bolt EUV is an all-new crossover SUV that shares the same architecture with the new hatchback but is 15 centimetres longer and has nearly eight centimetres more rear legroom. Base pricing for the Bolt EV is $38,198 and $40,198 for the Bolt EUV, and both models will be in Chevrolet dealerships across the country this summer.

The 2022 Bolt EUV and Bolt EV were introduced through a special, 90-second commercial titled “Magic is Electric” made in collaboration with Walt Disney World Resort.
The 2022 Bolt EUV and Bolt EV were introduced through a special, 90-second commercial titled “Magic is Electric” made in collaboration with Walt Disney World Resort. Photo by GM Canada

The Bolt EV and Bolt EUV share the same 65-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a powertrain system that includes Chevrolet’s active thermal management system which uses coolant to maintain the battery at its ideal operating temperature. This is not GM’s much-ballyhooed Ultium architecture that will form the EV-underpinnings of most of those 30 all-new EVs . In the name of cost effectiveness Chevrolet incorporated a powertrain based on previous Bolt technologies. Each new model is front-wheel-drive with a single-motor drive unit that delivers, according to GM, 200 horsepower (150 kW) and 266 lb-ft of torque.

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As to a full-charge range, GM estimates the Bolt EV will get up to 417 kilometres (up from the previous model’s 383), while the larger and heavier Bolt EUV up to 402 km. In terms of charging, a new dual-level charge cord has a changeable plug that allows for standard 120-volt three-prong outlet Level 1 charging and a 240-volt outlet for Level 2 charging up to 7.2 kW. Meaning if your home is outfitted with a 240-volt outlet, you won’t need to install an aftermarket EV charger to get Level 2 charging. The dual-level charge cord comes standard on the Bolt EUV and as an option on Bolt EV. In addition, standard DC fast-charging capability enables the Bolt EV to recharge up to 160 km of range in 30 minutes and 154 km for Bolt EUV.

  1. The Bolt EUV features a distinctive front-end with a sculpted grille and signature lighting, including standard LED headlamps and Chevrolet’s brand-specific high-eye daytime running lamps.
    The Bolt EUV features a distinctive front-end with a sculpted grille and signature lighting, including standard LED headlamps and Chevrolet’s brand-specific high-eye daytime running lamps. Photo by GM Canada
  2. The new Bolt EUV, above, and redesigned Bolt EV share an architecture, but their designs are unique. No exterior sheet metal parts are shared between the two vehicles and the EUV is approximately 15 centimetes longer.
    The new Bolt EUV, above, and redesigned Bolt EV share an architecture, but their designs are unique. No exterior sheet metal parts are shared between the two vehicles and the EUV is approximately 15 centimetes longer.
  3. The cabin of the Bolt EUV.
    The cabin of the Bolt EUV. Photo by GM Canada
  4. The Bolt EUV is the first Chevrolet to offer Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assistance technology for enabled roads.
    The Bolt EUV is the first Chevrolet to offer Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assistance technology for enabled roads. Photo by GM Canada
  5. The Bolt EUV is 15 centimetres longer than the Bolt EV and features more rear passenger legroom and more cargo space.
    The Bolt EUV is 15 centimetres longer than the Bolt EV and features more rear passenger legroom and more cargo space. Photo by GM Canada
  6. The appeal of a crossover design is the cargo capability when the rear seats are folded down.
    The appeal of a crossover design is the cargo capability when the rear seats are folded down. Photo by GM Canada

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There are lots of changes in addition to those aforementioned seats and cabin updates in the Bolt EV, but let’s start with the newcomer on the EV block.

With the SUV segment the hottest in Canada the past few years and with no signs of cooling down, the Bolt EUV is the natural progression from the Bolt EV. As mentioned, the two share the same platform, but no body panels, with the EUV getting a distinctive front end with a sculpted grille and signature lighting, including standard LED headlamps and Chevrolet’s brand-specific high-eye daytime running lamps, which double as sequential turn-signal indicators. Other unique exterior styling cues on the EUV include a centre crease line that runs from the front fascia through the hood, and standard roof rails also reinforce the SUV aesthetic.

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The EUV provides more passenger room and cargo space than the hatchback, and heated front seats and heated steering wheel come as standard equipment, while ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats are available on select trims, along with a panoramic power sunroof for Bolt EUV.

The top-of-the-line trim, EUV Premier, is the first Chevrolet offered with Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assistance system for divided and compatible highway s. The Premier model also includes HD Surround Vision and Adaptive Cruise Control.

  1. The all-new Bolt EV exterior includes, include signature high-eye daytime running headlights.
    The all-new Bolt EV exterior includes, include signature high-eye daytime running headlights. Photo by GM Canada
  2. Bolt EV design updates include a new, more upright front fascia and new front and rear lighting signatures.
    Bolt EV design updates include a new, more upright front fascia and new front and rear lighting signatures. Photo by GM Canada
  3. Among the many cabin updates in the Bolt EV is a flat-bottom, sport steering wheel.
    Among the many cabin updates in the Bolt EV is a flat-bottom, sport steering wheel. Photo by GM Canada
  4. The redesigned Bolt EV gets improved seats along with other new control features, including a push-button transmission.
    The redesigned Bolt EV gets improved seats along with other new control features, including a push-button transmission. Photo by GM Canada
  5. The cargo space on the new Bolt EV.
    The cargo space on the new Bolt EV. Photo by GM Canada

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As touched upon, the seats and cabin of the Bolt EV have been totally updated and, like the Bolt EUV, feature new instrument panels and vehicle controls, a 10.2-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen and integrated climate controls.

All that is great news as my only complaints about previous Bolt models were front seats that were not that comfortable and a ‘plastic-y’ feel to the cabin controls. What doesn’t thrill me is the new, electronic gearshift design that uses pull toggles and push buttons instead of a more traditional centre console shift lever.

What always impressed me about the Bolt was its regenerative braking system — the best in the biz in terms of how a driver can control it — and the new models have increased regenerative braking and a new One-Pedal driving button keeps the system active between drive cycles. The button is on the flat-bottom sport steering wheel, a new addition that signals the Bolt’s fun-to-drive appeal.

According to Chevrolet, Bolt EV sales grew by 26 per cent in 2020. Judging from the improvements to the redesign, that’s a trend that quite likely will continue, and with the addition of the all-new Bolt EUV, it’s more than probable that lightning will strike again in terms of sales for the new all-electric crossover.

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