Used 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier

2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV Overview

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV continued to solidify its position as a practical and affordable all-electric hatchback, offering a compelling blend of range, technology, and everyday usability. For those looking to transition to electric vehicle ownership without a significant premium, the Bolt EV presented a well-rounded package.

Highlights

• Powertrain: The 2019 Bolt EV is powered by a single electric motor driving the front wheels. This motor produces 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk acceleration from a standstill and responsive city driving. The motor draws power from a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which delivers an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles on a full charge, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and even longer trips with proper planning.
• Safety Features: Chevrolet equipped the 2019 Bolt EV with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems as standard and available options. Key safety features include:
  • Rear Vision Camera: Provides a view behind the vehicle when backing up, aiding in parking and preventing collisions with obstacles.
  • Electronic Stability Control: Helps maintain traction and control during sudden maneuvers or slippery conditions by selectively applying brakes and reducing engine power.
  • StabiliTrak: Chevrolet's name for its electronic stability control system, enhancing overall vehicle stability.
  • 8 Airbags: Including front, side, knee, and side curtain airbags for comprehensive occupant protection in the event of a collision.
  • Available Driver Confidence Package: This optional package added valuable safety technologies such as:
    • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching vehicles from either side when reversing.
    • Rear Park Assist: Provides audible and visual cues to help the driver maneuver into parking spaces.
    • Side Blind Zone Alert: Detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots and alerts them with a warning light.
    • Forward Collision Alert: Monitors for potential frontal collisions and warns the driver if a collision is imminent.
    • Automatic Emergency Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a frontal collision.
    • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane and alerts the driver if they unintentionally drift out of their lane.
• Trims: The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV was offered in two distinct trims, each offering a different level of features and technology:
  • LT: The base trim, still well-equipped for an EV. It included features like a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and basic safety features.
  • Premier: The higher trim level, building upon the LT with a more premium feel and advanced technology. It added features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a Bose premium audio system, and access to the Driver Confidence II Package (which included more advanced safety features).
• Other Notable Aspects:
  • Regenerative Braking: The Bolt EV excels at regenerative braking, allowing the driver to significantly slow the car using only the accelerator pedal (often referred to as "one-pedal driving"). This not only recoups energy to extend range but also reduces wear on the traditional brake pads.
  • Practical Hatchback Design: The Bolt EV's hatchback body style offers good cargo space and versatility, making it suitable for carrying groceries, luggage, or small gear.
  • Quiet and Smooth Ride: As with most EVs, the Bolt EV provides a remarkably quiet and smooth driving experience, contributing to a more refined and less fatiguing commute.

What to Expect

Ownership Experience: Owning a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV generally means enjoying a low-maintenance and cost-effective daily driver. The electric powertrain has fewer moving parts than a traditional gasoline engine, leading to less frequent and often less expensive maintenance. Typical scheduled maintenance will likely involve checking and topping off washer fluid, inspecting tires, and cabin air filter replacement. You can expect to save on fuel costs, as electricity is generally cheaper per mile than gasoline. The transition to one-pedal driving is usually intuitive and becomes second nature quickly for most drivers.

Maintenance: Beyond routine checks, the primary "maintenance" concern for an EV is battery health. While the 2019 Bolt EV battery pack comes with a substantial warranty (typically 8 years or 100,000 miles for the battery and drive unit), owners should be aware that battery degradation is a natural process for all lithium-ion batteries. For most daily users, this degradation is gradual and unlikely to be a significant issue within the warranty period or even shortly after. Tire rotation and replacement will be similar to any front-wheel-drive vehicle.

Insurance: Insurance costs for EVs can sometimes be slightly higher than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles due to the higher upfront cost of the technology and the potential for more expensive repairs in the event of an accident, particularly to the battery and powertrain. However, this can vary significantly based on your location, driving record, and the insurance provider. It's always advisable to get insurance quotes before purchasing any vehicle.

Potential Considerations

• Charging Infrastructure: While the Bolt EV's 238-mile range is ample for many, drivers who frequently undertake long-distance travel or live in areas with limited public charging infrastructure might need to carefully plan their routes and charging stops. The Bolt EV supports Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging, with DC fast charging also available, which can add significant range in a relatively short period. However, the availability and reliability of public charging stations can still be a factor for some.
• Cabin Noise at Higher Speeds: While the Bolt EV is commendably quiet at city speeds, some reviewers have noted that road and wind noise can become more noticeable at highway speeds compared to some luxury EVs.
• Interior Materials: While the LT trim offers a functional interior, the Premier trim's upgrades are more noticeable. Some buyers might find the interior materials in the lower trims to be a bit plasticky or less premium compared to some competitors.
• Battery Thermal Management: Early versions of the Bolt EV (including the 2019 model) experienced some instances of battery fires. While GM issued software updates to address this and these were rare occurrences, it's a point that potential buyers might want to research further, although the vast majority of Bolt EVs have been trouble-free.

Overall Summary

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV presented a strong value proposition for those seeking an accessible entry into the electric vehicle market. Its impressive 238-mile range, user-friendly technology, practical hatchback design, and the inherent benefits of EV ownership (lower running costs, quiet operation) made it a sensible choice for daily commuting and urban driving. While potential buyers should be aware of charging infrastructure considerations and the need for careful long-distance planning, the Bolt EV remained a competent and practical electric car for its time.