The Chevy Bolt has had a bad run of it lately. Currently, it’s part of one of the largest EV recalls in recent memory. Now, Chevrolet is trying to recover sales on the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt. Everyone has a price, and the Golden Bowtie thinks yours is about $11,000 off the price of a new Bolt. The question is, is that enough to entice buyers?

Fires be damned, the Bolt is a good EV

Let’s ignore the recent recalls for a moment. After all, it’s part of my job to look at things objectively. So, we’ll add recalls back into the mix later. First, let’s start with the hard facts. The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt makes 200 hp with a 260-mile range. Honestly, that’s not bad for a small all-electric hatchback. You’ll also get Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard.

Now, about the recalls. Basically, the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt, as well as some other model years, have an issue with the batteries that may cause them to combust rather spontaneously. In fact, that recall is why we’re here. Chevy wouldn’t just offer $11,000 off a car as an “incentive.” No, they need to recover the profits they’ll lose fixing all of the broken (Chevy) Bolts and nuts.

Is the 2021 Chevy Bolt worth it?

So, with those facts compiled, is the 2021 Chevy Bolt worth it? In a word: Yes. Frankly, it’s simply too good a deal to pass up, fire risk or not. Of course, you should get the Bolt’s battery replaced and whatever necessary recall work performed the day you purchase one. Regardless, the incentives are simply too good.

To put things in lease terms, you can have a brand new 2021 Chevrolet Bolt for $194/month. However, CarsDirect says that the $11,000 rebate is only for 2021 model year bolts, not the 2022 models. Oh, and there’s one more qualifier for that $11,000 off. You’ll need to buy a 2021 Bolt with Fast Charge. Frankly, I don’t see why you wouldn’t. All 11,000 of those dollars takes the base sticker price down to $26,000.

If it ain’t about the (rebate) money

So, disregarding for a moment the finances and the recalls, the 2021 Chevy Bolt is absolutely worth your time (I know that’s a lot to disregard, bear with me). It’s quiet, modern, has good range, and it’s got practical hatchback form factor. It’s also one set of snow tires away from getting you all the way through winter. If you live in a city, I can’t think of a better, more efficient car for the money.

However, those recalls, as I said above, are quite a lot to consider. You’ll need to park yours outside out of precaution for now, and maybe don’t keep anything valuable in it. But once those services are done (free of charge I might add), you’ve got yourself one hell of a small EV for a very small sum of money.