2 Reasons to Get the Cheapest Electric SUV and 2 Reasons to Skip It
The 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV is the most affordable electric SUV on the market. It starts at under $28,000. Should consumers jump on the opportunity to get one, or is it a hard pass? Here are two reasons to get the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV subcompact electric SUV and two reasons to steer clear of it.
None of the Chevy Bolt EUV’s configurations break the bank
Many consumers avoid electric vehicles because of their high starting prices. Most electric SUVs have starting prices near $40K, which is significantly more expensive than internal combustion engine SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. The Bolt EUV LT base model starts at just $27,800. Its final configuration, the Premier Redline, starts at $33,790. The Bolt EUV Premier Redline with Chevy’s Super Cruise package and Sun and Sound package costs $38,485 before taxes and additional fees.
All of the Chevy Bolt EUV’s configurations are affordable. Even if you add every available package and option to the subcompact electric SUV, it’s still more affordable than plenty of its rivals. Best of all, the Bolt EUV’s upper trim level configurations come standard with great features that make the EV worth the money.
The Chevy Bolt EUV has exceptional driving range for its price
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV has 247 miles of driving range. That’s incredible driving range for such an affordable electric vehicle.
Most affordable electric vehicles have between 200 and 250 miles of standard driving range. Consumers that have access to electric vehicle charging stations should find the Bolt EUV’s driving range sufficient. So, when it comes to affordability and practicality, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV seems to check all the important boxes.
Car and Driver praises its electric powertrain and tech. The question is, if the Bolt EUV is so great, why aren’t more drivers choosing the subcompact electric SUV over alternatives?
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV has a checkered past
The Chevy Bolt EUV is closely related to the Chevy Bolt EV electric hatchback. The Bolt EV is arguably one of the most controversial electric vehicles in history following its mass recall due to potential battery fires.
General Motors spent over a billion dollars recalling Chevy’s electric hatchback to ensure that all batteries were replaced. The dust seems to have settled, and the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are both available for purchase following the battery fire debacle.
Chevrolet’s EVs have attractive value propositions, but many consumers are still afraid of battery fires because of the large recall. The Chevy Bolt EUV has a lot to prove to win over some consumers.
The 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV isn’t very popular yet
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV may be the most affordable electric SUV, but it certainly isn’t the most popular model. The electric SUV vehicle class is dominated by the Tesla Model Y. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are also making a big splash in the electric SUV space.
As far as subcompact electric SUVs, the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric are fierce competition for the Bolt EUV despite being significantly more expensive. Will drivers start to go wild over the Chevy Bolt EUV, or has Chevrolet’s reputation taken so much damage in the electric vehicle space that consumers are consciously avoiding the brand’s EVs?
