Did you know the Chevrolet Bolt’s development began with GM Korea? You read that right. In 2012, a team of around 180 individuals began working on a project codenamed “G2KCZ” in South Korea. The coolest thing about it? Around 50 prototypes were built by hand at the General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan, starting in 2015. It’s that devotion to value that might make the Chevy Bolt a legitimate rival to the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Car and Driver considers the Chevy Bolt among the best new EVs

Car and Driver recently published “Best New EVs and Hybrids of 2021.” The review includes 19 models, from the Hyundai Ioniq to the Porsche Taycan. The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV made that list as well. But CD says it “isn’t as interesting as the Hyundai Kona Electric or as sexy as the Tesla Model 3.” What the Bolt EV lacks in intrigue and sexiness, it makes up in utility. CD praises it for its smooth ride, spacious cabin, attractive standard features, and 259-mile driving range. Plus, the 2021 Bolt can replenish its battery enough for an additional 100 miles in just 30 minutes.

Despite Car and Driver calling the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV “dorky,” plenty of others, including this publication, think it’s cute. It may not be the first or even last choice for Supercar Saturday, but the design fits its purpose. It comes in two trims. The LT starts at around $37,500 with fees and taxes. And the Premier starts at about $42,700 with fees and taxes, per Chevrolet. Both prices don’t include any additional options or packages. Of course, the Premier looks slightly sportier.

GM has added a Chevy Bolt EUV model to the lineup

General Motors announced in February it’s growing its EV lineup by adding the Chevy Bolt EUV. “Distinguished by unique exterior designs, including an SUV-like proportion for the new Bolt EUV, each is propelled by the proven technology that helped make the Bolt EV the industry’s first affordable, long-range electric vehicle — and both are part of General Motors’ plan to launch 30 new EVs globally by 2025,” GM states. It’s expected to hit showrooms this summer for the 2022 model year.

The acronym “EUV” stands for “electric utility vehicle,” the electric equivalent to the traditional crossover SUV. A special “2022 Bolt EUV Launch Edition” model is available by reservation only on Chevrolet‘s website. According to the trim page, this special edition includes a “driver assistance feature for compatible roads,” allowing you to “be the first to drive it hands-free too.” Chevy prices the 2022 Bolt EUV Launch Edition at $43,495 before taxes and fees.

The 2021 Bolt EV at a glance

The 2021 Chevy Bolt EV’s simplicity should make it an attractive option among buyers who don’t care about 0-to-60-mph times or how many Boeing 737s it can tow. But if you do care about performance, the Bolt’s front-wheel-drive powertrain offers 200 hp, 266 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-to-60 split in 6.5 seconds. That’s one of the benefits of an electric motor over a combustion-powered engine — near-instant electric torque.

The Premier trim offers a few more standard features that are optional with the LT trim. Some examples include 17-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets; black heated power outside mirrors; roof-mounted side rails; DC fast-charging capability; Chevy’s HD Surround Vision using digital cameras providing a clearer picture than standard analog cameras; a rear camera mirror; perforated leather-appointed seat trim; heated rear outboard seats; and a long list of other amenities.

Each trim comes standard with a 10.2-inch diagonal color infotainment touchscreen. Car and Driver says it’s “well organized and easy to operate” but isn’t “quick to respond.” And though you’ll have to rely on your smartphone for directions, the 2021 Bolt EV does offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration standard.