2018 Chevrolet Bolt Review and Road Test In 4K UHD 

Bolt is the best car i have ever owned. Great review as always. 46,000 miles, no battery degregation. Times in the shop 0. Still waiting on the $35,000 model 3....2.5 years and counting...Frankly, the Bolt has no competition for the price/ range.

I call myself the accidental EV owner. I saw a RU-vid video on a used Leaf, how practical and economical it really is. I did a little research and discovered that Bolts were even better! Can I get one used? Yes! I found a 2018 Bolt EV LT with less than 10,000 miles (in late 2020) in great condition, and bought it. Never even considered an EV before in my life. Teslas are too expensive and the brand has little service infrastructure, but I thought was the only make with enough range and power to be attractive. But I love my Bolt! Very peppy, fun to drive, heavy but low cg, grips the road on corners. I never drive so far that it doesn’t recharge completely at least overnight. And the power cost is trivial! $0.03/mile or less. This is a great review, and I think the Bolt deserves a lot of recognition!

I drive a 2018 Chevy Bolt. It’s fast, reliable and fun to drive. No range anxiety. Easy to park. Very low maintenance cost. One pedal driving. I rarely use the car’s brake. Good handling and quiet driving. Best car GM has built in the US. A bit overpriced, but prices will come down. I drive without guilt for the environment. No battery degradation after 10,000 miles. No regrets. Get one!

Thanks Alex for reviewing the bolt. You are by FAR the best car reviewer on the planet! Keep up the good work. I look forward to your review of the Tesla model 3.

Good and fair review of the Bolt. I waited long enough for the M3 and decided on the Bolt after getting my $1000 back. Best purchase I ever made. No more gas...Most fun I have had in a long time. I hope to someday see a $35,000 model 3 but don't have my hopes up. GM should be commended on a fantastic EV!

Seriously, you're the best car reviewer I ever watched on RU-vid. Your reviews are always clear, detailed, objective, with other equivalent model comparisons. I'm amazed by the fluidity of your review. Even if we recently bought the CR-V 2017, I still enjoy watching your car reviews. The only thing I would improve is to give the range and speed not only in miles, but in kilometres. Thumbs up.

We bought our 2018 LT 3.5 weeks ago. I watched your review before we did(and several others). I really like your reviews as they are thorough. Keep up the good work!

This is definitely the best, most thorough review of this car on RU-vid. Great job!

I was able to purchase the very first of three Bolts sold back in mid December during Chevy’s initial roll-out of the EV in the nation at Fremont Chevrolet, a couple miles from the Tesla plant. I doubt anyone is more familiar with the car than I am, and I can attest that Alex’s review is spot on in every respect. I started with a 2015 Spark EV a few years ago, then moved to a 2016 2nd Generation Volt, and could not be any happier than I am with my Bolt Premier. Despite the many opinions I have heard about the “uncomfortable” seats in various reviews and in numerous blog postings, they are not an issue for me. I’m 6 feet tall and weigh 220. Then again, as a second car, I don’t use the Bolt for long trips. In fact, I have not used a public charger on any of the EVs I have owned. When I bought the Spark EV it came with a free Level 2 Bosch charger that has been used exclusively on all 3 of my EVs. Keep up the outstanding reviews, Alex. I watch every single one, even if they are about cars I have absolutely no interest in.

You are by FAR the best car reviewer on the planet! Keep up the good work

This is no doubt the best and actual most practical affordable Eva on the market. And this vehicle is more proof that the demand doesn’t exist. This is affordable and practical and not selling.

If they gave out awards for reviews this would win best car review ever. This should be a must watch for all car reviewers. This is how it's done. Congrats, Guy, you da man.

Great video Alex as always. I've had my fully loaded Bolt EV Premier now for about a month and absolutely love it! It has exceeded my expectations and I love the power and torque for smoothly cruising through the mountains of Utah where I live. I find the Bolt EV to be not just an excellent electric car, but a great car with many available safety features and all the things I care about. I actually find the seats very comfortable despite some criticisms of less padding. I'm averaging just over 4 miles/kwh with a lot of freeway driving which obviously decreases efficiency. I highly recommend this car to anyone considering an EV! As a side note, I have solar panels with extra to supply power for an EV which makes this combination very cost effective for years to come.

How could anybody give this video a thumbs down Alex is a legend he doesn’t miss no details!!!😎

I traded in my 2014 Subaru STi Hatch for this and am pretty happy! There is a bit bit wobble over bumps through turns but that is to be expected with more narrow tires and taller tirewall. I got the premiere and my only dislikes are that the seats are not power. I am 6’ tall and my knee hits on the bottom of the infotainment console. Inconvenient but not a deal breaker. Also, my iPhone does not fit in the inductive charging slot. It has been about 70 F here and I have seen a range as high as 310 miles on a full charge.

Why can't Americans just realize hatchbacks are better in almost every way with space, mpg, and family friendliness! Crossovers are just higher up hatchbacks!!!!

Heat Pump vs. Resistance Heat. I believe Tesla also uses resistance heating and the explanation they give is because heat pumps don't work well in extremely cold climates. Since the Bolt isn't a compliance car, but meant to be sold in places like Minnesota where freezing is normal, the heat pump would use a lot more electricity and time to accomplish what the resistance heater can do quickly. For people like us in California, the heat pump would probably be fine; but this isn't a car just for us. GM actually did the right thing using the resistance heater in the Bolt.

I have owned my Premier for over 4 years now and am still honeymooning with it. The best car in my life, ever. Thank you GM, you've created a masterpiece!

Alex you are unsurpassed, the best Auto-reviewer on the Net... I really mean it, on detail, on comparison. You are so well studied, I tip my hat to you sir... Thanks for another master review on the Chevy Bolt this time.

I have owned GM cars and Trucks for decades. I bought a chevy Volt 2 years ago. It is the best car I have ever owned by far. Almost no maintenance required. Has great acceleration and handling and economy. Chevy is turning the corner on their product if this is any indication of the future cars they build. Excellent review of the Bolt here. I test drove one about 6 months ago. It is solid and a good product.

Wow that was a lot of info! Thanks for the video. As soon as someone builds out an expansive EV charging network that supports the Bolt, it should be a very viable vehicle for those who don't need the luxury and performance of the Tesla.

Premier trim also comes with a Bose 7 speaker system. (Worth the upgrade imho)

I love my 2.0 gear automatic 4 cyl KIA SOUL PLUS with push button start and upgraded everything.

It is heartening to see more all-electric EVs covered on this channel, since that is indicative of the shift that's beginning to take place in the auto industry toward all-electric. Excellent review, as ever.

4 people gave thumbs down. I wonder what they were looking for in a review?!..

Best English than most AMERICANS and best presentation of the salient points of a car review that helps in judgements to buy a car.

Actually Alex the LEAF is larger than the Volt. The government lists the LEAF as a mid-sized vehicle. I own them both a LEAF and Volt and when they are side by side in the garage you can really see the LEAF is the larger vehicle.

Can't really stand Chevy, but I give em credit for the Bolt! This, the Volt, 'Vette, and Camaro are definitely some sick rides! I just wish they can style the Bolt a little better, looks like a Spark on steroids!

Leased a bolt last August, best investment in my opinion. I get 240 to 260 easily on a full range, the vehicle will teach you how to drive efficiently. Depending on your county you could get the 220 charge station for free with a refund . No gas, no maintenance, $$ back and it's a roomy vehicle.

one of the best reviews i've ever seen! thanks! regarding the name, 'Bolt', yes, i think it is about the stupidest idea to name 2 different models so close as the 'Bolt' and 'Volt'. but they are both cars that i'd love to own! I own a Leaf now. Of all the EV's I'm currently aware of, the Bolt is my most desired car to currently own.

Get us 300 miles at $20k and they'll forever change the world. Well, at least mine. Very good review by the way.

Best car reviews, hands down

no more model S 60.... or if you are including old cars, there is the spark! I just bought a 2016 with 1200 miles on it.. clock reads 2700 now. Have had it a month... too much fun :) Great video man!

Great review as always Alex! I thought it was interesting how you marked down the seat comfort but did not mention the common complaint about how narrow they are. As far as the Heat pump the AC compressor only needs a few more valves to work as a heat pump. They will have to address this down the road.

Great car. I test drove one a couple months ago and loved it. I'm on the Model 3 waiting list. However, if things go badly for the 3 (like getting delayed to 2019), I'm getting a Bolt EV.

Chevrolet Bolt is still the top selling BEV in the U.S. in the GM line up!

AFAIK, eGolf is also Co-Designed. When that generation of Golf came out, VW proudly mentioned that new platform was for 3 types of drivetrains, gasoline, diesel, electric (no hybrid).

Should of named it lightning. Also awesome review. This is my next purchase. We are also installing solar panels on our house. Gotta love the Florida sun.

Great review Alex! Do you know if the seats were improved in 2018 or 2019 year? I’m getting a 2019 at the end of the year hopefully!

I watch car reviews all the time, some are so ultra annoying (I won't mention any names), I just found Alex's channel and LOVE your review style. Your knowledge, cadence, and personality make it very easy to get a great review experience for my time. You hit on everything I wanted to hear about, and your 30 min vid was infinitely more tolerable than 8 mins from other guys. Liked n subd :-)

Thank you so much I am interested in owning just one car I am retired so short distances is no problem however I do not want to limit myself as I live in the Midwest this seems to be the perfect match looking forward to future videos and I am very excited to see how long before we get the new batteries that promise to double the present battery range as well as lowering the time for charging and environmentally friendly, graphen Will be a game changer without a doubt.

Awesome video, thanks! One thing that bothers me with all of these reviews (you actually did better at this than average): you compare the bolt to other EVs not other compact hatchbacks. I’m thinking “I want a compact hatchback, which is best” not “I want an electric engine, which is best”

Your reviews are absolutely amazing, best I've seen on online with every gripe about lack of info and presentation of the info just perfect! Wouldn't change a thing... but there aren't enough of them! Too many new models that I have to go watch some crappier reviewer try to give me info on because I can't find it in your library. Work faster! *cracks whip* :D

Finally a video review on a car which is actually informative. I've been looking for something like this for years, all I can find are pseudo comedians or failed movie directors trying to show-off their questionable artistic talents. I subscribed immediately, I hope all your videos are like this one.

Been waiting for you to review this, great work as always.

Alex, your reviews are just excellent. Many thanks.

Alex, it's Friday afternoon. I was gonna leave early but will not leave until I watch your review!!!!

Excellent and through review as always, very relevant today as it was in 2017. Thank you!

Great review, very through as always. One question is, how much the cabin noise was due to the roof rack? Those cab get noisey

Looking back, the Chevy bolt EV did not change the game

Thanks Alex! I'm eagerly awaiting your Tesla Model 3 review!

Woow great info on the bolt this vid giving great detail which givin me the overall to buy this car and to be very satisfied about my purchase and pick thank you so much😄

Got my Bolt in August, and it is nothing short of spectacular. I drive ONLY in the "L" mode and if I use my brakes more than once or twice a week, it would only be because there were more idiots on the road that week. Didn't have a problem with the relatively slow charging using the included Level 1 charger (110 VAC @ 12 Amps), but I built my own 240 VAC, 30 Amp Level 2 charger which speeds charging up considerably. Making your own charger isn't that difficult since all the "smarts" are built into the car, not the charger. But I wouldn't recommend you try it unless you are schooled in electronics and comfortable working with high voltages.

I like Teslas. But the new Model 3 won't be out for a while due to production problems, and the first ones are going to be loaded with expensive options pushing the price closet 60 grand. So Tesla is not an option for most Americans at this point. The BOLT, however, is here now (all my local dealers in the Northwest have one or two on the lot), and is priced right for the masses. A BOLT will be my next car.

I've never been a huge fan of GM, but I love this Bolt! It's pretty great! Sadly, I live in an apartment and don't have a garage to plug it in at night. If I did, this would be the car I would want to buy! (With a tire swap for better handling and performance.) PS - I'm really surprised Alex didn't add the new Nissan Leaf to the comparison section. I would've guessed that the Leaf would be the most direct competitor to the Bolt.

Excellent review, but you said that the heating element would cut battery life; I believe you meant range while the heater was on. Keep the reviews coming .

2018 Changes: "The first is that Chevy has replaced last year's manually controlled heated steering wheel with one that is automatically switched on by the car, based on ambient cabin temperature and other factors. The second is that the company has deleted the map pocket on the back of the front passenger seat from the intermediate 2LT trim level."

Awesome, been waiting for your take on the Bolt! :D

The most in-depth info video about what I give a damn about review I've seen in a long time. Good job. Keep up the good work. Best of luck.

I drive for Ride-Share Lyft and Uber and Bounce. I have found out that the controller has Artificial Intelligence built in. I start with about 80 to 100 miles, charge for 12 hours to 130 to 150 go down a 8% to 10 % grade( Palomar Mountain on The Highway to the Stars S-6 San Diego County ) for 15 mile( 37 switchbacks in 10 miles-what fun!) With regen I get 50 to 60 extra miles added, to start my run. When I finally fast charge, I consistently get 270 miles of range. I have a 1996 Acura 3.3 TL ( Third gen LEGEND) with over 400,000 miles on it. I thought it was up to now the best automobile in the world. It takes a lot to impress me, and the more I drive this Beautiful (lightning Bolt- I own the Freeways) I am more and more impressed-35,000 miles in 6 months.

Great detailed review. Weber dicected a Bolt, said battery is cooled by AC only. No thanks to gas

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a good car. We expect the spread of EV cars. We look forward to a full model change in 2020.

What is the ratio between the uphill mountain battery drain to the downhill regeneration's recharge of the battery.

I change my mind about this vehicle Alex.

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW 4EVA

Best explanation I have heard so far keep up the good work you just convince me to hit the subscribe button!

Alex you do you do amazing reviews keep up the good work don't ever change

Very good review - you gained a subscriber (and I rarely subscribe to any channels!).

19:15 Alex, regarding the need for an EVSE: it's not about filling the battery, it's about how many miles you need to replenish on a regular basis. People who drive less than 40 miles a day may not need an EVSE at all: get home at 8 pm? Car is ready by 6 am charging at @4mph on 110v/120v.

Yes! A great Bolt EV review in 4K looking forward to the Tesla Model 3 review next year.

Really well put together presentation. Seems like a winner of a car. Nothing else out there close to Tesla. Need to wait for 2019 and 2020. Finally a decent GM electric car.

Thanks Alex, great review. I have the Bolt, we love it but I think your evaluation was accurate and unbiased. I like the Kia too but for the range.

I was hoping you'd review the Bolt. Thanks!

I just got my Bolt and i love it but I have noticed that the tires are kinda slippy like you say. You said that you could get grippier ones that would give a better ride and handling, what would you suggest? I really have no idea what i would get lol

good review, I really think people are holding off and waiting for the tesla model 3 because no one else has the charging infrastructure that tesla has built, I feel the chevy is the better car right now but again public charging stations are weak compared to tesla. I'm considering the chevy but a through level 3 charging infrastructure has me a little put off

Excellent review on this vehicle.... kudos Alex... job well done!!!

Thank you for the awesome review. Approximately how long would the battery last in a Canadian climate?

Nice review. Just want to mention on the charging issue that the standard cord that comes with Bolt and Gen-2 Volt will do a 3kw charge just by using a plug adapter and plugging into something like a 240V dryer outlet (that makes it more than twice as fast as plugging it into standard 120V). So some people really can get away with not buying an extra home charging station, just a cheap adapter (although it's still a good idea to install a dedicated Level 2 charging station, given the Bolt can accept a 7.2kw charge that way to add 25 miles of range per hour). I've owned 2 Volts and now have a '16 ELR, and they've all been great. The Bolt is a bit too econo-hatch looking for my taste, and the lack of premium amenities is also some poor decision making on GM's part. I'm really waiting to see what more they do with this platform, as supposedly several spin-offs are in the works. Better style, more luxury, and faster DC charging would be on my wish list.

Alex, do you plan to do a Car Seat Review in a Bolt?

I'm very impressed with your review. Thorough, good comparisons to other EVs, (i3 to Tesla 3, etc.). Well done! Only owned mine for about a week. The home charging @ 120/12amp is slow but not 60 to 70 hrs. Perhaps you had the charger set to the default 120/8amp? I don't commute far, so the 120 is fine for me.

enjoyed your reveiw, THX!

Great review. Thank you. We agree with all of your pros and cons. Only thing I would have added is the lack of Chevy support of fast chargers at their own dealerships and the fact that the fast charger is a different connector type to most of the fast chargers you can currently find. Any idea of what roof rack system was used on the model you tested? Dealers don't seen to know and Yakima adds a disclaimer on their website.

Four years later….the car can blow up in flames 🔥

Thanks for the unbiased, even handed review. Nothing worse than a Tesla fanboy reviewing other EVs.

Great review Alex. Thank you. 👍

I love this car. And I think BOLT is a great name.

The Bolt LT is for sale as little as $26,000 now!

Thanks for another great review Alex, I see you have Mini at the top of your credits. Oops.

Nice review, but still don't understand comparing the range extended BMW i3 to the Bolt. Would make more sense to compare it to the Volt which is also a range extender.

7:00 looks like a short range of motion. What is cool is that if the cup holders were placed behind the gear selector, you could have just walked from one front seat to another like in a minivan because the floor is flat.

One of the complaints about this car I've heard a lot is how narrow the front seats are. Is this something you noticed in your time with the Bolt?

how many miles on an 8 hour charge from 20 AMP/15 AMP Charge ?

I drive a 2015 LEAF and love it. I'm looking forward to the 2018 with longer range, but haven't had any real problems with range.I threaten the Nissan dealer with looking at Chevy's when my lease ends, and they try to get me to pay more for a new one.

Heat pumps are more efficient, but resistance heater warm up quite fast.

Amazing video review. Thank you so much for your information. You did amazing.

Excellent review. As always, great quality, thoroughness, and explanations. Please do the Tesla Model X and/or the Model 3!

They have really become a good deal since this video. You can buy a low mile, used one now for 12 grand. They didn't sell well against the model 3 despite good relative stats. The styling is often cited as the reason. Many people say it is ugly compared to the model 3. You can buy 3 of these though for what a used model 3 will run you. I commute 100 miles a day and can pay for one of these things just in fuel savings alone in 3 years.

I don't agree with you on the charging. The bolt or a tesla will not need a home charger as much as a vehicle with a smaller battery. A bigger battery means a bigger buffer so if you drive 120 miles for several days even though you only get 70 miles per night from the charger you can still do that with a car with a big battery.

So, is there any difference between 2017 and 2018 model years Bolt? The review felt to me just like 2017 Bolt.

I noticed you said you own the kia soul ev, if you had the opportunity to buy either car right now, which would you get?