The Bolt Isn't A Tesla, And That's Just Fine With Me | 2022 Chevy Bolt 

30 seconds in and "No shit Sherlock" is the last thing I expected from Alex. LOLOL

LMAO Alex cursing was gold, don't think I have ever heard him curse before. 😂

I agree with you Alex, affordable EVs are more important than the fancy or speedy ones.

Thank you for bringing some common sense to the EV conversation. I'm sick of people thinking that an EV needs to be all wheel drive, self driving, have a luxury car interior, and a negative zero to sixty time to be worthy of driving oneself 16 miles to work at an average speed below 55mph. We're never going to come close to full EV adoption until there's more Bolt type EVs available.

Tesla Model 3 owner - I test drove the Bolt EUV and it's a fine car; Yes it's going through a recall to fix a critical safety problem, but given its price, range and build quality there's nothing wrong with it. Plus I'm kind of envious about some of the real buttons.

"No shit Sherlock" 🥰 loving the snark and sass from Alex today. We stan.

LOL I'm obsessed with the first 30 seconds of this video 😂 Finally someone that understand us Bolt drivers

The battery recall kind of took the wind out of the sails of the Bolt. I bought a Bolt EUV 2 weeks before it was included in the recall. I had a 2017 Bolt before that. I love the car. Drives great. Way more space than you'd think. I like the look of the EUV and interior looks and feels great too. Hopefully they get the battery issue figured out.

As a Bolt and a Model 3 owner, THANK YOU for making the seemingly obvious (but clearly not obvious) statement that the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3/Y are not the same thing. My fully loaded 2019 Bolt Premier cost $20k less new than my Model 3 LR. My Bolt goes all the same places as my Model 3 and can get there just as quickly and easily as the Model 3 as long as it is less than about 200 miles. It should be noted that a standard range Model 3 (the only Tesla that is even remotely close to a Bolt in real world price) will only go about as far on a single charge as the Bolt. Yes, the Tesla charges substantially faster than the Bolt when using a fast charger (it charges just as quickly when charging at home, which is what I do 95% of the time), and I’ve shown on my channel that my long range Tesla can do a 500 mile freeway trip over an hour faster than the Bolt (my Bolt has a smaller and slower charging battery than the current Bolts), but how often do we really need to drive further than 200 miles in 1 sitting? The Bolt can still do it, but it takes longer. I spent about an hour with a Bolt EUV and honestly I was really impressed with it. The old Bolt interior has always felt cheap. The updated interior feels more in line with a vehicle of its price. It’s still not premium, but much better. I would say that based off the experience I’ve had with various Teslas (including a Model S), the build QUALITY of the new Bolt EV and EUV is actually better than Tesla. The material quality is not as good as the full premium interior of the Tesla, but the build quality is better. For instance, less interior noise, less rattles and squeaks, better panel fitment in the Bolt than the Tesla. On the note of efficiency, the Bolt and the Model 3 are nearly equal when cruising at “slower” highway speeds of around 65-70mph. I get about 4mi/kwh (or about 250wh/mi in Tesla world) in the Bolt during my daily 70 miles commute at 65mph, the Tesla gets about 4.2 mi/kwh or about 230wh/mi. But, at higher speeds, like 75+, the Tesla retains a bit more efficiency than the Bolt because it is a sedan vs a small hatchback. It’s just a more aerodynamic shape, even if it is less practical. That said, the Model 3 with a heat pump is a lot more efficient during cold weather due to its ability to take heat from the battery and motors for the HVAC system, especially if you preheat the vehicle before disconnecting from a charger. The Bolt uses an inefficient (by comparison) interior heater and it does have a big impact on efficiency. I still think however that if the prices are nearly the same as a Tesla, as they can be with higher optioned Bolts (especially the EUV), and you don’t plan to keep the vehicle beyond the warranty period, it would be best to go with a Tesla. The model 3 has more passenger room and it is better for long trips. The Model Y had similar benefits of the Model 3 but adds more cargo room and a high stance, at the cost of efficiency (and purchase price). But, there are still big questions about long term reliability and cost/ease of repairs in any Tesla. They use a lot of modular components that are expensive to buy and difficult to get. Tesla service centers are often only in major metro areas (mine is about 40 miles away from me, and I live in a CARB emissions state on the west coast) and frequently overbooked (usually at least 2 week wait to get an appointment). I’ve only had to make a couple service appointments for my Bolt (1 for a recall, 1 for a free annual service) but scheduling is easy and can usually be done within the same week. There are at least 5 Bolt certified service departments within the same 40 mile radius, plus Chevy makes service info and parts readily available to independent shops, so any other shop that works on EVs could easily work on it too.

Hey Alex, we agree ;)

Yeah, tired of Tesla comparisons. They should also ask “it’s not as unreliable as a Tesla, it’s not as poorly assembled as a Tesla, it’s not as buggy as a Tesla”.

While I know its only a minor difference from this I would still love to see a review on the Bolt EUV if you get the opportunity. Thanks Alex!

I was just having a conversation about this with some people the other day. I got a Model 3 and a lady with a Bolt made the comment "well, it's no Tesla" and I just sat there with a blank stare on my face thinking "....and?" Recall aside, that doesn't make the Bolt a bad car.

Alex, If I read carefully between the lines and follow your subtle inferences, I think you might just be suggesting that you cannot compare a Bolt with a Tesla. What about a Taycan? ;-)

Nice review. I had a 2019 Bolt and loved it. It got the job done and was a reliable commuter. Sold it about two weeks ago after it had a seizure while charging in my garage and Chevy service told me to charge it outside. I hope they fix these recall issues and no one gets hurt.

I'm on my second Bolt. Really good car, well made, solid and great range. I'm glad you brought up the battery vehicle weight issue. At 66 kWh my Bolt is perfect for my home with PV charging systems. It's not a perfect car but it sure is hard to beat. I can afford a more expensive car but I'm not sure I want one. When you consider this car has been out 6 years and it's still holding its own that's pretty darn good!

😂😂I love Alex being straight up! “No shit Sherlock!”

Interesting timing Alex. GM announced a bolt recall.

As soon as I found out my job offered free charging, I bought a used 2017, and the free charging negated the small car payment (because of not needing gas). I was just not willing to pay the big bucks for a Tesla and then not be able to get any parts for it. I'll be getting a new battery pack so it will be like having a new vehicle, and I love the thing...

I owned one of the first 2017 Bolts, drove it for just over three years and put 27,500 miles on it. Loved everything but the stupid shifter and the head-gashing corners on the hatch. Was holding out for the 2022, when the battery problem hit the forums. I never had a problem, but decided to sell it back to GM, which I did, at a very lucrative price. I now drive a Tesla Model 3 and, as far as I’m concerned, the only real advantage over the Bolt is Tesla’s charging network…and the envious looks.

Thank you so much for stressing the reality check about the flood of overpowered, overpriced supercar-performing EVs vs. something for regular people with working-class jobs. I do love the bonkers performance of the former(s), but you're absolutely right in how the auto press gloms everything to an $80k Tesla, even when they say they don't. It seems like it's always in their head, like they just can't shake it, and simply CANNOT grasp that 0-60mph performance in the low six second range is freakin' awesome for an everyday, practical hatchback.

I own one of these cars. Good little car. I've had a bolt now for four years. Fortunately, it's it's not my only car. I'm never too concerned about its fast charging speed seeing as half the fast chargers I pull up to are out of service. Unless you have a Tesla, I don't think people realize how bad public charging is. Hardly any chargers, massively slow compared to a gas fill up, and a ton of the chargers never work.

It's a shame that all Bolt EV and EUVs are currently recalled for battery fire risk. I picked up a 2022 EUV 1LT a month ago and really like it. Although the risk of fire is very low, the imposed battery limits from the recall mean I can only drive 150 miles between charges, I have to park it outside of my garage, and can only charge during the day. I still haven't decided whether I will pursue lemon law or just try to wait it out. I also have a 2019 Model 3 Long Range (RWD). If I could only have a single car, I would choose the Tesla solely based on the better charging infrastructure. But for a lot of people, an EV would be a 2nd car - and the Bolt is definitely the better value in this case. Also the paint quality and fit and finish are noticeably better on the Bolt.

"Not as sexy as a Tesla" I actually find Teslas as being bland. The brand name precludes them and that's what I think people see. Brand snobbery?

Just don't park the Bolt near anything you wish not to burn up, like your house, garage, barn, carport, yard, or forest.

I've watched a bunch of videos on the Bolt EUV and this is the best of the bunch - very informative, with information I just didn't see elsewhere. We just ordered a 2023 EUV, as we wanted an affordable, practical everyday ev, not a $70K+ supercar that so many manufacturers are offering / pushing. Thanks for the great video!

l love my 2017 bolt LT... and i just bought it a 1/2 a year ago. its almost a 0-60 6 second car... and the amount of money its saving me is AMAZING! Plus if i need parts for it... i can look them up with ease and order them direct from Chevy... UNLIKE TESLA.... not to mention it didnt cost an arm an leg for this car. Sure bolts have the battery recall, but that will be fixed.

Prior to retirement, this would have been a great commuter. I lived in Half Moon Bay and commuted to South San Francisco (25 miles each way). We worked with our management to install lots of Level 2 chargers.

Any thoughts on the recall issues with the bolt?

I have had my 2020 Bolt for six months now. When I got it, I was looking for something very inexpensive to own and operate. I couldn’t be happier. Hopefully they get this recall thing sorted out soon.

Interesting that he released this with GM recalling ALL Bolts for battery fire issues. I really want one though.... XD

well, I'm going to say it competes directly against corolla buyer next year. Assuming that the new tax credit gets passed and is refundable. That would make the base bolt cost about 20K :D of course that is all up to pending legislation! but if it passes as its currently known, id be a buyer at 20k 100%.

NSS. That was awesome. Thanks for your honesty as always, Alex. Why would any manufacturer make robin egg blue??

I own a Bolt and I find traveling not to be a problem. Yes, a faster DCFC rate would be nice but the current rate is not a deal breaker. You are forgetting the greater efficiency of the vehicle means you get get more miles per minute of DCFC.

I really wanted one of these but the battery fires thing is killin' me. Gonna have to wait for them to sort that out first.

I was seriously thinking of purchasing a 2022 Bolt until the battery/vehicle recall. For now, and possibly forever, it's off my shopping list, and that's a shame because the Bolt is a great EV for the price.

Chevy volt probably works for most urban drivers.

Good rant, good to remind everyone that not everything is made to compete with a Tesla.

Thank you for not comparing the Bolt to a Tesla. There's nothing more frustrating than seeing Tesla used as a measuring stick for every EV regardless of price.

We're going to see the Bolt and similar EVs become a primary market for average new car consumers in the next few years. I'm picking up a new Bolt EUV at the end of this month. The new Ultium batteries come out probably next year with better capacity, faster charging, less capacity degradation, and a lower MSRP than what GMC is using now. In fact, GMC is discontinuing the Bolt and putting Ultium batteries in the Equinox which will replace the Bolt in the market. I would get one next year if I could, but I need a new car now and can't afford to wait. And being totally blunt, I test drove a Tesla Model 3 and I prefer the Bolt -- even if they were the same price I'd still buy the Bolt over the Tesla.

I had a 2019 Chevy bolt and the seats were terrible😩

Headroom/Legroom #s are for Venue not Bolt at 7:24

I own a 21 Bolt and loved this car and drive 80 to 100 miles a day. The recall has us all really shook 😳 up. If you have any idea about our future would be great.

FYI- the graphic on legroom/headroom is for the hyundai venue not the bolt.

*Sees Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant on the infotainment screen* Nice.

I really like the new redesign on the Bolt, for sur, and 259 miles is perfectly fine for range. My Model Y is only 280. I hope they figure out the battery issues soon, we need more low cost EVs!

Love the 60 second rant!!

"No shit Sherlock!" DEMONETIZED!

As usual, a well thought out, full of helpful information review. I, too liked the out-of-the-blue “no shit, Sherlock” remark. Alex is #1.

2020 Bolt owner here. Super bummed about the recall. I paid 24k out the door for mine 6 months ago and for the money it is a fantastic car! If I paid 40k I’d have a different sentiment. I’ve rented a model y for a week and yes, the Y is nicer, faster etc, but the Bolt delivers 85% of the driving experience for 1/2 the cost (at least to me). Now the battery recall, GM has to get that right, otherwise EV adoption for everyone is going to slow down. And for the record, Tesla hasn’t been fire free either.

I have a '23 Bolt ev on order. It'll be my commuter car, so the slower dcfc speed doesn't bother me; also, if the slower charge speed makes the battery last longer, I'm good with that. A liquid-cooled battery was mandatory for me, so the leaf was out, and the Bolt to me is the best charge-for-the-buck ev.

Thank you for the comment about comparing every ev to a Tesla. Too many RU-vid reviewers do it also. I don’t think the ID4 should be compared to a model Y. Nobody compares a CRV to a Q5RS. Anyway thanks for pointing that out.

Agreed! I love what Tesla has done for the popularity of EV's but I hate how everything automatically compared to the Tesla Models. We need variety and practicality discussions with EV's for the segment(s) to grow.

Disappointed you didn’t address the global recall (see Tom Voelk).

Thanks for doing the regular Bolt. Little harder to find a review of it than the EUV

I like the Bolt. I owned a 2019. But I traded it for a Model 3 early this year. The Model 3 has one important feature that I think is worth an extra $10,000: it won't burn your house down. ;)

I’m surprised Alex didn’t address the huge recall on these. Still, great, in depth review!

You have a photo of the MINI Countryman, not the MINI EV.

Alex i enjoyed the review. I hope long term to be shopping for an entry level ev. I was surprised that you didn't mention the 100% recall on Bolt batteries. That a hugh red flag for me when it comes to a bolt.

No $h!t shetlock, my new favorite Alex sarcastic comment, one of the reasons why I love your auto reviews, you don't compare apples to oranges, those who do bore me to tears. Thanks for another realistic auto review.

First time hearing someone explain what a tax credit is and is not a guaranteed amount. I really love that your reviews are always contextual and not based on your personal feelings. Any thoughts on resale market for EV's? I would imagine value will drop precipitously with age due to the cost of replacing the batteries?

Would have been interesting to use Prius as one of the comparable vehicles at the end. For a lot of environmentally-conscious or frugal people, I think a 50mpg hybrid that you don’t have to worry about range or charging, is still potentially the best choice. If I only needed the car for commuting to work and around-town, and I drive enough miles to justify it, the EV makes a lot of sense.

Excellent real world analysis of how EVs are used. I really appreciate your perspective on the value proposition of the Bolt. I suspect that the large price cut for the 2023 year is a consequence of the savings in not upgrading the charging system or going to Ultium batteries. I think it is a smart move that makes the argument for this car even more compelling. I fully expect the next gen Bolt to have even more reasons for buying.

I fell a little more in love with this channel in the first 60 seconds.

Your reviews are the best in the industry. Thank you.

Thank you Alex. Thank you so very much. I am contemplating buying an EUV to meet our needs. I will miss our Model 3, and giving up the Supercharging network will be hard, but my Model 3 has been extremely problematic, fun, but 28 service visits in just 3 years of ownership is insane. Our 2017 Chevrolet Volt is flawlessly running since day 1, and with 390kms of range, the EUV is more than fine for us.

For me it was simple I use my bolt for my taxi service and that being said Im a taxi driver not a chauffeur which is what Tesla's door handles requires you to be because you will be getting out and helping people with door handles

Be warned, even the new 2022 Bolt and Bolt EUV (pretty much every Bolt ever built) has a design flaw that GM has discovered that causes battery ignition. Apparently they didn't put insulating material between a bare cathode and anode and shorts occur. GM will fix this under warranty, but even the current new cars on the lot have this defect. It will require a battery replacement and cannot be done with a software change. LG is paying for the recall as they manufactured the battery pack and are responsible for the defective design.

I went with a plug in hybrid for my current vehicle, my next will likely be this car.

One minute in and this is my favorite car review EVER. Forget "Like", where's the LOVE button!

I love my 2017 and looking forward to getting a brand new battery with the recall. Strongly considering swapping it with a 2022 EUV.

I don't trust GM after their complete failure to deal with the battery fire issues over the past few months. Even if most bolts won't catch on fire, it speaks to how little they would care about future problems with the car.

NSS for the win! It's a shame that the EV tax credits are targeted toward the wealthier among us and higher end cars when it is the lower end that will really benefit from it. Alex seems to be the only person who consistently explains how the tax credit works (or doesn't) which may help some people from getting screwed when buying a car counting on getting the credit when they actually can't. Of course some of the manufacturers who no longer get credits are reducing the prices. The incentives were artificially propping up the prices even though the battery prices have gone down. Alex is also a proponent of going with plug-in hybrids instead of full electrics since they make the most sense for most people. My next newish car will be a plug-in hybrid.

Not a word about the massive recall of bolts

Bolt interior is Walmart quality and GM’s empty suite executive need to pocket less bonus on their pocket. Only reason this car is still on market because of badge. If this is Korean or Japanese made EV, it’d be dead. Tesla & Elon both lack in quality

Alex, with the stop-sale order on the Bolt, I'm expecting that 1) Chevy will replace this generation of the Bolt with a all-new Ultium battery platform version within the next two years, and it WONT be named the Bolt since that name is now know for FIRES. Resale value of Bolts will likely crater, even if LGChem manages to figure out its cell-pack manufacturing snafus. I know that buyers who have advanced ordered 2022 Bolts have elected to cancel their orders, looking at other options including the Tesla.

Alex seemed pissed at the Tesla comparisons. Rightly so!

Every car that I've owned, I needed the spare tire at some point. The can of Redi-whip would never work. I want a spare tire...........

I wanted an EV that could function as my only car. The Bolt was the most affordable out the door of any long-range EV, and the most fun to drive of any affordable EV. And I got my 2020 during the big end-of-2020 sale, so I was able to pop for all the goodies I wanted (Bose stereo, 360 degree camera etc). There are many things I like about it (fishbowl visibility, amusing acceleration, Tardis-like packaging, that camera and stereo, CarPlay, reliability, not using gas) and some I don't (narrow front seats, one of the slowest DC fast charge speeds of any modern EV, and highway demeanor that's a bit more noisy and wander-y than I'd like). But I like it enough that -- despite the stress and inconvenience of the battery recall -- I'm considering buying it when my lease ends. (Unless the Equinox EV arrives on schedule at the promised price, in which case, see ya: from the CES preview this year, it's clear the Equinox EV is vastly better looking, charges much faster, and presumably won't have the cursed seats).

Alex this is a really professional and pragmatic review of the Bolt with some excellent commentary for the Tesla fanboys. We run two EV's a Mini SE and an Id.3 and run 1500 miles a month with all charging at home. The EV life works for us!

Test drove the M3, Bolt and Leaf SV plus…leased the Leaf. Bolt was to small and the T ground clearance and seat height to low

I've heard that the next version of the Bolt will move to the new Ultium technology and will have improved charging times. 2023/4 iirc.

Tesla is over rated, I know I used to own a Model Y. Now a Rav4 Prime owner.

Good review. We were ready to test drive the new 2022 bolt before they were all recalled due to potential battery fires. We are also waiting on the final Biden infrastructure bill to see if any EV incentives are added back in. Now we’re also looking at the Leaf plus. Having never leased a car, we are considering a leaf lease. I believe the $7500 tax credit goes to Nissan and is factored into a lower lease price. In addition the way ev battery technology is going, in three years perhaps we’ll get that holy grail of a solid state battery. This will be a second around town car and we have a garage with a 30 amp 240 outlet. Also the leaf has some comfortable seats. Downside is no battery cooling. However three years later it won’t be my problem.

That center console seems to be designed to look great on a video but to look really cheap in person. Overall, I like the car though.

😂😂😂 I'm sorry, i know everyone else is enamored with the first minute of this video as well but i can't help it. Alex must have had a lot conversations with airheads about the comparison between Tesla's and lower priced EV's - cause that is the LAST thing that i would have ever expected him to say. And I'm not trying to be a prude - it's just after years of watching this guy I can't remember the last time I've heard him go off like that. But honestly i can't blame him. I am sure there are a bunch of boneheads out there trying to compare the two and constantly downgrading the more affordable EV's to the likes of Mr. Musk's Models. I get that it's in our nature to compare and that's fine but you have to take on a balanced perspective when doing so and I love that Alex just hammered that into place at the start of this video, cause it really needed to be said.

Not going to mention the recall? I've been in the market for a new car and want to go electric. I was 90% sure I was going with a Bolt. Now with the recall I'm leaning Leaf but the CHAdeMO charging being on the way out makes me nervous. So I'm kind of in a waiting period right now.

Thank you for this Alex. So true. There's a lot of value here, and it works for many Americans.

You can make the same "no shit Sherlock" argument about the Nissan Leaf which has been out longer than any GM EV and selling fairly well, yet it's not nearly as fast as the Bolt.

I drive the Bolt. I have been driving a Bolt for four years now and I really like it for what it is: a subcompact hatchback. It's small and nimble and perfect for driving around Los Angeles with. At some point in time we need to stop comparing EVs by range and price but, start talking about them for what segment they are in. The Bolt should be compared to a Ford Fiesta ST, the Tesla Model 3 should be compared to BMW 3 series, Ford F150 lightning to... the Ford F150.

Just waiting for affordable EVs that don't catch fire. Sorry Chevy but your track record for recalls, reliability and now EV battery issues is pretty brutal.

I've always loved your logical take on all your reviews!! It's refreshing to watch someone that thinks outside the box and gives us the ACTUAL facts.

So much criticism over the Chevy Bolt's recall, yet folks fail to realize that all automakers have safety recalls, even non-EV "fiery" ones, but where are the headlines? Toyota/Lexus is the most reliable and the most recalled automaker, yet we hardly know or hear about the fuel pump issue in their newer model turbo & V6 sedans, SUVS & trucks, plus Corolla. In 2021, the VW ID.4 was recalled for faulty seat belts/child restraints, and Hyundai EVs were recalled for Li-ion batteries that can catch fire. Ironically, the reason why the Bolt has received so much infamy is probably due to the perceived association with Tesla!

Well considering GM now says it can't be charged to 100%, in a garage, overnight, or without being monitored; I'd say not only is it not interested in being a Tesla, it isn't interested in being a vehicle at all.

GM locks the heated seats and wheel on the 2LT which are must haves for EV year-round peeps in cold winter country. For mild climate buyers buyers the base is a steal for around 30K.

I really wish GM had done a CUV version of a Volt. I still have too much range-anxiety for a Bolt, and I also want the CUV form-factor.

I would drive this. But I would never drive a Tesla. Too douchy.

Thank you for calling Tesla a luxury performance vehicle. So many people miss that point. Mache, ID4 and Bolt are in a different category than the Tesla, that's why they are cheaper.

nice job covering the charging speeds and comparing to other cars... Wow, the Bolt is actually pretty damned good at its price!

The Chevy Bolt sells for $31,995 lowest base trim on Chevy's website not sure where you get under $30,000. The Tesla Model 3 is $35,000 base (needs to be purchased in person at Tesla). For $3k more I'd rather have a Tesla. Supercharger network, better handling, better infotainment, more interior space, nicer looking car overall. Unless Chevy starts selling Bolts for under $25,000 I don't understand why someone would buy a Bolt over a Model 3, unless you buy a used Bolt which can be a bargain, makes sense at that point.