The 2019 Chevy Bolt is one of the most exciting and talked about electric cars on the market today. Since its world debut at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, this fully electric four-door has generated quite a buzz among the current automotive scene. As Chevy continues to improve on the Bolt’s design in 2019, they are setting out to prove that electric vehicles are far more than just a novelty. These cars are just as capable as their gas-powered counterparts but do it in all in a far more efficient and sustainably focused manner.
Here are just a few ways that the 2019 Chevy Bolt transcends the novelty of being just an electric car and establishes itself as a valid option for your next full-time vehicle.
More Efficient Than Ever
While I’ve already said that the Bolt is more than just an electric car, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the efficiency and ease of use of its electric engine. Charging at a rate of around 25 miles per hour of charging, the 2019 Chevy Bolt is capable of traveling up to 238 miles on a single full charge.
When it comes to your home plugin options, the Bolt offers four distinct choices. The first option for Bolt owners is the standard 120-volt, three prong outlet you would in find in any home. While this option will charge significantly slower than the others, its convenience is undeniable. The level 2 option uses a 240-volt wall outlet, which contains 3 or 4 prongs and is typically used for large household appliances.
The level two option is recommended for Bolt owners to experience a faster charge, but it must be purchased separately and also requires professional installation. It is important that you consult with your dealership and local electrician to make sure your electrical panel is capable of handling the high output required by the Bolt.
The other available option is DC fast charging, the quickest and most powerful charging option on the market. While this format is typically only available at public charging stations, it is available for home installation, however, Chevy recommends that you consult with an electrician first. If this option interests you after a bit of research, mention it to your local dealer and see if it is the right fit for your home and budget.
Where to Find a Charge
Now that electric vehicles are beginning to really take hold in the mainstream, charging stations are becoming more and more common on the road. Many companies are now providing easy-to-use apps to help you locate your nearest charging station, so you never again have to worry about running out. Here are a few companies that are dedicating their time to making the daily drive easier for electric car owners:
ChargePoint– This company provides detailed maps of your surrounding area and any available public charging points. Their program allows you to refine your search by the cost of the station, the connector type, and the network that hosts it. Chargepoint also allows you to keep track of various stats such as gas savings, energy use, and CO2 emissions avoided.
EVGo– Touting themselves as the largest public fast-charging network in the country, EVgo provides solutions and options to electric car owners as well as businesses looking to serve EV charging needs. Their rapidly growing network of fast chargers contains over 1,000 chargers in 34 states. Their dedication to customer service makes them a great company to contact if you have any questions regarding charging your vehicle.
PlugShare– Plugshare is a free app for IOS and Android that allows you to search for charging stations on the go. The robust app can filter your results by plug type, region, network, fees, and available amenities. Download PlugShare from your phone today to never again have to wonder where your nearest charge is.
Another Way to Charge
While your charging stations will obviously be the primary source of energy for your electric vehicle, Chevy has also implemented some creative features to help you get the absolute most out of your car. By pulling a paddle on your dashboard, the Bolt will slow down without actually using the brake pedal. This feature helps to convert your vehicle’s energy from the rotation of the wheels back into usable electricity for the engine. However, it is important to remember that if you ever need to stop abruptly, you should always use the dedicated brake pedal.
Keeping you Informed
Chevy realizes that for many buyers of the Bolt, the numbers are important. You’ve made the decision to buy this electric car because you care about your impact and want to see a difference. The Bolt features a massive 10.2-inch color touch screen and an 8-inch driver cluster to vibrantly display all of your real-time vehicle information. The center console touch screen displays detailed energy consumption statistics, telling you how much energy your driving and accessories, climate settings and battery conditioning are using. You can also view how efficiently your energy is being used and statistics on how variables such as the terrain, your driving technique, and the outside temperature are affecting your energy efficiency.
Once you’re finished soaking in all the detailed performance statistics and appreciating your positive impact on the world, you can also use your color touch screen to have some fun. The Bolt’s infotainment system features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as well as available 4G LTE Wi-Fi and compatibility with the myChevrolet mobile app. Use these to peruse your favorite apps and music all from the comfort of the driver’s seat.
Appearance
Now that we’ve covered all of the amazing performance and efficiency capabilities of the Chevy Bolt, it would all be for nothing if the car was unpleasant to look at. Fortunately, Chevrolet has created an electric car that uses its aesthetic that looks good and also augments its overall performance.
The overall build of the Chevy Bolt uses a strong and sculpted look to provide its distinct aesthetic. Because the car does not use a traditional combustion engine, the underside of the vehicle doesn’t require air-cooling. This allowed Chevy to create a completely enclosed underside that promotes streamlined airflow and improved aerodynamics. The unique design of the car’s underside also allows for increased space in the interior and easy entering and exiting for your passengers.
The interior of the Chevy Bolt is designed to feel spacious in every way. Comfortably seating five, the Bolt still finds room to provide sliding armrests, oversized storage bins, cup holders and a wireless charging station behind the shifter.
Once you’re all charged and ready to settle in for a long drive, the Bolt also offers a wealth of cargo space and storage. The rear seats easily fold down to provide an impressive 56.6 cu. Ft. of cargo volume. The Bolt also offers an available false cargo floor, which provides additional space that keeps your cargo organized and hidden from site.
A Car for the Future
Whether you’re a proud owner of the 2019 Chevy Bolt or just a shopper curious to learn a bit more, this car is deserving of a closer inspection. For those that already own one, make sure you’re exploring every perk and feature that your car has to offer. With features and technology this impressive, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your Bolt. For those who are curious, head down to your local Chevy dealership today to learn more about this amazing car and maybe even try it out for yourself.
