For years, drivers have heard time and time again that “Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the way of the future!” And for years, that prediction has not come true. While Tesla has made high-performance EVs a reality, they are a reality that is priced out of reach of the average driver. While there have been affordable EVs, they have been small cars with limited range like the Nissan LEAF. But if automotive sales figures are anything to judge by, the American public is less interested in smaller cars and more interested in family-friendly SUVs. Enter the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV.
Equal parts crossover SUV and EV, the Bolt EUV promises to be the first affordable EV that captures all of the adventure-loving, people-moving features of a larger vehicle. Even better, the Bolt EUV includes all the modern high-tech features that you desire. Let’s, take a closer look at how Chevy plans to create a vehicle that meets the needs of the average family without using a drop of gasoline.
How It All Works: Charging, Range, and Putting It All Together
The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV takes advantage of its electric stablemate, the Bolt EV hatchback. With a projected range of around 250 miles, Chevy has addressed the concerns of drivers who don’t want to spend more time charging their vehicles than driving them. Feedback from earlier EVs indicated that drivers appreciated the economical design of the vehicles, but charging them was a hassle. Chevy has taken that information to heart, making this generation of EVs easier to charge than ever.
Each 2022 Bolt EUV comes equipped with a Dual Level Charge Cord, which works for a variety of charging possibilities. There are three main charging options. The first, and ostensibly most popular, involves plugging the Bolt into a standard 120V three-prong household electric socket, much as you would plug in a phone or laptop to allow it to recharge. This method provides about four miles of range per hour of charge, making it ideal for overnight “topping off” charging sessions to keep you going through the workweek.
The second charging method, Level 2, requires the installation of a home charging unit. Chevrolet has noted that it plans to cover the cost of the installation of this home charging unit in conjunction with partner Qmerit for 2022 Bolt EUV drivers, making “living electric” even more convenient. This charging method uses a 240V charging unit, which provides about 25 miles of range per hour of charge.
The last method is DC Fast Charging, which means using a public charging station. DC Fast Charging provides up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent investment for those who need to keep power flowing on the road. Historically, finding a public charging station was a major hassle. But today, with EVs becoming more popular, drivers can easily locate over 40,000 public stations. Chevy’s Energy Assistant, part of the myChevrolet mobile app for EV drivers, can help locate and pre-pay at nearby charging stations. And with the Route Planning feature, the most economical, energy-saving route to get there will be selected for you.
The Specs: Getting to Know the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
Unlike the super-compact electric cars of yore, the Bolt EUV is designed to accommodate a variety of duties, much like any other SUV. While the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV isn’t a mammoth three-row passenger vehicle like the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, it does provide ample room for up to five passengers.
Measuring 169.5 inches in length with a 105.3-inch wheelbase, the Bolt EUV is solid and stable while putting every inch of room to use. Inside is a comfortable 100 cubic feet of passenger room with a note-worthy 39.1 inches of rear legroom, accompanied by 16 cubic feet of cargo space, placing it alongside other small crossovers. The days of sacrificing passenger comfort or necessary cargo in the name of economy are over, with no battery bump taking up valuable cabin or trunk space.
The unobtrusive battery in question is a 65.0-kWh pack that is placed under the vehicle, providing improved balance during acceleration and braking. This power source provides 200 horsepower, giving it more pep than many similar-sized gasoline vehicles. Early prototype drivers report that the front-wheel drive Bolt EUV is responsive and nimble, with an exceptionally quiet drive from the battery-operated system.
The process of driving the Bolt EUV is no different than operating a typical gasoline-powered vehicle, but there are a few additional options to help drivers regenerate power while they’re on the road. This includes a Regen on Demand paddle that drivers can pull and hold to help recoup energy while decelerating. The Energy Assist display screens within the vehicle will also keep notes regarding available range, pointing out factors such as weather, speed, and driving style that may impact the overall energy usage. One Pedal Driving is an optional method that may take a little practice to master but can help boost range. By lifting off the accelerator pedal, drivers can use the electric motors to slow down instead of the brakes, saving energy. EV drivers report that this method becomes second nature after a brief tutorial, leading to a smooth, uninterrupted ride with the greatest possible economy.
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV Trims and Features
For its inaugural year, the Chevy Bolt EUV will be offered in three trims: LT, Premier, and Launch Edition. While the details and features of each trim level are still being released, Chevy has disclosed a few tantalizing elements. All trims will feature the Chevy Safety Assist suite of Driver Assistance features, including Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and a Following Distance Indicator. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also on board, along with wireless device charging.
The Premier trim will add luxury features, such as leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, and HD surround vision, which provides a 360 view of the vehicle’s surroundings. A rear camera mirror is also provided, which uses advanced technology to provide a clearer, larger portrait of what’s happening behind the driver, enhancing safety both in and behind the Bolt EUV. New features are available on the Premier trim as well, including the highly touted Super Cruise. Combining the technology of adaptive cruise control, advanced sensors, and detailed LiDAR mapping of over 200,000 miles of US and Canadian roadways, Super Cruise allows for hands-free driving. Internal cameras will detect whether the driver is paying close attention to the road, while exterior sensors will ensure the vehicle travels safely along the chosen route.
The Launch Edition will include these technologically-driven features as standard, along with a special array of badging and design features. From small-but-essential details such as lighted charging ports to big and impressive features like the panoramic sunroof, the Launch Edition is sure to reflect how special the Bolt EUV truly is.
A Taste of the Future
With the long-awaited arrival of EVs comes plenty of excitement and curiosity. Will the trend last? Will technology find ways to make even more powerful and convenient batteries and charging options? What’s around the corner? While the future of electric driving remains unknown, drivers can be more excited about the potential of EVs today. With a longer range than ever and recharging more convenient than ever, drivers can have fewer hesitations about electric driving. And with the new 2022 Bolt EUV, those features are finally available in a practical car at an affordable price.
It stands to reason that capability will continue to increase over the coming years, and Chevy is already making plans for an electric pickup truck. Not only has Chevrolet engineered a fully functional EV with the original Bolt EV, but the success of this example has inspired manufacturers to meet the demands of the public for a new generation of EVs for all.
