This week in the Auto Guide Show, our presenters Antoine Joubert and Gabriel Gélinas test the Chevrolet Bolt EV on the Mécaglisse track in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci.
It’s the cheapest 100 percent electric vehicle in the country (not to mention that the Bolt EV is eligible for a total of $12,000 in government subsidies). Despite everything, its future is uncertain and there is a risk that it will be replaced by the Equinox EV.
Photo: Marc Lachapelle
“We also get the impression that Bolt has been the victim of a serious smear campaign,” says Antoine. There was a major recall on this car and it cost almost two billion dollars. That hasn’t been fully clarified to this day,” he explains.
More than 400 km of autonomy
“It’s a car that’s very practical on a day-to-day basis [et] it has an absolutely convincing independence,” emphasizes Gabriel.
Its 65 kWh battery allows for a range of 417 kilometers – a figure that our experts say is easy to reach. In terms of performance, the city car develops 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.
“Obviously not a sports car in terms of performance, but the exercise from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in 7.5 seconds. It convinces! says Gabriel.
Photo: Marc Lachapelle
Urban at heart
But the Bolt’s real pleasure, according to Antoine, lies in its city driving. “It’s a car that reacts to the finger and the eye – very quickly,” he says happily.
In fact, it highlights the vehicle’s maneuverability and reasonable weight among its strengths. “As for the cabin, there is a lot of space. The rear seats are spacious and can accommodate four adults,” explains Antoine.
However, the columnist regrets the comfort of the seats, even though they have been improved in 2022. In addition, the Bolt is sensitive to side winds because of its height.
You can find all our experts’ impressions in the video capsule at the top of this article. Don’t miss Le Guide de l’auto, broadcast on TVA every Saturday at 11:30am!