Chevy Bolt EV vs. Chevy Volt: Which Is Right for You

Choosing a new car is tricky, especially when two great options like the Chevy Bolt EV and the Chevy Volt are in the mix. Both are pioneers in the electric car industry, offering a viable alternative to gas guzzling vehicles of the past. If you’re searching for an eco-friendly car, you might be stuck between the two. Here are a few facts about each to help you decide.

Style and Design
The biggest difference between these two cars is design. The Chevy Bolt EV is a five-passenger hatchback that runs solely on electricity, while the Volt is a five-passenger sedan than functions as a plug-in hybrid. Both cars offer a sleek and aerodynamic design to try to squeeze out as many extra miles per charge as they can. You’ll enjoy a roofline that doesn’t have drag and impressive 17-inch aluminum wheels for less weight.

Performance
The Chevy Volt comes with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out an impressive 149 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque. However, the Bolt EV has a little more power, with a total of 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. With the Bolt’s all-electric engine, it can go an estimated 238 miles without needing to stop and recharge. As long as you aren’t going on a road trip, the Bolt is a great option for commuting to work and running errands around town.

The Volt, with its hybrid technology, gets better overall mileage. It can go a total of 53 miles on only electricity, after which, its gas engine will need to kick in. On gas, the car gets an estimated 42 miles per gallon and can make it 420 miles before stopping.

Interior
The Bolt has a slightly more spacious interior with 17 cubic feet of trunk space, thanks to its lack of drive shaft and transmission. The Chevy Volt only has 10.6 cubic feet of space, which is still plenty for storing bags and other cargo.

Feature-wise, however, both cars are quite similar and offer onboard Wi-Fi and 4G LTE, Apple CarPlay, and USB ports for connecting your portable devices. Naturally, both cars also come with the Chevrolet MyLink Radio system, though the Bolt has a slightly larger 10.2-inch touchscreen compared to the 8-inch screen in the Volt.

One special feature on the Bolt EV is Teen Driver mode, which lets you control certain aspects of the driving experience for a younger driver. This helps them stay safe on the road.

Overall Value
While the Bolt has more impressive electric mileage than the Volt, it also comes at a higher price. The MSRP for the base model is $37,495, while the Volt is only $34,490 for the base trim. For drivers who don’t necessarily need the Bolt’s huge electric range, the Volt might be the better option.

Still need more help deciding between the Bolt EV or the Volt? We can help. Simply contact us or drop by Rick Hendrick Chevrolet in Buford to talk with one of our knowledgeable representatives to get answers to your questions, take both cars for a test drive, and make your final choice.