Review II – Chevy’s Bolt EV and EUV: Still Shocking – and Sticker Shocked

Review II – Chevy’s Bolt EV and EUV:

Still Shocking – and Sticker Shocked

There’s something oddly satisfying about revisiting a vehicle you’ve already spent time with—especially when the car itself is headed for retirement. That’s exactly the case with the Chevrolet Bolt EV and its larger sibling, the Bolt EUV. General Motors officially ended production of both models in late 2023, and while the headlines quickly shifted to Ultium platforms and electric Silverados, a different kind of buzz has started to build—one based not on specs or Super Bowl ads, but on simple, undeniable value.

So here we are in 2025, with a flood of Bolt EVs and EUVs hitting dealership lots at fire-sale prices. Some are brand new, unsold 2023s. Others are barely used, quietly listed online for thousands less than they should be. The Bolt may be discontinued, but if you’re shopping for an electric vehicle that won’t break the bank, it’s absolutely worth another look.

And I’ve looked. Several times.

What I Said Then (And Stand By Now)

I first drove the Bolt EV back in 2020. At the time, it already felt like a smart little commuter car with a lot more character than its price tag suggested. Then I drove the updated 2023 Bolt EV 2LT, which refined the formula without messing with its strengths. The EUV followed shortly after, giving buyers a bit more size, a bit more comfort, and, in top trims, the addition of Super Cruise. Each time, I came away impressed. Not because these were game-changing EVs, but because they got the basics so right.

Driving the Bolt EV has always been a joy. Its small footprint and front-mounted electric motor make for a tossable, torque-rich experience that’s hard not to love. With 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, acceleration feels instant—and in Sport mode it’s more playful than you’d expect from a car shaped like a Smartwater bottle. The EUV delivers the same output but feels a bit more planted, a bit more mature. It’s the car you want when you’re carpooling, not canyon carving.

And here’s the kicker: None of that has changed. The performance, the practicality, the interior tech—it’s all still relevant. The Bolt EV offers up to 56.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, a decent touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and clever energy monitoring tools that actually teach you how to drive more efficiently. The EUV gives you more legroom, a slightly smoother ride, and if you’re lucky, access to GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system, which—while limited to pre-mapped highways—still feels futuristic in all the right ways.

What’s Changed Since Then?

What has changed, dramatically, is the price.

In Texas, it’s not uncommon to see brand-new 2023 Bolt EVs listed for under $22,000. Some EUVs come in just north of $25K. With the federal tax credit applied, that means you could walk away with a new electric vehicle for under twenty grand. Used models? Even better. I’ve seen 2022 Bolts as low as $14,000. EUVs with Super Cruise in the $18K–$22K range. That’s not just affordable—it’s disruptive.

What About the Equinox EV?

And yet shoppers seem conflicted. Chevy’s new Equinox EV is out now. It’s sleek, stylish, built on the Ultium platform, and comes with modern tech, better range, and more cargo space. I reviewed it recently during a road trip from Dallas to Houston and found it to be a compelling family-ready EV. But it starts around $45K—more than double the cost of a discounted Bolt. Sure, the Equinox feels more refined, and its DC fast charging is quicker, but the question remains: is it twice the car?

For many buyers, especially here in Texas, the answer might be no. Not when the Bolt EV and EUV already check so many boxes. Daily commute? Easy. City errands? Perfect. Occasional road trips? Plan your stops and go. With a Level 2 charger at home—or one installed courtesy of Chevy’s incentive program—you’re set. And as a second car or urban runabout, the Bolt is almost unbeatable in this price bracket.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Revisit?

This ‘Review Revisited’ isn’t just about nostalgia or trying to squeeze a little more juice out of older content. It’s about relevance. These cars were solid when I drove them new, and they’re arguably even more compelling now. They’re not perfect; the interiors can feel a little cheap in places, and you won’t find performance-tuned suspensions or dual-motor AWD systems here. But what you do get is a dependable, fun-to-drive, fully electric vehicle for the price of a used Corolla.

GM may have moved on. But if you’re EV-curious, cost-conscious, or just want something zippy and useful, don’t overlook the Bolt. It may be out of production, but it’s not out of gas—figuratively speaking.

Still curious?
Check out my original reviews to dive deeper:

• Electric Outlook: 2023 Bolt EV 2LT
  
• Bigger is Better: Bolt EUV w/ Super Cruise
  
• Charged to Run: 2020 Bolt EV Premier