Chevrolet's current electric vehicle lineup

Chevrolet makes three battery-electric vehicles you can buy today: the Bolt EV, the Bolt EUV, and the Blazer EV. The Bolt EV is a compact hatchback with a starting price around $27,000 and an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles on a full charge. The Bolt EUV is the same platform stretched into a crossover shape, priced slightly higher, with the same range. The Blazer EV is a larger, three-row crossover that arrived in 2024 with a starting price around $43,000 and EPA-estimated range of 293 miles.

Chevrolet discontinued the Volt plug-in hybrid after 2023, so if you're looking at used Volts, those are no longer in production. The company has also announced plans for additional electric models in the coming years, but these three are what you can order or find on dealer lots now.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are the most affordable Chevrolet electric cars, starting under $30,000 before any federal tax credits.
  • All three current models may have access to for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you meet income and vehicle price limits, though the Blazer EV may not may have access to depending on where it's assembled.
  • Charging time varies by charger type: a Level 2 home charger takes 7 to 10 hours for a full charge, while a DC fast charger can add 100 miles in 30 minutes.
  • Chevrolet's OnStar service includes three years of complimentary charging at most public networks, which can reduce out-of-pocket charging costs early on.

How the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV differ

The Bolt EV and Bolt EUV share the same battery pack and electric motor, so their range and acceleration are identical. The difference is shape and interior space. The EV is a five-seat hatchback with a low roofline and a cargo area behind the rear seats. The EUV is taller, with a higher roofline and more headroom, and it seats five passengers with more legroom in the back.

The EUV costs roughly $1,500 to $2,500 more than the EV, depending on trim level. If you need more headroom or prefer a crossover driving position, the EUV is worth the difference. If you prioritize lower cost and don't need the extra height, the EV is the more economical choice. Both come in standard and Premier trims, with the Premier adding features like a larger touchscreen and heated seats.

The Blazer EV and its position in the lineup

The Blazer EV is a larger vehicle aimed at buyers who want three rows of seating or more cargo space than the Bolt models offer. It has a longer wheelbase, a more powerful motor, and a larger battery pack. The EPA-estimated range of 293 miles is higher than the Bolt's 259 miles, but the Blazer EV also weighs more and costs significantly more to buy.

The Blazer EV comes in RS and SS trim levels. The RS is the base model, and the SS adds performance-oriented features and a more aggressive exterior. If you're comparing it to the Bolt EUV, think of the Blazer EV as the choice for families who need more passenger or cargo space and can spend more upfront. The Bolt EUV remains the better value if you don't need three rows.

Federal tax credit and pricing details

Chevrolet electric vehicles may may have access to for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 under current law. To receive the full credit, your household income must fall below certain thresholds (roughly $300,000 for joint filers in 2024), and the vehicle's final assembly location and battery component sourcing must meet domestic content rules set by the IRS.

The Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are assembled in Mexico, which affects their credit may be able to access. As of 2024, they still may have access to for the full $7,500 credit, but this can change if IRS rules tighten. The Blazer EV's assembly location varies by model year and trim, so you should confirm with the dealer whether a specific vehicle qualifies before purchase. The credit is applied at tax time, not at the dealer, so you'll need to claim it on your federal return or use the point-of-sale credit option if your dealer participates in that program.

Charging options and real-world charging time

Charging speed depends on the charger type. A standard 120-volt household outlet (Level 1) adds about 2 to 3 miles of range per hour and is impractical for regular use. A Level 2 charger, which runs on 240 volts, is what most owners install at home and adds roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge takes 7 to 10 hours overnight. A DC fast charger, found at public charging stations, can add 100 miles in 30 minutes on the Bolt models, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity.

Chevrolet includes three years of complimentary charging through OnStar, which covers most public Level 2 and DC fast charging networks. After three years, you pay per use or subscribe to a separate charging network. If you have a driveway or garage, installing a Level 2 charger at home is the most cost-effective long-term approach, as home electricity rates are typically lower than public charging rates.

Real-world range and driving conditions

EPA-estimated range assumes a mix of highway and city driving under standard conditions. Real-world range varies based on weather, driving style, and terrain. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent because the battery is less efficient and the car uses energy to heat the cabin. Highway driving at high speeds also reduces range compared to city driving, because aerodynamic drag increases with speed.

The Bolt EV's 259-mile EPA range typically translates to 200 to 240 miles in winter or on the highway, and closer to 280 miles in mild weather with gentle driving. The Blazer EV's 293-mile range follows the same pattern. If you live in a cold climate or drive mostly highway miles, plan your trips assuming 70 to 80 percent of the EPA estimate to avoid running low on charge between charging stops.

Warranty and maintenance costs

Chevrolet covers the battery pack for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The rest of the vehicle is covered by the standard three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty. The battery warranty is the most important coverage for an electric car, since the battery is the most expensive component to replace.

Electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs than gas cars because they have no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking (which captures energy when slowing down) does most of the stopping work. Tire wear is similar to gas cars. Over the life of ownership, electric vehicles typically cost less to maintain than comparable gas-powered vehicles, though this depends on local electricity rates and how often you use paid public charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow a trailer with a Chevrolet electric car?

The Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are not rated for towing. The Blazer EV can tow up to 1,000 pounds, which covers small utility trailers but not large boat or RV trailers. Towing reduces range significantly because it increases aerodynamic drag and weight, so plan for 30 to 40 percent less range when towing.

What happens if the battery degrades over time?

Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity gradually over years and miles. Most Chevrolet owners see 5 to 10 percent capacity loss after five years of normal use. The battery warranty covers defects, but normal degradation is not covered. Real-world data shows Bolt batteries retain 85 to 90 percent of their original capacity at 100,000 miles.

Do I need to plug in every night?

No. You only need to charge when the battery is low. If your daily commute is 50 miles or less, you might charge twice a week instead of nightly. Charging more frequently doesn't harm the battery. Most owners develop a routine of charging when they get home, regardless of how much charge remains.

Which Chevrolet electric car is best for long road trips?

The Blazer EV has the longest range at 293 miles, which means fewer charging stops. However, all three models require 30-minute DC fast charging stops every 150 to 200 miles on the highway. If you take frequent long trips, an electric car is less convenient than a gas car, but the Blazer EV minimizes the number of stops.

Can I charge at a Tesla Supercharger?

Chevrolet electric vehicles come with a standard NACS connector (formerly called Tesla connector) as of 2024 models. This means newer Bolts and the Blazer EV can use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter or native compatibility, depending on the model year. Older Bolts use a different connector and require an adapter to use Tesla chargers.