Is the Cheapest Electric SUV Really Worth Over $27K?
Electric vehicles can get extremely expensive. EVs have complex powertrain systems that make them cost a lot more than most internal combustion engine vehicles. There are very few electric SUVs on the market with starting prices under $40,000. One Chevrolet electric vehicle has a starting price of under $30,000. Is the cheapest electric SUV worth over $28K, or is the EV overpriced?
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV starts under $28K
The Chevy Bolt EUV starts at $27,800 for the LT base configuration. It comes in four configurations. The Bolt EUV base model is the most affordable electric SUV on the market by a long shot. The question is, why is the EV so cheap?
General Motors plans on being one of the biggest names in the electric vehicle space. The American automaker is producing several new electric vehicles across its portfolio of brands. The Chevy Bolt EV electric hatchback was the first fully-electric hatchback from Chevrolet. It got plenty of praise when it first hit the scene.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV was recently recalled following some battery fire instances. General Motors spent over a billion dollars after recalling and changing the batteries of all Bolt EV model years. The updated Bolt EV and Bolt EUV have a lot to prove and need to win back the trust of consumers following the battery controversy. When it comes to EVs, the only thing worse than range anxiety is living with a constant fear of your vehicle spontaneously combusting.
At this point, General Motors needs to deliver big if it wants to create popular electric vehicle nameplates following the battery fire issue. Many consumers are happy with the new Bolt EV and Bolt EUV because of their affordable starting prices and practical driving ranges. The 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV plays a key role in the brand’s future.
Is the Chevy Bolt EUV actually worth the money?
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV’s starting price is indisputably affordable, but does the subcompact electric SUV provide value for that price? That depends on the amount of driving range that you’re looking for from an electric vehicle. Today, most electric vehicles have between 200-250 miles of driving range. Driving range above 230 miles is preferable for drivers with long commutes.
The Bolt EUV gets a whopping estimated 247 miles miles of driving range. That’s more than sufficient for many drivers. If you have access to a charging station in your community and a home charger, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV has enough range to be considered practical. The base model LT may be barebones, but Chevrolet offers three other configurations with different degrees of technology and comfort.
Which Chevy Bolt EUV configuration is best for the money?
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Premier offers the most value for the money without breaking the bank. The Bolt EUV Premier starts at $33,295. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and leather-appointed seats.
The subcompact electric SUV also includes wireless device charging and a tire pressure monitoring system. Car and Driver recommends the Premier configuration because of its standard features.