The Chevrolet Bolt EV’s superpower was value. Few would call the Bolt EV brilliant, sexy or premium-feeling. It was a solid EV, delivering a respectable 259 miles of EPA range starting for less than $30,000. Sales figures were perking up. But then GM pulled the plug on the model to make room for next-gen Ultium-powered EVs.
While you can no longer buy a new Chevrolet Bolt EV, there are plenty of used examples on the market with leases expiring and fleet sales. The Bolt EV was inexpensive to begin with. Used EV prices are tumbling. Scoring a used Bolt EV can get you a serviceable EV for a shockingly great deal.
Are you thinking of buying a used Chevrolet Bolt EV? Here are the key factors you need to consider.
Gallery: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Review
How much does a used Chevrolet Bolt EV cost?
Used Bolt EVs are affordable by EV or any other standard. Pre-refresh 2017-21 model Bolt EVs cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Post-refresh 2022-23 model year Bolt EVs cost between $15,000 and $20,000. Nearly every used Chevrolet Bolt EV should meet the $25,000 threshold to be eligible for the used EV tax credit.
When was the used Chevrolet Bolt EV built?
The Bolt EV lineup remained relatively static. However, Chevy did make some significant changes during the model run. The Bolt EV upgraded from a 60 kWh to a larger 66 kWh battery pack for the 2020 model year, adding 21 miles in EPA range (from 238 to 259 miles). Chevy refreshed the Bolt EV for 2022, making aesthetic changes inside and out and adding a faster 48 amp Level 2 charging capability.
Gallery: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV: Review
Should you get a Chevrolet Bolt EV or Bolt EUV?
Chevy also added the Bolt EUV during the 2022 refresh. It shared the same electric powertrain and platform as the Bolt EV. The main difference was the Bolt EUV being 6.3 inches longer, permitting an extra 3.1 cubic feet of cabin space. Though, paradoxically, the larger Bolt EUV had less cargo space, 16.0 cubic feet vs. 16.6 cubic feet. The Bolt EUV also had GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving on its Premier trim.
Should you be worried about fire risk with a used Chevrolet Bolt EV?
No one wants an EV that will catch on fire. And the Chevrolet Bolt EV suffered perhaps the most infamous fire-related recalls in the industry. GM recalled more than 140,000 Bolt EVs due to the risk of batteries spontaneously igniting. Ominous warnings instructed owners to park the vehicles outside and more than 50 feet from other vehicles.
The main concern for used Bolt EV buyers is how the recall was addressed. Many Bolt EVs, particularly those built between 2017 and 2019, had their battery packs replaced with new (and larger 66 kW) battery packs. Other Bolt EVs have received monitoring software instead of a complete battery replacement. GM also bought back many Bolt EVs from owners, now hitting the market again.
Prospective buyers should consult the vehicle’s maintenance record and CARFAX report to determine whether and how the Bolt EV’s battery recall was addressed.
Are there any other ongoing concerns with used Chevrolet Bolt EVs?
One concern with Bolt EVs is their fast charging capability (or lack of it by modern standards). The Bolt EV packs older GM battery tech. It tops out at 55 kW and tapers down as the battery fills. At that rate, it can take the Bolt EV around 75 minutes to perform a full 10-80% charge — too long to make road trips or living without a home charger convenient.
The Bolt EV also lacks a heat pump found on more modern EVs. A heat pump reduces the energy required to heat the cabin to mitigate range loss in cold weather. Not having the heat pump leaves the Bolt EV susceptible to more than 30 percent range loss in cold weather.
Owners have not reported many consistent mechanical issues with Bolt EVs beyond the battery pack. However, buyers should ensure that all software updates and recalls have been addressed to avoid technical glitches.
Will a used Chevrolet Bolt EV suffer from battery degradation?
All EVs suffer some battery degradation. Chevrolet warns of a potential 10-40% capacity drop for Bolt EVs during the 100,000-mile warranty period. Though anecdotally, Bolt EV owners have reported far less than that. YouTubers have noted degradation of around 5% at 100,000 miles and a little over 8% at 150,000 miles. And many of the oldest Bolt EVs on the road have effectively restarted the degradation clock with brand-new batteries.
Used Bolt EV buyers can do their due diligence by assassin the vehicle battery’s health before buying. Many dealers will already have performed tests through a service like Recurrent.
Do used Chevrolet Bolt EVs have warranty coverage?
Typically, yes. Chevrolet provided a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on the Bolt EV. Bolt EVs came with an additional eight-year or 100,000-mile battery and powertrain warranty. Bolt EVs that have had their battery replaced as part of the recall received a new eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
