Although it would be easy to assume the 2023 Bolt EV‘s exterior styling, enlarged interior, on-point technology, and affordable prices mean this is an entirely new generation of the Chevy EV, this striking new iteration is actually the second year after a mid-cycle refresh and not a different generation. It all adds up to a sensational and affordable option for all-electric, zero-emissions driving around Yellowknife and beyond.
Moving to an all-electric vehicle and away from the internal combustion engine for the first time is going to be a big step for any of us, but the new Chevy Bolt EV is the perfect introduction to all-electric vehicles, whether it’s your only car or a second or third car in a family. It probably wouldn’t be wise to overwhelm people interested in an EV with different specifications and options, so Chevrolet keeps things nice and simple by only offering the Bolt EV in a single, well-equipped LT trim level.
It can be daunting to be confronted by a wide range of different battery sizes, driving ranges, performance figures, and trim levels when you’re looking to make a move to your first EV, but once you decide that the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is for you, there isn’t much more to think about other than the colour you’d like.
The earliest EVs had styling that made it pretty clear to onlookers that there was something undeniably different about them, but not everyone wants to stand out that way. The Chevy Bolt EV has always had attractive but conventional exterior styling. And although this refreshed version is probably a little more futuristic-looking than the previous version, it’s still a long way from being polarizing.
The front fascia has slim LED headlights that bring the look up to date, and the car’s silhouette appears planted with just enough of the hot-hatch about it. Chevy hasn’t neglected the interior either, as the cabin features comfortable front seats with a neat, contemporary feel and plenty of space that’s always welcome in a small car. The bottom line here is that the Bolt EV is a fantastic-looking subcompact car in its own right, and it would attract plenty of interest whether powered by an electric motor or a gas engine.
The unavoidable weight of the battery is always a challenge for anyone designing an electric vehicle, but the folks at Chevy have managed to keep the 2023 Bolt EV relatively light for an all-electric car. The electric propulsion system of the Bolt EV is powered by a 65-kWh battery pack that delivers a driving range on a full charge of 419 km. Range anxiety, or the fear of not having enough battery power to reach your destination, is a big concern for anyone new to electric vehicles, but 419 km is plenty for the average driver to keep on the road for several days or more in most cases. The electric powertrain of the Bolt EV develops 200 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque that can get this little car from a standing start to 100 kph in as little as 6.7 seconds.
To completely recharge a depleted battery, it takes 7 hours when using a 48-amp wall box with a 60-amp circuit, but if you are somewhere with access to DC fast-charging, around 160 km of range can be added to the Bolt’s battery in about 30 minutes.
If you live in or regularly drive in a town or city and you want a new small car, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV would look like a great option, whatever it was powered by. But if you also want to be more environmentally friendly or want low running costs, the Bolt EV is hard to beat. Take your first step towards a new world of electric-only driving by experiencing the Bolt EV for yourself with a test drive from Yellowknife Motors here at 360 Old Airport Rd, Yellowknife, NWT, or give us a call at (867)-766-5000 for more information about pricing and availability and to schedule an appointment for a time that’s convenient for you.
