“I decided to change my car and also go electric. I’m watching the Chevrolet Bolt EV since she is the one you recommend the most. You also talked a lot about 2022 which seems just as interesting. Am I better off waiting until 2022 or 2021 will do just as well? I drive between 50 and 100 kilometers per day. “
– Martin Pratte
Hello. It is true that we have been happily talking about the Bolt EV 2022, but it should be noted that this is an evolution of the model launched in 2017 and which is still the same in 2021. There are nevertheless some changes / improvements which should be noted in 2022.
First, there is the question of the aesthetics of the car. Chevrolet offers on the Bolt EV 2022 a much more eccentric, less traditional approach than on the 2021. The optical units are now separated into two structures, and the shield assembly is revisited. Same story at the back. On this point, it’s totally subjective, it’s up to you to see which model year you like the most visually.
Inside, there are significant changes to appearance and, above all, to ergonomics. Chevrolet is redesigning the layout to make the controls more accessible and user-friendly. The Bolt from 2017 to 2021 has often been criticized for the amount of plastic on board, GM has, in part, corrected this problem. Another recognized problem with the Bolt is its front seats. To say they were uncomfortable is an understatement. GM tells us they’ll be fixed in 2022, hopefully, but we’ll have to test them to validate it. There is, however, one technology that we particularly liked that will be integrated as an option on the Bolt EV 2022: GM’s highly efficient semi-autonomous driving system, the Super Cruise.
From a technical point of view, the battery capacity goes from 66 to 65 kilowatt hours. GM does not provide an explanation on the subject. On the other hand, even if it is a little more compact, the battery of the Bolt EV does not lose autonomy by remaining at 417 kilometers advertised. Importantly for charging, the Bolt now accepts a charge in an 11 kilowatt station, while charging in a fast station can now support up to 55 kilowatts. Therefore, the Bolt EV 2022 can recover around 160 kilometers of range in 30 minutes.
The last very important point to consider, the price. For a 2021 model, we’re talking about a price tag of $ 47,098 including freight and PDI, air conditioning tax, and even $ 200 in dealer fees that you can negotiate. For 2022, the price announced by GM is $ 40,348 including the same fees. There is therefore a significant price difference. Of course, in both cases, whether it’s 2021 or 2022, government rebates totaling $ 13,000 are applicable.
When you take everything into account, the Bolt EV 2022 evolves enough to justify waiting for it. As the expression says so well, “time is money” and in this case, this waiting time will pay off!
