If you've ever felt like a deer in headlights while choosing between the Chevy Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV, trust me, you're not alone. We've all been there, staring blankly at car specifications. Today, we take a close look at these two electric siblings, providing you with a detailed and digestible analysis.

Lucky for us, one of our colleagues has been in the driver's seat of both Bolts and even took a break from Chevys for a couple years to  try out the electric giant, Tesla Model 3. (Fun fact: he swapped his first Bolt for a Model 3, only to find himself boomerang back to the Bolt family. We assure you, it's not a mid-life crisis, and this unexpected journey of his will serve as a practical guideline for our discussion.)

As we dig into the fine details between these electric vehicles, at the end you'll get to find out which Bolt won our colleague’s  heart, and more importantly, why. We'll guide you through key differences in range, style, and practicality. Will his  choice resonate with you? There's only one way to find out!

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: The Bolt EV vs EUV Discontinuation

In 2022, the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV were hailed as the most affordably priced long-range EVs on the market, selling like hot cakes in the EV world. With a starting price of $27,000, their sales soared in the U.S. by 53.5%, delivering an impressive 38,120 units. Who knew anything besides a Tesla could be so popular?

But wait, there's more – and it's not the kind of 'more' that gets you excited. General Motors, Chevy’s parent company, recently announced the decision to halt  Bolt production by the end of 2023, to be replaced by a pricey $40,000 successor. As if buying EVs wasn’t already a hot topic, GM decides to remove their more affordable option, making buying electric vehicles all that much harder. 

All that said, the new Bolts will still be hitting the market for some time, and used Bolts will be available, too. So let’s get down to business and discuss the good, bad, and best of these two electric cars. (Plus, if you read until the end of the blog, you’ll learn more about the other affordable EV options on the market today!)

Comparing the Difference between Bolt EV and EUV:

Chevy Bolt Build: Exterior Design

When it comes to the exterior design of the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, it's like comparing apples and slightly larger, more muscular apples. The Bolt EV, a compact hatchback, exudes a city-ready vibe that's perfect for those who love to squeeze into those "I can't believe that car fits there" parking spots. On the other hand, the Bolt EUV possesses a longer, brawnier hood and more defined headlamp arrangement, screaming "I’m a BIG SUV" in every line and curve. It’s the literal big brother of the Bolt EV, measuring approximately: 14.12 feet in length, 5.8 feet in width, and 5.3 feet in height, compared to the EV's 13.6 feet length, 5.8 feet width, and 5.3 feet height. 

At the end of the day, the biggest factor between choosing the EV and EUV based on exterior alone will be your driving style. If you're weaving through San Francisco’s Financial District, the Bolt EV is for you. But, if you're the type who takes weekend trips to Yosemite and don't mind extra room (because size does matter when you're hauling camping gear), then the EUV is a good choice.

Chevy Bolt EV vs EUV: Interior Cabin Feel

In terms of the interior, both the Chevy Bolt EUV and EV have their own unique strengths. 

The front-row seating in both models is identical, offering plenty of room for drivers and front passengers. And when it's time to haul groceries or gear, both vehicles provide a solid 57 cubic feet of storage space with the back seats folded down (unfortunately, both vehicles can’t help you bring in those groceries within a single trip).

However, the Bolt EUV takes the lead for comfortable rear seats. With an additional 3.1 inches of rear legroom compared to the Bolt EV, the EUV is roomier (offering a bit more passenger volume) and ideal for families, gig drivers, or frequent carpoolers. That said, where the EUV might falter is with accommodating taller passengers. The EUV has a bit less headroom, shoulder room, and hip room compared to the EV, making taller individuals feel a bit squeezed.

Chevy Bolt Cargo Space: Minimal Differences

When considering cargo space, appearances can be deceiving.

Despite its longer frame, the Bolt EUV surprisingly provides slightly less cargo space than its shorter counterpart, the Bolt EV. This nuanced difference, a mere 0.3 cubic feet, might seem insignificant, but for the weekend adventurer or shopping enthusiast, every bit of space counts.

Chevy Bolt EV vs EUV: Technology Features

Do you have that one friend that seemingly has it all? A good career, great lifestyle, and even a top-of-the-line air fryer? In this case, that friend is the Bolt EUV.

Dubbed “Super Cruise” and originally featured only in GM’s Cadillac models, the EUV Premier offers robust hands free driving capabilities on certain roads. The EUV delivers semi-autonomous driving tech through an impressive combination of LiDAR map data, high-precision GPS, a sophisticated yet convenient driver attention system, and an array of cameras and radar sensors. Despite Elon Musk's critique of LiDAR as a "fool's errand" for autonomous vehicles, the EUV embraces this technology, offering a level of object detection and scene understanding that some argue cameras alone can't match​​. 

Shared between the EV and EUV models are features such as a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, fast charging capabilities, and a collection of driver assistance and connectivity features to ensure a safe, stress-free, and informed driving experience.

Bolt EV vs EUV: Performance on the Open Road

Both the Bolt EV and EUV are equipped with the same front-axle-mounted motor, directly powering the front wheels and delivering a powerful 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This means that their power and torque levels are relatively the same. However, the Bolt EV, being lighter at 3589 lbs, offers a more responsive and agile driving experience. It also accelerates faster, reaching 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds compared to the Bolt EUV's 7.0 seconds. The Bolt EV, equipped with a responsive steering wheel, also has a smaller turning radius of 34.8 feet, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, tackle sharp turns, and swiftly adapt to changing traffic conditions. In American football terms, the Bolt EV is a running back and the Bolt EUV is a linebacker (and no, this isn’t up for debate). 

Overall, the Bolt EV's lightweight advantage, quicker acceleration, and improved handling in confined areas make it a favorable choice for drivers seeking a spirited and nimble electric vehicle.

Chevy Bolt MPG Range: How Long to Charge Bolt EV vs EUV?

The 2023 Bolt EUV, running on a 65 kWh battery, gets a solid 247 miles per charge, taking 7 to 9.5 hours for a full charge on a Level 2 (AKA, typical home) charger. But with DC fast charging, it gains a cool 95 miles in a speedy 30 minutes, meaning your electric range anxiety will practically evaporate.

However, the Bolt EV, equipped with the same 65 kWh battery, steals the spotlight with a longer 259 miles of range and a similar charging time frame. Where it truly shines is in DC fast charging, as it swiftly regains 100 miles in just 30 minutes, outpacing the EUV.

If you're someone who's always in a rush or has sporadic charging habits, the Bolt EV stands as the slightly-swiftier charging champion to keep you on the move.

Chevy Bolt EV vs EUV Safety Ratings & Features

The Chevy Bolt EV and EUV come equipped with an array of safety features, such as:

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: A fancy name for a feature that essentially screams "Incoming!" when a vehicle approaches from either side as you're backing out of a parking space.

• HD Rear Vision Camera: This camera provides a crystal clear view of what's lurking behind your vehicle, lending a helping hand when maneuvering in tight spots.

• Front Pedestrian Braking: Helps curb unexpected incidents, alerting you and auto-applying brakes if a pedestrian happens to cross your path.

Most Bolt models have earned a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, demonstrating excellent overall safety. There are minor exceptions, like the 2022 Bolt EV's 4-star passenger safety rating and the Bolt EUV's similar rating for rollover safety.

The Verdict: Bolt EV vs Bolt EUV – And the Winner Is...

Now, the time you've been waiting for. Drumroll, please... Our colleague’s pick between the Bolt EV and EUV is the Chevy Bolt EUV!

For him, it's the Bolt EUV's more spacious size (6 inches longer) and discounted price (base model under $26,000) that make the difference. But remember, Gabe's choice is just one perspective. Your unique, ideal electric vehicle will depend on your personal needs and lifestyle. 

Bolt EUV vs Bolt EV Lease: How Much Is It to Lease a Chevy Bolt?

So, here's the situation: The discontinued Bolt Brothers once held a solid reputation as the most wallet-friendly, electric vehicles in town. Add Nissan's imminent LEAF production halt to the mix, and securing a new, affordable EV becomes a real brain teaser. The fallout? We could see a demand surge for used EVs and, as the law of the market dictates, when demand leaps, so do prices. So, for folks on a budget (hello, so are we!), owning an affordable new or used EV might soon feel as rare as snatching a free charging spot during rush hour.

Oh, and there's more. The Bolt's discontinuation could cause some ripples in its resale value. Sure, its electric badge could help retain some value, but the entry of fancier models could speed up depreciation. If you're thinking about trading in your Bolt in the future, this might be an aspect to mull over. 

So, how about dodging this bullet entirely and leasing your next vehicle with Zevvy instead? 

Chevy Bolt Lease Deals

At Zevvy, we’ve tossed the old-school auto-financing playbook out the window, replacing it with a fresh, innovative approach that should save you more money compared to the traditional approach of buying or leasing a car.  Think lower upfront cost (typically hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper than other options)), shorter minimum lease term (six months versus the standard two to three years), and unlimited mileage. And the cherry on top: the option to renew, return, or buy your car at the end of the lease. Now, if that's not as sweet as finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag, we don't know what is.

You can sign up for a Chevy Bolt EV lease on Zevvy starting at just $399/month, or a Bolt EUV lease for $449/month here.