The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV will have an EPA-certified driving range of 259 miles combined, representing an increase of 21 miles over the 2019 model year Bolt EV.
General Motors says its battery engineers “improved the energy of the cell electrodes by making small but impactful changes to the cell chemistry,” which allowed them to significantly increase range without needing to change the physical makeup of the battery pack, or the way it is integrated into the vehicle’s structure.
“The Bolt EV set the benchmark for long-range, affordable electric vehicles, and we’re excited to raise the bar by offering nearly 10 percent more EPA-estimated range for the 2020 model year,” said GM’s director of battery cell engineering, Tim Grewe. “At Chevrolet we’re constantly listening to customer feedback and we heard the desire for more range. The team worked diligently to find ways to improve battery energy, giving customers the confidence to go more than the extra mile.”
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV was rated at 217 miles of range highway and 255 miles city for a combined range of 238 miles. Notably, this update means the Bolt EV’s range equals that of the Hyundai Kona EV crossover, which is rated at 258 miles of range EPA. The Kona EV still has a slight output advantage over the Bolt EV, however, with its electric motor rated at 200 horsepower and 291 pound-feet. If you need reminding, the Bolt EV is rated at 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet.
This may also be an indication that the upcoming 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EUV will have a more efficient battery pack than the Bolt EV, with GM seemingly making constant improvements to its battery cell technology.
Spicing things up a bit for 2020 are two new available exterior colors, as well: Cayenne Orange Metallic (which is an additional cost option) and Oasis Blue. GM has yet to provide images of a Bolt EV finished in either of these colors, unfortunately.
GM says the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV will hit dealers later this year with a starting MSRP of $37,495 including destination and freight charges.
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Comments
Very nice. It needed better interior materials as well but the extra miles will help in advertising this EV. If they ever decide to really advertise the Bolt to be truthful.
Still too expensive. $50k in Canada for the LT.
LT is $44,800 in Canada and it qualifies for a $5000 federal rebate.
Why not ask the POTUS to apply an import tax to all foreign EVs so their sales will drop, more Chevy Bolt EV sales will happen, and more money stays in the U.S. Those foreign nations did this for all U.S. brands imported to their lands, so why not return the “favor”?
I bet that newer Chevy Bolt EV owners will get over 300 miles of electric range easily. Just visit any of the Chevy Bolt EV owner forums and read the posts.