2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV: The Bolt "Plus"

Chevrolet had no choice but to launch a small electric crossover to keep up with the current times, and the path with the fewest obstacles was definitely through an elevated version of the Bolt EV. And while all the sheet metal on our roads is in the process of being electrified, Chevrolet has also taken the initiative to make its Bolt EV more affordable than ever by subtracting $ 6,800 from the purchase price (the EUV model is only $ 2,000 more).

Even if this new product does not offer more cargo space on paper, and it boasts a few kilometres less in terms of range, the Bolt EUV has several physical and technical skills over its Bolt EV sibling, especially if you plan to travel with the family.

• Also: GM Wants to Clean Up LG’s Bolt EV Mess
• Also: Chevrolet Working on Affordable Equinox EV, Blazer EV

The Car Guide spent a week driving this new all-electric utility vehicle. Here are our impressions.

More Legroom

Utility rhymes with family. And the biggest difference in cabin space between the Bolt EV and the EUV is the additional three inches of legroom for second-row occupants. In the Bolt EUV Premier, these occupants can also benefit from perforated leather upholstery.

The cargo volume is oddly smaller by a few litres than that of the Bolt EV. On the other hand, the opening of the hold is more user-friendly for tall and bulky items, while maintaining a low enough floor for loading without headaches.

Otherwise, the dashboard is very similar to that of the Bolt EV, with the super-intuitive and user-friendly Chevrolet infotainment system display that presents a host of features to enhance the all-electric driving experience.

Quick Off the Starting Line

The Bolt EUV uses the same powertrain and battery as the Bolt EV, which is an electric motor paired with a 65 kWh battery pack that deploys 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. All power is sent exclusively to the front wheels. At first glance, the acceleration provided is satisfactory and does not seem too hampered by the additional weight and size of the EUV when compared to the EV.

However, performing a sharp turn at high speed will bring out the height and weight of the EUV. On a daily basis, however, this small difference will probably hardly be noticeable to you - the Bolt EUV still provides great handling and comfortable ride in the city and at high speed on the highway.

Au chapitre de l’autonomie, la Bolt EUV vante une cote de 397 kilomètres, ce qui est légèrement inférieur à l’autonomie de 417 kilomètres affichée par la Bolt EV, elle qui subit logiquement moins les lois de la physique.

Oh All-Wheel Drive, Where Art Thou?

The Bolt EUV unfortunately does not come with all-wheel drive, which has become a real plus in our climate. Admittedly, the EUV’s autonomy would probably have suffered (deviating too much from that of its compact sister) and its price would’ve taken a hike, too. This technical reality could encourage some buyers to wait for AWD-equipped models, such as the Kia EV6 for example, which will be offered in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive at launch.

Hello Super Cruise!

GM’s Super Cruise is a driving assistance system that allows you to drive almost semi-autonomously on a 300,000 kilometres of compatible roads in North America, and this system is probably the Bolt EUV's most notable gadget.

The system operates for as long as the conditions allow it. There are numerous factors taken into account by the system, such as roadway condition, exterior weather conditions and driver attention - the latter being very important.

The Super Cruise in the Bolt EUV performed quite well during our test-drive. Although a little finicky - for the right reasons - it still managed to master the various conditions that the road gave it. Obviously, in the dead of winter on a snowy highway, you’ll probably have to take the wheel.

The Bolt EUV starts at $ 42,348 (before incentives), making it a competitive small SUV which not only aggressively rivals other EVs, but also ICE-equipped vehicles in its class. And while it's not necessarily more practical than the compact Bolt EV in every way, it does offer more demanding consumers additional touches of amenities and comfort, with more rear legroom as a bonus.