2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Performance

The Bolt EV might not look like it, but this little EV hatchback provides a good amount of pull from its electric powertrain. The Bolt's 65 kWh lithium-ion battery supplies an electric motor with a healthy 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, most of which is instantly available as soon as you put your foot down. The Bolt EV's 0-60 mph time comes up in the mid-six-second range, with some independent testers recording times as low as 6.3 seconds. That's about as fast as a 1997 Acura Integra Type R. The top speed is a less impressive 93 mph. Overall, the Bolt EV impressed us with its plucky driving experience and felt faster than it should be, considering the type of crowd it will attract.

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV's impressive performance is derived from an electric powertrain mated to a 65 kWh battery pack that delivers a staunch 200 hp and 266 lb-ft. Those figures read like that of a performance hot hatchback, and performance from the line isn't far off. Power is sent to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, and with all that torque available from the word go, the front tires can easily succumb to wheelspin. In and around the city, the Bolt EV delivers a spirited driving experience, and its quick accelerating nature makes it fun to drive in traffic. We'd recommend sticking to normal mode if you want the most out of your battery life, but sport mode is a blast. On the highway, it can cruise with traffic, but its 93 mph top speed prevents it from undertaking higher-speed (read illegal) overtaking maneuvers.

The range of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV isn't spectacular, but it beats more premium offerings such as the Mini Cooper Electric. According to the EPA, the 2023 Bolt EV will manage 259 miles on a full charge. The 65 kWh lithium-ion battery onboard the Bolt EV features 288 cells and will gain four miles of range per hour when charged on a 120V charger. That figure jumps to 39 miles per hour of charge when hooked up to a 240V charger. A DC fast charger will add about 100 miles of range in 30 minutes. Its official MPGe figures from the EPA are 131/109/120 city/highway/combined.