The average price of a new electric car in 2022 hit $66,000. However, plenty of great electric vehicles are priced well below that. For example, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV received the 2023 KBB Best Buy Award as the Best EV Under $35,000, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB).
As a slightly longer version of the Bolt EV, the Bolt EUV (electric utility vehicle) impressed the KBB editors with its excellent build quality, roomy back seat, impressive 247-mile range, and great price.
Compact but roomy
Although it is almost a foot shorter than a Toyota Corolla, the 2023 Bolt EUV is much roomier than expected, especially in the back. A person who’s 6-foot 2-inches tall could ride comfortably behind a driver of the same height without apologizing to that couple who must ride in the back. In addition, the cargo area aft of the split-folding rear seat easily gives space for a week’s worth of groceries.
KBB also said their Bolt EUV test vehicle (a Premier model) has a massive sunroof panel and headroom. Furthermore, the interior quality goes beyond expectations, and it’s appreciated how Chevy uses traditional volume and tuning knobs for the audio system. Some controls do not need to be improved.
Solid residual value and fun driving manners
KBB anticipates the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV to maintain 54% of its residual value after 36 months, comparing favorably to its competitive set.
Another big part of the Bolt EUV’s appeal is it’s fun to drive. In the KBB Expert Review of the US-built 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV, KBB praised it for having a zippy feel and for being excellent in city driving.
With One Pedal Drive, it hardly ever needs to touch the brakes. Additionally, KBB loves how the Regen on Demand paddle (on the steering wheel) lets you fine-tune the amount of brake energy regeneration and deceleration.
Great miles per dollar
With electric vehicles in general, especially those on the affordable end, folks measure their value simply: by how far they could go on a full charge and at what price. It is a fair, real-world approach. By this measurement, the 2023 Bolt EUV, with a 247 (397 km) miles range and a $27,200 base price, shines brightly.
Both Bolt EUV trim levels fit well below KBB’s $35,000 threshold. Even the LT base model has an extensive safety suite and niceties such as wireless Apple CarPlay.
However, the Bolt EUV Premier ($32,695) considerably ups the luxury and tech quotient with a rear camera mirror, a blind-spot monitor, heated leather seats, and adaptive cruise control.
The piece de resistance on the Premier has to be its available $2,200 SuperCruise Package. SuperCruise is GM’s semi-autonomous driving system that allows hands-free driving on over 200,000 miles of approved highways.
Whether you are looking for a simple little electric runabout or a luxurious EV with modern technology, the refined and roomy 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV commands attention as a 2023 KBB Best Buy Award winner, the Best EV Under $35,000.
