The first-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV (also briefly marketed in Europe as the Opel Ampera-e) was one of the first affordable electric cars to offer true long range. Launched in 2017 and facelifted in 2022 (with the introduction of the Bolt EUV variant), it stands out for its highly accommodating compact MPV format. Its history is inseparable from a massive and historic recall concerning its LG Chem batteries (fire risk), which forced General Motors to replace the battery packs of almost all 2017-2022 models. Paradoxically, this early defect makes it one of the most recommendable used electric cars today: many examples benefit from a new battery under warranty. Post-recall, it is ranked among the most reliable electric vehicles in its segment by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a textbook case in the automotive industry. Its major design flaw (the LG Chem battery) was addressed by General Motors via a recall of unprecedented scale, consisting of purely and simply replacing the batteries. Result: buying a used Bolt EV today often means acquiring a vehicle whose most expensive and sensitive component is new and under warranty. With the reliability of the electric motor and power electronics being otherwise flawless, the Bolt EV is a highly recommended purchase for daily or suburban use. Its only real crippling flaw is its fast charging (DC) speed capped at 55 kW, which disqualifies it for heavy highway drivers. Absolute condition of purchase: verify via the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that the battery recall has indeed been performed.