The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV achieves 119 MPGe combined, making it a very efficient all-electric hatchback designed for commuters looking for lower fuel costs. It bypasses gas stations entirely, offering drastically reduced energy expenses.

City and highway performance

The Bolt EV’s combined rating breaks down to 128 MPGe in the city and 110 MPGe on the highway. This difference is due to electric powertrains. City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic, allows for regenerative braking to recapture energy, thus boosting efficiency. Highway driving, requiring sustained speeds and minimal braking, tends to be less favorable for electric vehicles. These figures show that the Bolt EV is efficient across various driving conditions, making it a versatile commuting option.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV at $650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a combination of city and highway driving, and factoring in national average electricity prices. This represents significant potential savings compared to gasoline-powered cars, and although electricity rates vary by location, the Bolt EV consistently promises a lower cost per mile than internal combustion engine cars. This $650 figure highlights the financial benefit that attracts many buyers to this all-electric hatchback.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful guide, but real-world MPGe can vary based on factors like driving style, ambient temperature, terrain, and climate control use. Aggressive acceleration and high speeds drain the battery faster, reducing efficiency, and extreme cold can also impact battery performance. However, drivers who adopt a more eco-conscious driving style and use the Bolt EV’s available efficiency features can often achieve numbers close to, or even exceeding, the EPA estimates.

How it compares

The 2017 Bolt EV outperforms most of its direct competitors in MPGe. The 2017 Nissan LEAF achieves around 112 MPGe combined, a decent figure but less than the Bolt’s. Similarly, the BMW i3, while offering a more premium driving experience, is in the same ballpark with a combined rating of 113 MPGe. The Tesla Model 3, in its Standard Range Plus configuration released a few years later, typically achieves around 141 MPGe combined. These comparisons highlight the Bolt EV’s efficiency leadership for its model year and target market, although technology has improved since then.

Buyers are drawn to the Bolt EV particularly for the value for money: the car offered a longer range than other similarly priced EVs on the market when it was released, and provided a good foundation for drivers to move to electric.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth acceleration and braking are important for maximizing the Bolt EV’s range. Avoid aggressive starts and hard stops, as these consume more energy. Instead, accelerate gently when possible and anticipate traffic to minimize braking. The Bolt EV features regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy back into electricity, so learn to use it effectively to capture energy and extend your range.

Optimize your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, improving efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual, because even slight under-inflation can affect MPGe.

Precondition the cabin while the Bolt EV is plugged in. Heating and cooling the cabin consumes energy, so by preconditioning the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in, you can draw power from the grid instead of the battery, preserving your range.

Minimize the use of accessories. Features like air conditioning, headlights, and the radio consume electricity, reducing the car’s efficiency, so use these features sparingly, especially during long trips, to maximize your MPGe. Driving with daytime running lights or low-beam headlights during the day can also reduce energy consumption compared to driving with high-beam lights.

Take advantage of the “L” mode. Putting the vehicle into “L” mode allows for one-pedal driving. This increased regenerative braking effect allows for further collection of energy. You can also see BOLT MPG across all years.

Even with all of these tips in mind, you can browse all Chevrolet fuel economy data to view fuel economy across all vehicles and model production years.