The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV gets 119 MPG combined, redefining fuel economy for a practical hatchback. This isn’t just about squeezing extra miles from fuel; it’s about almost eliminating gasoline for daily commutes and urban errands. Bolt EV buyers usually aren’t considering traditional gasoline cars. They want an EV experience, and the Bolt delivers with affordable usability.

City and highway performance

The Bolt EV is excellent in city driving, like most EVs. The EPA rates it at 128 MPG in the city, reflecting the efficiency of regenerative braking and urban stop-and-go driving. The electric motor excels here, converting deceleration back into usable energy to recharge the battery. Highway driving sees a drop to 110 MPG. Higher sustained speeds minimize regenerative braking, and aerodynamic drag increases. Still, 110 MPG beats almost every gasoline-powered car, even on the open road. These numbers highlight the Bolt EV’s strength as a city car that’s perfectly capable of highway cruising.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV is $650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average electricity prices to calculate recharging costs. This is a critical number for potential Bolt EV buyers, as it directly illustrates significant savings compared to gasoline cars. Your actual charging costs will depend on electricity rates and driving habits, but $650 is a solid benchmark.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures are a useful comparison tool, real-world EV range and “MPG” can vary. Temperature, driving style, and terrain affect it. Battery performance can decrease in colder climates, reducing range. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will also diminish efficiency. However, consistent regenerative braking and smooth driving yield results close to or exceeding EPA estimates. Most Bolt EV owners find that 200+ miles of real-world range is easily attainable in moderate conditions, translating to a similar MPG equivalent.

How it compares

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV holds its own compared to other EVs. The Nissan LEAF, in its standard trim, achieves around 111 MPGe combined, making the Bolt more efficient. The Hyundai Kona Electric, another popular EV hatchback, boasts similar MPGe figures, around 120 MPGe combined. But the Bolt excels in price point. This difference matters because Bolt EV buyers are often prioritizing affordability and range, seeking the best value in the EV market. Higher-end EVs like Teslas offer superior performance and features, but they cost significantly more. For some buyers, the Bolt EV’s balance of price, range, and efficiency is key.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Using “one-pedal driving” is important to maximizing efficiency in the Bolt EV. By using the regenerative braking paddle on the steering wheel, you can bring the car to a complete stop without using the brake pedal, recapturing energy and extending your range. Get familiar with it and use it whenever possible.

Preconditioning the battery is beneficial, especially in colder weather. When plugged in, you can warm the cabin and battery before driving using the MyChevrolet app. This draws power from the grid instead of the battery, preserving range during your trip. This is standard practice to increase battery life.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended levels indicated on the doorjamb sticker. Small adjustments like this can create differences in range.

Minimize accessories like air conditioning and heating, as these systems draw power from the battery. When possible, use the seat heaters instead of the cabin heater because they consume less energy. This saves power.

Plan routes carefully, especially for longer trips. Use charging station locator apps to identify charging points along your route and factor in charging time. Smart route planning can alleviate range anxiety and optimize efficiency. Always keep an eye on all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV delivers exceptional fuel economy in a practical and affordable package. It isn’t a car for making compromises; it offers a real solution to the challenges of gasoline vehicles, and buyers want this exact freedom. Explore the BOLT MPG across all years for more insights into this popular model.