2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV

One Of The Best Bargains In Green Motoring

Episode 4214
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

There’s no denying, the Chevrolet Bolt, when it arrived for 2017, was a true game-changer; delivering real-world range to the masses like no EV before it.  It only makes sense that GM would want to spread the love into the SUV category, it just took a little longer than we were expecting, but the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is finally here!  

First thing to know about the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is that it’s essentially just a slightly bigger version of the pioneering Bolt EV. It’s 6.3-inches longer; but more importantly, there’s an additional 3-inches of wheelbase, which provides more space inside. 

Second thing to know is there’s no all-wheel-drive; so, it’s more of an urban utility vehicle, designed with the space and comfort to make daily tasks and weekend errand running easier. So, it’s not a utility intended to get you far off the beaten path.

Back when we first tested the Bolt EV, we felt that it was very utility-like; now of course the EUV has made it even more so; though oddly enough, all of that additional room goes strictly to rear seat passenger legroom, as cargo space is actually a tick less in the EUV at 16.3 cubic-ft., down from 16.6. And you can tell rear passenger comfort was the EUV’s priority. While it shares the same basic profile shape, the rear doors are noticeably longer. But, the EUV brings a lot more than just additional rear seat legroom; it arrives with a load of updates, many shared with the Bolt EV. 

The hood, as well as both front and rear fascias, have been tweaked slightly, headlamps are updated, and there are new wheel choices. Inside, there’s a new dash with updated infotainment touchscreen that’s now 10.2-inches, as well as a different control layout. While the center console now rises to meet the dash, and replaces the shifter with a row of buttons including a new one for 1-pedal driving. The EUV was also the first non-Cadillac to have SuperCruise available; in top Premier trim naturally. Though it’s still an older generation than currently available to Caddy buyers, so no 1-touch lane changes.

Premier trim also includes leather seating, surround view camera, and heated steering wheel; though wireless phone charging is standard on all. And due to customer demands, a sunroof is available in the EUV, as part of a Sun and Sound package that includes navigation and Bose premium audio.

The EUV does share the EV’s powertrain, and as you may have heard, all Bolts were recalled and EUV production was held up due to potential fire concerns with the LG-supplied battery. But, that has since been rectified, and GM added a little range to all Bolts for good measure. 

The EUV is officially rated for 247-miles of range, which seems more than reasonable as we were on track for 270 miles before recharging. Its efficiency score is also quite efficient at 29 kWh/100 miles. That 247-mile range is actually 9 miles more than the Bolt EV had when it debuted, and its range has also increased from 238 to 259-miles. 

No changes for the front-mounted 150-kW motor, as it outputs the same 200-horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque here in the EUV. The EUV’s bigger size equates to a slightly slower 0-60 time of 7.2-seconds; but it still feels quite peppy compared to traditional small ICE crossovers. Still, keeping the accelerator pinned for the entire ¼-mile is not exactly thrilling, as power delivery stays more moderate than aggressive; but the hyper-responsive steering does keep things interesting. Our best pass was 15.7-seconds at 90 miles-per-hour.

The Bolt EV was an adequately fun car to dart around traffic in, but when pushed to its limits would understeer quite a bit. The longer wheelbase of this EUV doesn’t seem to have improved on that, and there appears to be a little more body roll here too. Not much about the handling experience screams “sport-tuned” but the low-mounted weight of the batteries still lends a solid overall feel, and steering weight was actually quite good. Panic braking stops from 60 averaged a longish 120-feet, with significant nose dive, and lots of ABS pedal pulsing.

Things really get interesting when it comes to EUV pricing, with the base LT starting at just $28,195; that’s less than the Bolt cost 5-years ago when it debuted; so naturally Bolt EVs get a corresponding price cut to just $26,595 to start.

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV surely won’t grab as much attention as the Hummers, Mach Es, and Teslas of the EV world. But we think it is still one of the best all-around, everyday EVs out there; and certainly, a clear bargain when it comes to green motoring. And we’re going to need a lot more entry-level EVs like the Bolt EV and this EUV if society is truly serious about wanting an all-electric driving future.

 

Specifications

  • Battery: 65.0-kWh
  • Motor Setup: Single Front Mounted 150kW
  • Horsepower: 200
  • Torque: 266 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 15.7 seconds at 90 mph
  • 60-0 Braking: 120 feet (avg)
  • EPA: 247 miles
  • MW Range: ~ 270 miles
  • MW Efficiency: 29 kWh/100 miles
Honda Prologue Reinvigorates Brand’s Electric Efforts

2024 Honda Prologue

Honda Shows Up Late To EV Party, Brings Best Appetizer

Episode 4329
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Except for some very limited run vehicles over the years, Honda has largely been sitting out the EV revolution. But that all changes now their first high volume effort, the Prologue. So, let’s find out if it is indeed the start of a great run for Honda.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not only the brand’s first serious battery electric effort, but it’s also a substantial midsize five-passenger SUV, coming in about 3-inches longer than the internal combustion Passport. Though it’s worth noting, they got here with the help of General Motors and their Ultium EV platform.

So, Honda came to play, both with ultra-competitive pricing and segment leading 296 miles of range. That’s with the standard single-motor front-wheel drive EX rated for 212 horsepower, but top Elite doesn’t sacrifice all that much, coming in at 273 miles. The additional rear motor raises total output to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft torque.

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Relatively low output numbers in the EV game, but the Elite’s all-wheel drive setup delivered plenty enough acceleration to get our blood pumping during some early and very wet drive time through the recent historic downpours in Northern California.

And while Honda did get here with the help of GM and their Ultium chassis, the multi-link suspension bolted to it has been optimized by Honda for a “dynamic driving experience.” It was indeed plenty of fun to drive, nimble for its size with responsive steering, though we were also happy to find it comfortable and safe feeling in those weather conditions. It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

Comprehensive drive modes address just about every aspect of the driving experience, from power delivery to steering response and even braking power; but also changes things up inside with lighting and displays as well as active sound control.

For now, all Prologues come with an 85-kWh battery that will accept up to 150-kW fast charging for 65 miles of range for every 10 minutes on charge.

It also has great visibility and a very natural feel to it that quickly has you forgetting you’re in an EV.

As we’ve come to expect from Honda, the Prologue’s interior is minimalistic and practical, though not fully simplistic as there is plenty of tech on display, including the very high-mounted 11.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a Google-based operating system built into it like in the latest Accord Touring, and you can still use your Apple Carplay and Android Auto phones, both of which connect wirelessly.

Just below that display is some refreshingly easy to use traditional climate controls, and behind the steering wheel is a hoodless 11-inch tablet-style gauge display. Honda worked with Bose to develop an EV-specific sound system with 12 speakers. The standard EX’s system works with six speakers.

Being an EV means more space inside for both front and rear passengers than a vehicle built around a conventional drivetrain. Though with a substantial dual-level center console it doesn’t have the open floorplan of some EVs. The top layer of that console houses dedicated cell phone storage, mega-sized cupholders and Honda’s first use of a pocket-type wireless phone charger, which is standard. There’s space in back for 23.7 cubic-feet of cargo; 54.5 cubic-feet with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded; plus, more space under the cargo floor.

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And while length and ground clearance are in the ballpark with the Passport, the Prologue’s wheelbase is nearly a foot longer, and it sits much lower, with a design theme that Honda calls “neo-rugged.” Its slick shape and smooth body panels are clearly designed for enhancing aerodynamics, yet the overall design doesn’t necessarily shout it from the rooftops. Aero-optimized 19-inch wheels are standard, with Elite rolling on 21s, a first for Honda. Roof rails, panoramic roof, and power liftgate are standard on all but the base EX.
With the launch of this new generation of Honda comes new badging that looks to the past with throwback-looking Honda script now spelled out across the back. The Prologue and future Honda EVs also get a new “e” series logo.

Comprehensive Honda Sensing safety features are included on most Prologues, with just rear pedestrian alert and a Surround Vision camera system reserved for Elite.

Pricing starts, before incentives, at just $48,795 for a front-wheel-drive EX, top Elite comes with all-wheel drive and starts at $59,295.

Like most brands, Honda has big plans to deliver a full array of battery electrics in the near future, making significant investments here in the U.S. to make it happen. It may have taken a little help from General Motors to get them started, but Honda is in the EV game for real now, and it arrives at a great time when competition in the midsize SUV EV ranks is getting serious. So, the 2024 Honda Prologue does indeed look like the start of something special for Honda, and for all of us.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Motor Setup: Dual Motor
  • Horsepower: 288
  • Range: 273 miles
  • Battery Size: 85-kWh
  • Torque: 333 lb-ft
  • Peak Charging Rate: 150-kW