2016 Chevy Electric Car Review Performance and Features Unveiled

The 2016 Chevy electric car, the Bolt EV, redefined affordable long-range electric driving with an impressive 238-mile range on a single charge. Packed with advanced tech like regenerative braking, a responsive 10.2-inch touchscreen, and available DC fast charging, it delivers spirited performance and everyday practicality. Chevy’s bold entry into the EV market made it a top contender for eco-conscious drivers seeking value and innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Impressive range: 200+ miles per charge beats most 2016 EVs.
• Fast charging: DC fast charging adds 90 miles in 30 minutes.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin and cargo space enhance practicality.
• Smooth performance: Instant torque delivers quick, quiet acceleration.
• Affordable pricing: Competitive cost with federal tax incentives available.
• Advanced tech: MyLink infotainment and smartphone integration included.

The Dawn of a New Era: 2016 Chevy Electric Car Review Performance and Features Unveiled

The year 2016 marked a pivotal moment in the automotive industry, particularly for General Motors, as Chevrolet unveiled its boldest step yet into the electric vehicle (EV) market: the 2016 Chevy Electric Car, specifically the Chevrolet Bolt EV. While Tesla had already captured headlines with its luxury electric sedans, Chevy disrupted the market by offering an affordable, long-range electric vehicle with practicality, innovation, and mainstream appeal. With a starting price under $30,000 after federal tax credits and a groundbreaking EPA-estimated range of 238 miles, the Bolt EV wasn’t just another EV—it was a statement. It proved that electric mobility could be accessible, efficient, and exciting for everyday drivers, not just tech enthusiasts or eco-zealots.

What made the 2016 Chevy Bolt EV so revolutionary wasn’t just its range or price—it was the culmination of years of engineering, consumer research, and a clear vision for the future. Unlike earlier EVs that struggled with range anxiety or limited utility, the Bolt EV was designed from the ground up as a purpose-built electric car. It offered a spacious interior, cutting-edge tech, and a driving experience that rivaled—and in many cases surpassed—its internal combustion counterparts. This review dives deep into the 2016 Chevy Electric Car’s performance, features, technology, and real-world usability, offering a comprehensive look at why it earned accolades like Motor Trend’s 2017 Car of the Year and North American Car of the Year. Whether you’re considering a used Bolt EV today or simply curious about the evolution of EVs, this analysis reveals how Chevy set a new benchmark in 2016.

Design and Exterior: A Futuristic Yet Practical Approach

Exterior Styling: Bold and Aerodynamic

The 2016 Chevy Bolt EV’s exterior design was a radical departure from traditional Chevrolet models. With a tall, hatchback-like profile, a short hood, and a steeply raked windshield, the Bolt EV prioritized aerodynamic efficiency without sacrificing visual appeal. The front fascia featured a closed grille—a hallmark of EVs—with a bold “bowtie” emblem flanked by sleek LED daytime running lights. The car’s 0.32 drag coefficient wasn’t just a number; it was a result of meticulous engineering, including active grille shutters that opened only when engine cooling was needed (a rare feature in EVs, as the electric motor generates less heat).

The Bolt EV’s 17-inch alloy wheels were wrapped in low-rolling-resistance tires, further enhancing efficiency. Practical touches like roof rails (standard on Premier trim) and rear spoilers added utility and sportiness. One standout design choice was the “floating” roof effect, achieved with a blacked-out C-pillar, giving the car a modern, almost concept-like appearance. For drivers seeking a car that looked like it belonged in the future, the Bolt EV delivered.

Size and Dimensions: Compact Exterior, Spacious Interior

Despite its modest footprint—164 inches long, 69.5 inches wide—the Bolt EV felt surprisingly roomy. Its 102.4-inch wheelbase was longer than many compact SUVs, thanks to the skateboard-style battery pack under the floor. This design freed up cabin space, allowing Chevy to maximize interior volume. The car’s height (63.2 inches) contributed to a commanding driving position, while the 5.6-inch ground clearance ensured it handled speed bumps and potholes with ease.

Real-world tip: The Bolt EV’s compact size made it ideal for urban driving. Its 36.1-foot turning radius allowed effortless maneuvering in tight parking garages, and the tall greenhouse provided excellent visibility—a boon for city dwellers navigating busy intersections.

Color and Trim Options

Chevy offered the 2016 Bolt EV in two trim levels: LT and Premier. Both trims came in six exterior colors, including bold hues like Kinetic Blue Metallic and Arctic Blue Metallic, which highlighted the car’s futuristic vibe. The Premier trim added chrome accents, fog lights, and unique 17-inch wheels. Inside, the LT featured cloth upholstery, while the Premier upgraded to leather with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel—a game-changer for winter commutes.

Interior and Technology: Where Comfort Meets Innovation

Cabin Space and Ergonomics

Stepping inside the 2016 Chevy Bolt EV revealed a cabin that felt more like a premium compact car than a $30,000 EV. The high roofline and low floor (thanks to the battery under the chassis) created 36.9 inches of front headroom and 37.4 inches in the rear—more than many midsize sedans. Legroom was equally impressive: 41.6 inches up front and 36.5 inches in the back. The flat floor allowed three adults to sit comfortably in the rear, a rare feat in compact EVs.

The driver’s seat was supportive and adjustable, with the Premier trim offering 8-way power adjustment. The center console featured a minimalist design, with a rotary gear selector, a wireless charging pad (Premier only), and a storage bin. Chevy’s decision to use soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels elevated the perceived quality, though some plastics felt a bit utilitarian—a trade-off for affordability.

Infotainment and Connectivity

At the heart of the Bolt EV’s tech suite was Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker audio system. The Premier trim added navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The interface was intuitive, with large icons and minimal lag—a stark contrast to the clunky systems in some competitors.

One standout feature was the energy flow display, which showed real-time power consumption, regeneration, and battery usage. This was invaluable for drivers learning to maximize efficiency. For example, a driver could see how much energy was recovered during deceleration or how much was lost to HVAC use.

Practical example: During a 50-mile commute, the display revealed that 80% of the energy came from the battery, 15% from regenerative braking, and 5% from auxiliary systems. This data helped the driver adjust habits—like coasting more—to extend range.

Driver Aids and Safety Tech

The Premier trim included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. While these features were optional on the LT, they were standard on the Premier. The Bolt EV also featured a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert—all crucial for urban driving.

One underrated feature was the “One Pedal Driving” mode, which maximized regenerative braking. By lifting off the accelerator, the car slowed aggressively, often eliminating the need to use the friction brakes. This not only extended brake life but also made driving in stop-and-go traffic less fatiguing.

Performance and Range: Redefining Electric Mobility

Motor and Powertrain: Instant Torque, Smooth Delivery

The 2016 Chevy Bolt EV was powered by a single permanent-magnet electric motor producing 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Unlike internal combustion engines, which require revving to reach peak torque, the electric motor delivered 100% torque at 0 RPM. This meant the Bolt EV could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds—faster than many gasoline-powered compacts.

The motor was paired with a fixed-ratio single-speed transmission, which provided seamless acceleration. There were no gears to shift, no revving, just a smooth, linear surge of power. The car’s top speed was electronically limited to 91 mph, a deliberate choice to optimize efficiency.

Range and Charging: The 238-Mile Breakthrough

The Bolt EV’s 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack was the star of the show, offering an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range—the first affordable EV to break the 200-mile barrier. This range was achievable in real-world conditions, though factors like speed, temperature, and HVAC use could reduce it.

• Highway driving (65–75 mph): 190–210 miles
• City driving (30–45 mph): 230–250 miles
• Winter conditions (below 32°F): 170–190 miles

Charging options included:

• Level 1 (120V): 4 miles of range per hour (24+ hours for full charge)
• Level 2 (240V): 25 miles of range per hour (9 hours for full charge)
• DC Fast Charging (50 kW): 90 miles of range in 30 minutes

Pro tip: For daily use, a Level 2 charger (installed at home) was ideal. For road trips, DC fast chargers—available at many shopping centers and rest stops—provided peace of mind.

Driving Dynamics: Agile and Confident

The Bolt EV’s low center of gravity (thanks to the battery pack) resulted in minimal body roll during cornering. The electric power steering was precise, and the suspension absorbed bumps well. While the ride wasn’t as plush as a luxury sedan, it was comfortable for daily driving. The car’s regenerative braking system was adjustable, with three levels of intensity. In “High” mode, one-pedal driving was possible in most scenarios.

One unique feature was the “Hold” mode, which allowed drivers to choose between coasting or regenerating when lifting off the accelerator. This was useful for maintaining momentum on highways or maximizing energy recovery in traffic.

Ownership and Cost: Affordability Meets Efficiency

Upfront Cost and Incentives

The 2016 Chevy Bolt EV had a starting MSRP of $37,495 for the LT trim and $41,780 for the Premier. However, federal tax credits of up to $7,500 (phased out in 2020) and state incentives (e.g., $2,500 in California) brought the effective price to under $30,000. This made the Bolt EV competitive with gas-powered compacts like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

Chevy also offered lease deals, with some dealers advertising $299/month for 36 months (with $3,000 down). For budget-conscious buyers, leasing was a smart way to access the car’s technology without a long-term commitment.

Operating Costs: The EV Advantage

Owning an EV like the Bolt EV offered significant savings over time. Here’s a breakdown of annual costs (based on 12,000 miles/year):

Cost Type	Bolt EV (Electric)	Gas Compact (30 MPG)
Fuel/Electricity	$600 (12 kWh/100 mi, $0.12/kWh)	$1,600 (400 gallons, $4.00/gallon)
Maintenance	$300 (no oil changes, fewer moving parts)	$600 (oil changes, brakes, etc.)
Total Annual Cost	$900	$2,200

Over 5 years, the Bolt EV could save owners over $6,500 compared to a gas car. Additionally, EVs required less frequent brake replacements due to regenerative braking.

Warranty and Reliability

Chevy backed the Bolt EV with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. The battery was designed to retain at least 70% of its capacity over the warranty period. In real-world use, Bolt EVs have shown excellent reliability, with few reports of major issues. However, early models (2017–2018) had a rare battery defect (later recalled), so buyers should check for VINs covered by the recall.

Real-World Usability: Daily Driving and Beyond

Commuting and City Life

The Bolt EV excelled in urban environments. Its compact size, tight turning radius, and one-pedal driving made it perfect for stop-and-go traffic. The 238-mile range meant most drivers could go a week between charges. For example, a 20-mile daily commute (100 miles/week) would use less than 50% of the battery.

Tip: Pre-conditioning the cabin while the car was still plugged in (using the MyChevrolet app) saved battery power and kept the car comfortable in extreme temperatures.

Road Trips and Long-Distance Travel

While the Bolt EV’s 238-mile range was impressive, road trips required planning. Using tools like PlugShare or ChargePoint, drivers could map out DC fast chargers along their route. A 500-mile trip might require 2–3 30-minute charging stops, adding 1.5 hours to the journey. However, the car’s efficiency (108 MPGe combined) meant lower costs than gas cars.

Example: A 300-mile trip from Chicago to Indianapolis would cost $18 in electricity (vs. $40 in gas) and take 4.5 hours with one 30-minute charge.

Winter Performance and Cold Weather Tips

Cold weather reduced the Bolt EV’s range by 20–30%, but Chevy included several features to mitigate this:

• Heated seats and steering wheel (Premier trim)
• Heat pump HVAC system (more efficient than resistive heating)
• Battery thermal management (pre-heated the battery when plugged in)

Pro tip: Using seat heaters instead of the HVAC system saved significant energy. For example, heating the seats used 1 kW, while heating the cabin used 5 kW.

Legacy and Impact: How the Bolt EV Changed the Game

The 2016 Chevy Bolt EV wasn’t just a car—it was a catalyst. It proved that EVs could be affordable, practical, and desirable without compromising performance. Its 238-mile range set a new standard, forcing competitors like Tesla (Model 3) and Nissan (Leaf) to accelerate their own long-range EV plans. The Bolt EV’s success also paved the way for GM’s Ultium platform, which powers newer EVs like the Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq.

Today, the Bolt EV remains a compelling choice in the used EV market. With prices starting at $12,000–$18,000 for a 2016 model, it offers incredible value. While newer EVs have longer range (e.g., Tesla Model 3 Long Range: 358 miles), the Bolt EV’s combination of affordability, reliability, and tech ensures its relevance.

In the end, the 2016 Chevy Electric Car wasn’t just a review subject—it was a vision realized. It showed that the future of transportation was electric, accessible, and within reach. For anyone considering an EV, the Bolt EV stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets practicality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the 2016 Chevy electric car?

The 2016 Chevy Spark EV offers an EPA-estimated range of 82 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and city driving. This range was competitive for its time among affordable electric vehicles.

How does the 2016 Chevy electric car perform compared to gas models?

The 2016 Chevy Spark EV delivers 140 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque, providing quicker acceleration than its gas-powered counterpart. Its electric motor ensures smooth, quiet performance with instant torque delivery.

What charging options are available for the 2016 Chevy Spark EV?

The 2016 Chevy electric car supports Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging, with a full charge taking 20 hours and 7 hours, respectively. DC fast charging is also available as an optional upgrade.

Does the 2016 Chevy electric car have advanced tech features?

Yes, the 2016 Spark EV includes Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and available navigation. It also offers smartphone integration for remote charging and climate control.

Is the 2016 Chevy electric car eligible for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2016 Chevy Spark EV qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on your tax liability. Some states also offer additional incentives for EV owners.

What safety features does the 2016 Chevy electric car include?

The 2016 Spark EV comes with standard safety features like 10 airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera. It also earned a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.