Chevy Electric Car 2019 Review Features and Performance Insights

The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV delivers impressive range and value, offering 238 miles on a single charge—making it a top contender in the affordable electric car market. With quick acceleration, a spacious interior, and user-friendly tech features, it balances performance and practicality for daily commuters and eco-conscious drivers alike.

Key Takeaways

• 238-mile range: Competitive for daily commutes and city driving.
• Fast charging: Adds 90 miles in just 30 minutes.
• Smooth acceleration: Delivers instant torque and quiet performance.
• Spacious interior: Roomy cabin with practical cargo space.
• Infotainment system: User-friendly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Affordable pricing: Strong value among 2019 electric vehicles.

Introduction to the 2019 Chevy Electric Car: A Step Forward in Sustainable Mobility

The automotive world has undergone a seismic shift over the past decade, with electric vehicles (EVs) transitioning from niche curiosities to mainstream contenders. Among the pioneers of this revolution stands General Motors, and in 2019, the company reaffirmed its commitment to electrification with the 2019 Chevy electric car lineup. At the heart of this initiative was the Chevy Bolt EV, a fully electric hatchback that combined practicality, range, and affordability in a way few competitors could match. With growing environmental awareness, tightening emissions regulations, and rapid advancements in battery technology, the 2019 model year was a pivotal moment for GM’s EV ambitions.

Unlike earlier attempts at electrification, the 2019 Chevy Bolt EV wasn’t just a compliance car—it was designed from the ground up to appeal to everyday drivers. With a starting price under $37,000 (before federal incentives), a real-world range exceeding 230 miles, and a spacious interior for its class, the Bolt EV challenged the notion that EVs had to be luxury-priced to be practical. For environmentally conscious families, urban commuters, and tech-savvy drivers, the 2019 Chevy electric car offered a compelling blend of innovation and usability. This review dives deep into the vehicle’s features, performance, charging capabilities, and real-world ownership experience to help you understand whether it’s the right EV for your lifestyle.

Design and Interior: Practicality Meets Modernity

The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV stands out with its distinctive, futuristic design that balances aerodynamics with everyday functionality. Unlike many EVs that lean into radical styling, the Bolt EV opts for a clean, modern aesthetic that prioritizes visibility, interior space, and ease of use. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for city driving, while the tall roofline and wide stance create a surprisingly roomy cabin.

Exterior Styling and Aerodynamics

The Bolt EV’s exterior is a masterclass in efficient design. The front fascia features a closed grille (since there’s no internal combustion engine to cool), flanked by sleek LED headlights and a bold Chevrolet bowtie. The sloping roofline and rear spoiler aren’t just for show—they help reduce drag, contributing to a drag coefficient of 0.32, which is excellent for a vehicle of its size. The 17-inch alloy wheels come with low-rolling-resistance tires, further enhancing efficiency.

One standout feature is the “floating” roof design, where the blacked-out pillars create the illusion of a detached roof—a design cue borrowed from premium EVs. The rear end is dominated by vertical taillights and a wide liftgate, making cargo access easy. For 2019, Chevy introduced new color options like Kinetic Blue and Orange Burst, giving the Bolt EV a more vibrant personality.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside, and the Bolt EV feels more spacious than its exterior dimensions suggest. The tall greenhouse and low dashboard create excellent outward visibility, a boon for city driving and parking. The seats are supportive and offer good bolstering, though taller drivers may find the seat bottoms a bit short. The cabin uses a mix of soft-touch plastics, fabric, and leather-like materials, with higher trims offering heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The centerpiece of the interior is the 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which runs Chevrolet’s MyLink software. It’s intuitive, responsive, and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth streaming. The system includes a built-in navigation system with EV-specific routing, which accounts for elevation changes and estimates energy usage to help you reach your destination without range anxiety.

• Tip: Use the “Energy Usage” app in MyLink to monitor how driving habits, climate control, and terrain affect your range. This helps refine your driving style for maximum efficiency.
• Example: On a 50-mile commute with mixed highway and city driving, aggressive acceleration reduced range by 8% compared to smooth driving, while using seat heaters instead of the cabin heater saved 3% energy.

Cargo and Passenger Space

Despite its compact size, the Bolt EV offers 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats—expandable to 56.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. That’s more than rivals like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Ioniq Electric. The flat load floor and 60/40 split-folding rear seats make it easy to haul bulky items like bicycles or furniture. Up front, there’s ample legroom, and rear passengers enjoy generous headroom thanks to the tall roof. However, the rear bench is best suited for two adults, as the center position is narrow and lacks a headrest.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: Smooth, Quiet, and Responsive

The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV isn’t just about efficiency—it’s also a joy to drive. With its electric motor, instant torque, and low center of gravity, it delivers a driving experience that’s both engaging and relaxing. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Bolt EV strikes a balance between fun and practicality.

Powertrain and Acceleration

At the heart of the Bolt EV is a single permanent-magnet electric motor producing 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Unlike gas-powered cars, which need to rev up to deliver peak torque, the Bolt EV’s electric motor delivers 100% of its torque from a standstill. This results in 0-60 mph acceleration in just 6.5 seconds—faster than many small crossovers and even some sports cars. The motor is powered by a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is mounted under the floor for optimal weight distribution.

The powertrain is paired with a single-speed direct-drive transmission, which means there are no gears to shift. Acceleration is buttery smooth, with no lurching or hesitation. The “Regen on Demand” paddle on the steering wheel allows you to increase regenerative braking with a pull, sending more energy back to the battery and slowing the car without using the friction brakes.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Bolt EV’s low center of gravity (thanks to the underfloor battery) and tuned suspension give it confident handling. It corners flat and stable, with minimal body roll, while the electric power steering is light and precise—ideal for parking lots and tight city streets. The ride is firm but not harsh, absorbing most bumps and potholes with composure. However, on rough roads, some road noise and vibration do filter into the cabin.

For 2019, Chevy introduced a “One-Pedal Driving” mode, which maximizes regenerative braking so that lifting off the accelerator slows the car significantly. In stop-and-go traffic, this mode allows you to drive using just the accelerator pedal—reducing brake wear and increasing energy recovery. Tip: Activate One-Pedal Driving in heavy traffic to save energy and reduce brake dust.

Real-World Range and Efficiency

Chevrolet rated the 2019 Bolt EV at 238 miles of EPA-estimated range on a full charge. In real-world testing, most drivers achieve 220–250 miles, depending on driving style, climate, and use of climate control. The Bolt EV’s efficiency is rated at 119 MPGe (combined), meaning it uses energy equivalent to 119 miles per gallon of gasoline.

• Example: A driver in Denver, CO, reported 235 miles of range in mild spring weather with moderate use of the heater. In winter, with frequent heater use, range dropped to 180–190 miles.
• Tip: Precondition the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This heats or cools the cabin using grid power, preserving battery range for driving.

Charging and Battery Management: Flexibility for Every Lifestyle

One of the biggest concerns for EV buyers is charging. The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV offers a versatile charging system that supports home charging, public stations, and DC fast charging—making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer road trips.

Charging Options and Times

The Bolt EV comes with a 7.2 kW onboard charger (upgraded from 3.3 kW in earlier models), which significantly reduces charging times. Here’s how long it takes to recharge using different methods:

Charging Method	Power Level	Time to 100%	Range Added per Hour
Level 1 (Standard Outlet)	1.4 kW	50–60 hours	3–4 miles
Level 2 (Home/Work Charger)	7.2 kW	9.5 hours	25–30 miles
DC Fast Charging (Public)	50 kW	30 minutes (to 80%)	90 miles

For most owners, a Level 2 home charger is the best investment. It can fully recharge the Bolt EV overnight and adds enough range for a full day of driving. Chevy offers a home charging installation program through Qmerit, which helps owners find certified electricians and may qualify for utility rebates.

DC Fast Charging and Road Trips

The Bolt EV supports DC fast charging via CCS (Combined Charging System) ports. At a 50 kW fast charger, it can add 90 miles of range in 30 minutes. While this isn’t as fast as newer EVs with 150+ kW charging, it’s sufficient for most road trips. The MyLink navigation system includes a “Charge Point” feature that shows nearby fast chargers and estimates charging time based on your current battery level.

• Example: A 300-mile road trip from Chicago to Indianapolis required two 20-minute fast charges, with the Bolt EV arriving with 20% battery remaining.
• Tip: Use PlugShare or ChargePoint apps to find reliable public chargers and check for outages before you go.

Battery Longevity and Warranty

The 60 kWh battery is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), with a guarantee that it will retain at least 70% of its capacity during that time. In practice, Bolt EV batteries degrade slowly—typically 1–2% per year under normal use. Chevy also introduced a “Battery Health” app in 2019 that monitors cell balance and provides tips to extend battery life, such as avoiding frequent full charges and extreme temperatures.

Technology and Safety: Smart Features for a Connected World

The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV is packed with technology that enhances convenience, safety, and connectivity. From advanced driver aids to seamless smartphone integration, it’s designed to make every drive smarter and safer.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The MyLink infotainment system is the hub of the Bolt EV’s tech suite. The 10.2-inch touchscreen is crisp and responsive, with large icons and intuitive menus. Key features include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Full smartphone mirroring for calls, messages, and apps.
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot: Supports up to seven devices (subscription required).
• Wireless charging pad: Available on higher trims.
• Over-the-air updates: Chevy rolls out software improvements remotely, such as improved navigation and charging algorithms.

The Chevrolet Mobile App lets you remotely start the car, check battery status, pre-condition the cabin, and locate charging stations—all from your smartphone.

Driver Assistance and Safety Features

The Bolt EV comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of driver aids including:

• Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Following Distance Indicator
• IntelliBeam automatic high beams

Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera. The Bolt EV earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with the available LED headlights.

Tip: Enable “Following Distance Indicator” in heavy traffic to maintain a safe gap from the car ahead. It’s especially helpful during long commutes.

Ownership Experience: Cost of Ownership and Real-World Insights

Owning a 2019 Chevy Bolt EV goes beyond the sticker price. It’s about long-term savings, reliability, and the overall ownership experience. Here’s what you need to know.

Pricing and Incentives

The 2019 Bolt EV started at $36,620 for the base LT trim, with the Premier trim at $40,905. After the $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective price drops to $29,120 (LT) or $33,405 (Premier). Many states also offer additional incentives, such as California’s $2,000 Clean Vehicle Rebate and Colorado’s $5,000 tax credit.

Maintenance and Running Costs

EVs have fewer moving parts than gas cars, which translates to lower maintenance costs. The Bolt EV has no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Typical annual maintenance is limited to:

• Tire rotations (every 7,500 miles)
• Brake inspections (regenerative braking reduces wear)
• HVAC filter replacement (every 12 months)

Charging costs vary by region. On average, it costs $8–$12 to fully charge the Bolt EV at home (assuming $0.13/kWh). Over 15,000 miles, that’s about $450–$600 in electricity—less than half the cost of gas for a comparable ICE vehicle.

Reliability and Common Issues

The 2019 Bolt EV has proven reliable, with few widespread issues. However, some owners reported:

• Software glitches in early 2019 models: Fixed via over-the-air updates.
• Heated seat malfunctions: Covered under warranty.
• Battery pack recall (2021): GM replaced battery modules in all Bolt EVs (including 2019 models) due to fire risk. The fix has been 100% effective.

Overall, the Bolt EV ranks above average in reliability surveys, with a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 85/100.

Conclusion: Is the 2019 Chevy Electric Car Right for You?

The 2019 Chevy electric car—specifically the Bolt EV—represents a turning point in GM’s electrification journey. It’s not just a compliance vehicle; it’s a thoughtfully engineered, practical, and enjoyable EV that delivers on its promises. With 238 miles of range, fast charging capability, a spacious interior, and a price tag that fits most budgets, it’s a strong contender in the compact EV segment.

Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer, a city dweller looking for a nimble commuter, or a family seeking a reliable second car, the Bolt EV offers a compelling package. Its low running costs, minimal maintenance, and strong safety record make it a smart long-term investment. While newer EVs may offer faster charging or more range, the 2019 Bolt EV remains a benchmark for value and usability in the electric vehicle market. For drivers ready to embrace the future of mobility, the 2019 Chevy electric car is more than just a vehicle—it’s a gateway to a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient way to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the 2019 Chevy electric car?

The 2019 Chevy electric car, primarily the Bolt EV, offers a 238-mile range, fast-charging capability, and a spacious interior with advanced tech like Apple CarPlay and a 10.2-inch touchscreen. It also includes safety features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

How does the 2019 Chevy electric car perform compared to competitors?

The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV outperforms many rivals with its impressive range and affordable price tag, though it lacks the luxury feel of higher-end models like the Tesla Model 3. Its instant torque and smooth handling make it a standout in urban driving.

What is the charging time for the 2019 Chevy electric car?

The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV takes about 9 hours to fully charge using a Level 2 charger (240V), while DC fast charging can replenish 90 miles of range in just 30 minutes. Home charging with a standard outlet is significantly slower.

Does the 2019 Chevy electric car qualify for federal tax credits?

Yes, the 2019 Chevy Bolt EV was eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit at launch, though availability may vary depending on your state and purchase date. Check with your tax advisor for current incentives.

What is the range of the 2019 Chevy electric car in cold weather?

The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV’s range can drop by 30-40% in extreme cold due to battery efficiency loss and increased cabin heating use. Preconditioning the battery while plugged in helps mitigate this issue.

Is the 2019 Chevy electric car good for long road trips?

The 2019 Chevy Bolt EV’s 238-mile range and access to DC fast charging make it viable for long trips, though frequent charging stops are required. Its compact size and efficiency excel in stop-and-go traffic.