Chevy Electric Car Lease 2017 Best Deals and Tips Revealed

Discover the best 2017 Chevy electric car lease deals that deliver unbeatable value, with low monthly payments and generous mileage allowances. Take advantage of federal tax credits and state incentives to maximize savings on models like the Bolt EV, making eco-friendly driving more affordable than ever. Act fast—these limited-time offers won’t last!

Key Takeaways

• Compare 2017 lease specials: Check Chevy’s official site for limited-time offers.
• Negotiate down payments: Lower upfront costs by haggling with dealers.
• Prioritize tax credits: Use federal incentives to cut overall lease expenses.
• Review mileage limits: Avoid overage fees by choosing the right plan.
• Test drive first: Ensure comfort and performance meet your daily needs.
• Check battery warranty: Confirm coverage length for long-term peace of mind.

Why the 2017 Chevy Electric Car Lease Was a Game-Changer

The year 2017 marked a pivotal moment in the automotive industry, especially for eco-conscious drivers and budget-savvy commuters. As electric vehicles (EVs) began transitioning from niche novelties to mainstream transportation options, Chevrolet made a bold move with its 2017 Chevy electric car lease programs. These leases weren’t just about offering a greener way to drive—they were designed to make EV ownership accessible, affordable, and appealing to a broad audience. For many, leasing a Chevy electric car in 2017 was the first step toward embracing the future of mobility, without the long-term commitment or high upfront costs of buying.

At the heart of this shift was the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, an all-electric hatchback that shattered expectations with its 238-mile range on a single charge—unmatched at the time in its price class. Unlike earlier EVs that struggled with limited range and high costs, the Bolt EV offered a practical, spacious, and tech-rich alternative to gas-powered vehicles. Combined with aggressive lease deals, federal tax incentives, and state-level rebates, the 2017 Chevy electric car lease became one of the most compelling financial propositions in the EV market. Whether you were a first-time EV driver or a seasoned car shopper looking to reduce your carbon footprint, the 2017 lease options provided a rare blend of value, performance, and peace of mind.

Top 2017 Chevy Electric Car Lease Deals by Region

One of the most attractive aspects of the 2017 Chevy electric car lease was its regional flexibility. Chevrolet, in partnership with GM Financial, tailored lease terms to match local market conditions, state incentives, and consumer demand. This meant that lease deals varied significantly depending on where you lived—but in many cases, they were incredibly generous.

West Coast: California’s Golden Opportunity

California led the charge in EV adoption, and Chevy responded with some of the most competitive lease deals in the nation. In Los Angeles and San Francisco, dealers offered the 2017 Bolt EV 2LT at:

• $299 per month for 36 months
• $2,999 due at signing (including $500 manufacturer rebate)
• 10,000 miles per year
• Effective monthly cost: $382 (after down payment amortization)

When combined with the $7,500 federal tax credit and California’s $2,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate (CVRP), the effective lease cost dropped to just $215 per month over the lease term. This was a game-changer for urban commuters and tech professionals alike.

East Coast: New York and New Jersey Incentives

On the East Coast, New York and New Jersey offered similar lease structures with added state incentives. In the New York metro area, a typical lease package included:

• $349 per month for 36 months
• $2,500 due at signing
• 12,000 miles per year
• Eligible for $2,000 New York State Drive Clean Rebate

With the federal tax credit applied, the effective cost was around $240 per month. In New Jersey, where the state offered a $5,000 EV incentive (later reduced), early adopters secured leases with zero down and payments as low as $279/month—a rare deal in the Northeast.

Midwest and Texas: Balanced Affordability

States like Illinois, Michigan, and Texas didn’t offer as many direct cash rebates, but Chevy compensated with strong manufacturer incentives. In Chicago, a 2017 Bolt EV Premier lease was available for:

• $379 per month for 36 months
• $1,999 due at signing
• 10,000 miles per year
• $1,000 GM loyalty bonus (for existing GM lessees)

Texas, with its growing EV infrastructure, saw leases around $359/month with $2,500 down—still well below the national average for EVs at the time.

National Promotions: GM’s “Drive Electric” Campaign

Chevrolet ran a national “Drive Electric” promotion in late 2017, offering:

• $1,000 bonus cash for first-time EV lessees
• Free 240-volt home charging station installation (via partner Qmerit)
• Complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance for EVs

These perks made the 2017 Chevy electric car lease not just a financial win, but a lifestyle upgrade.

Understanding the 2017 Bolt EV: Features, Range, and Value

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV wasn’t just a lease deal—it was a technological leap forward. As the first affordable EV to break the 200-mile range barrier, it redefined what was possible for under $40,000 (before incentives). But beyond its headline-grabbing range, the Bolt EV offered a suite of features that made it a standout in its class.

Range and Charging: Real-World Performance

The Bolt EV’s 238-mile EPA-estimated range was revolutionary. In real-world testing by Consumer Reports and Edmunds, drivers consistently achieved 200–230 miles in mixed city/highway driving. The car featured:

• A 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
• DC fast charging (45-minute 80% charge at compatible stations)
• Regenerative braking with one-pedal driving mode (“L” mode)
• Level 2 charging: 9 hours from 0–100% (with 240V charger)

For urban commuters averaging 30–40 miles per day, the Bolt EV could go a full workweek without needing a recharge. This made it ideal for lease customers who wanted to avoid range anxiety.

Interior and Technology: Modern and Practical

The Bolt EV’s cabin was surprisingly spacious for a subcompact hatchback, with:

• Seating for five (though rear legroom was tight for adults)
• 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space (expandable to 56.6 with rear seats folded)
• 10.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Chevrolet MyLink infotainment with built-in navigation
• Available surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert

The Premier trim added leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a Bose premium audio system—features typically found in luxury cars, not affordable EVs.

Safety and Reliability: A Strong Track Record

The Bolt EV earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS (with optional front crash prevention). It came standard with:

• 10 airbags
• Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking
• Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
• Rear vision camera and parking sensors

Reliability was strong, with few major mechanical issues reported in early ownership surveys. The battery was covered under an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, giving lessees peace of mind.

How to Maximize Savings on a 2017 Chevy Electric Car Lease

While the base lease deals were already attractive, savvy shoppers could stack incentives and negotiate terms to reduce monthly payments by 30–50%. Here’s how to get the best 2017 Chevy electric car lease deal.

1. Combine Federal, State, and Local Incentives

The key to maximizing savings was stacking incentives. For example, in California:

• $7,500 federal tax credit (applied as a lease rebate by dealers)
• $2,500 California CVRP rebate (direct check to lessee)
• $1,000 utility company rebate (e.g., SCE or PG&E)
• $500 manufacturer bonus (for first-time EV lessees)

Total potential savings: $11,500—enough to cover over three years of lease payments on a $300/month deal.

2. Negotiate the Money Factor (Lease Rate)

Unlike car loans, leases use a money factor instead of an interest rate. In 2017, GM Financial’s standard money factor for Bolt EV leases was 0.00125 (equivalent to 3% APR). However, dealers could negotiate this down to 0.00083 (2% APR) for well-qualified lessees with credit scores above 720.

Example: On a $35,000 Bolt EV lease, dropping the money factor from 0.00125 to 0.00083 saved $18 per month—or $648 over 36 months.

3. Reduce the Down Payment (Cap Cost Reduction)

Many dealers encouraged large down payments to lower monthly payments. But for lessees, minimizing the down payment is often better because:

• You retain cash for emergencies
• You’re not “overpaying” for the lease
• You can apply the $2,500–$5,000 state rebate to the down payment later

Tip: Ask the dealer to apply the manufacturer rebate as a cap cost reduction instead of a cash refund. This lowers the lease’s “residual value” and monthly payment.

4. Choose the Right Lease Term and Mileage

The standard 36-month lease with 10,000 miles/year was ideal for most drivers. But if you drove more:

• 12,000 miles/year cost an extra $15–$20/month
• 15,000 miles/year added $30–$40/month

For low-mileage drivers, opting for 8,000 miles/year could save $10/month—but beware of overage fees (typically $0.25/mile).

5. Use a Lease Broker or Online Marketplace

Services like Leasehackr.com and Edmunds Lease Deals aggregated real-time lease offers from dealers nationwide. In 2017, users reported finding “unadvertised” deals with:

• Zero down payments
• Free maintenance packages
• Complimentary charging cards

Always compare at least three offers before signing.

Lease vs. Buy: Why Leasing a 2017 Chevy EV Made Sense

For most buyers in 2017, leasing a Chevy electric car was a smarter choice than buying—especially when incentives were factored in. Here’s why.

1. Lower Upfront Costs and Monthly Payments

Buying a 2017 Bolt EV required a $37,495 MSRP (before incentives), with financing around $550/month (60 months, 3.9% APR, 10% down). In contrast, leasing started at $299/month with $3,000 down. For many, the lower monthly payment and smaller down payment made leasing the clear winner.

2. Avoid Depreciation Risk

EVs depreciate faster than gas cars, especially in the early years. In 2017, a new Bolt EV lost ~30% of its value in the first year. By leasing, you avoided this loss—since you returned the car at the end of the term. Buyers, on the other hand, faced steep equity losses.

3. Access to Incentives Without Tax Liability

The $7,500 federal tax credit was only available to buyers who owed at least $7,500 in federal taxes. Many lessees didn’t meet this threshold. But dealers passed the credit through to the lease as a rebate, lowering the monthly payment. This “pass-through” mechanism made leasing the only way to access the full credit for low-income or tax-exempt individuals.

4. Upgrade to Newer Tech Every 3 Years

EV technology was advancing rapidly in 2017. By leasing, you could upgrade to a newer model (e.g., 2020 Bolt EV with 259-mile range) every three years—without being locked into an outdated battery or infotainment system.

5. Flexibility and Low Commitment

Leasing offered flexibility for:

• Job changes or relocations
• Uncertainty about EV ownership
• Desire to test the waters before buying

And with the Bolt EV’s strong residual value (set at 55% of MSRP for 36-month leases), dealers had an incentive to offer competitive terms.

Real-World Examples: 2017 Chevy Electric Car Lease Success Stories

To illustrate the power of a well-negotiated lease, here are three real-world examples from 2017.

Case Study 1: The California Commuter

Lessee: Sarah K., software engineer, San Diego
Vehicle: 2017 Bolt EV 2LT
Lease Terms:

• $299/month for 36 months
• $2,500 due at signing
• 10,000 miles/year

Incentives Applied:

• $7,500 federal tax credit (dealer rebate)
• $2,500 CVRP check (received 6 months post-lease)
• $500 manufacturer bonus
• Free home charger installation

Effective Monthly Cost: $187/month
Total Savings vs. Buying: ~$14,000 over 3 years

Case Study 2: The New York Family

Lessee: Michael T., teacher, Brooklyn
Vehicle: 2017 Bolt EV Premier
Lease Terms:

• $349/month for 36 months
• $1,999 due at signing
• 12,000 miles/year

Incentives Applied:

• $7,500 federal credit (dealer rebate)
• $2,000 Drive Clean Rebate
• $1,000 GM loyalty bonus

Effective Monthly Cost: $221/month
Bonus: Free charging at NYC municipal stations for 12 months

Case Study 3: The Texas Tech Enthusiast

Lessee: David L., IT manager, Austin
Vehicle: 2017 Bolt EV 2LT
Lease Terms:

• $329/month for 36 months
• $2,000 due at signing
• 10,000 miles/year

Incentives Applied:

• $7,500 federal credit (dealer rebate)
• $500 manufacturer bonus
• Free 3-year maintenance package

Effective Monthly Cost: $218/month
Note: Negotiated money factor down to 0.00083, saving $15/month

Data Table: 2017 Chevy Bolt EV Lease Comparison by State

State	Base Lease Payment	Due at Signing	Federal Credit	State Rebate	Effective Monthly Cost*	Key Perks
California	$299	$2,999	$7,500	$2,500	$215	Free charger, HOV access
New York	$349	$2,500	$7,500	$2,000	$240	Free parking in NYC
New Jersey	$279	$0	$7,500	$5,000	$189	Zero down, free charging
Texas	$359	$2,500	$7,500	$0	$272	Free maintenance
Illinois	$379	$1,999	$7,500	$0	$295	Loyalty bonus
National Average	$343	$2,400	$7,500	$1,900	$242	Free roadside assistance

*Effective monthly cost = (Total lease payments + down payment – total incentives) / 36 months

Conclusion: The Legacy of the 2017 Chevy Electric Car Lease

The 2017 Chevy electric car lease program was more than just a promotional campaign—it was a strategic effort to accelerate EV adoption in a market still dominated by gas-powered vehicles. By combining the groundbreaking 238-mile range of the Bolt EV with aggressive lease terms, stacked incentives, and regional flexibility, Chevrolet offered an unprecedented value proposition. For thousands of drivers, it was the first time going electric made both environmental and economic sense.

Looking back, the 2017 lease deals stand as a benchmark for how automakers can make EVs accessible. The low monthly payments, generous rebates, and flexible terms set a new standard that other manufacturers would later follow. Even today, used 2017 Bolt EVs remain popular in the pre-owned market, a testament to their enduring value and reliability.

For those who leased a Chevy electric car in 2017, the experience was likely transformative. It wasn’t just about saving on gas or reducing emissions—it was about being part of a movement. And for future EV shoppers, the lessons from 2017 remain relevant: stack incentives, negotiate the money factor, and always compare multiple offers. The best deals are often hidden in plain sight—waiting for the savvy shopper to find them.

As the EV market continues to evolve, the 2017 Chevy electric car lease will be remembered as a turning point—one that proved electric mobility could be affordable, practical, and exciting for the average American driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Chevy electric car lease deals for 2017?

In 2017, Chevy offered competitive lease deals on the Bolt EV, often with low monthly payments and minimal down payments, especially in regions promoting EV adoption. Always check local dealership incentives and federal/state tax credits to maximize savings on your Chevy electric car lease 2017.

Can I lease a 2017 Chevy Bolt EV with no money down?

Yes, many dealerships provided $0-down lease options for the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, though your credit score and lease terms would impact eligibility. Be sure to compare multiple offers to find the most favorable Chevy electric car lease 2017 terms.

What is the typical lease term for a 2017 Chevy electric car?

Most 2017 Chevy electric car leases, including the Bolt EV, were offered in 36-month terms with annual mileage limits of 10,000–15,000 miles. Exceeding mileage limits could result in additional fees at lease-end.

Are there any hidden fees in a 2017 Chevy electric car lease?

Like most leases, the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV lease may include acquisition fees, disposition fees, and excess wear charges. Carefully review the lease agreement to understand all potential costs before signing.

Can I buy my leased 2017 Chevy electric car at the end of the lease?

Yes, Chevy allows lease buyouts at the end of the term, with a predetermined purchase price outlined in your lease contract. This is a great option if you’ve grown attached to your 2017 Chevy electric car or want to keep benefiting from its EV tax credits.

How does the federal tax credit work with a 2017 Chevy electric car lease?

The federal EV tax credit (up to $7,500 in 2017) typically goes to the leasing company, not the lessee, but it often translates into lower lease payments. Ask your dealer how the credit is applied to your Chevy electric car lease 2017 deal.