Chevrolet 2020 Bolt EV – 259 Miles of Range Claimed

Energy Assist allows customers to view and search for scarce charging stations.

Starting with model year 2020, the Chevrolet Bolt EV will offer an EPA-estimated 259 miles of range on a full charge, a 21-mile increase over previous models. Be aware – as always – actual range will vary based on temperature, terrain, battery age and how a driver uses and maintains the Bolt.

Through Q2 2019 – the latest GM data available – Chevy has sold 8,281Volts compared to 7,858 for the same period a year earlier. Critics/cynics say this is an expensive hobby, not a business.

To achieve the possible increase, Chevrolet’s battery engineering team improved the energy of the cell electrodes by making small changes to the cell chemistry. This means there is no need to change the physical battery pack and the way it is integrated into the vehicle structure.

Currently original purchasers of new Bolt EVs have access to Chevrolet’s exclusive Energy Assist feature through the myChevrolet mobile app that requires active OnStar service and a compatible device. Of course, data rates apply.

Energy Assist allows customers to view and search for scarce charging stations, plan a trip with multiple waypoints and charging stops, monitor their route, and receive alerts if their destination becomes unreachable.

Last year, the myChevrolet (sic) mobile app was updated to enable smartphone projection of the Energy Assist feature to the vehicle’s infotainment system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for drivers with model year 2017 or newer Bolt EVs. (GM to Work with Evgo, ChargePoint, Greenlots on EV Charging)

Chevrolet recently announced a partnership with Qmerit that will enable EV owners a way to find and obtain quotes from certified electricians to install at-home charging equipment. Chevrolet is the first non-luxury car brand to offer this service, and it claims its partnership with Qmerit will provide customers with a more accessible at-home charging solution.

The 2020 Bolt EV will arrive in dealerships later this year with a starting MSRP of, gulp, $37,495 (including destination and freight charges, excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees). Additional changes include two new exterior colors: Cayenne Orange Metallic (additional cost option) and Oasis Blue.