2026 Chevy Bolt EV – Full Specs, Battery, and Range Details – The electric vehicle market is buzzing with excitement as Chevrolet gears up to revive one of its most beloved affordable EVs. The 2026 Chevy Bolt EV—the next-generation iteration arriving in early 2026—promises to blend affordability, efficiency, and modern tech into a compact hatchback that’s perfect for urban commuters and weekend adventurers alike. After a brief hiatus, this refreshed Bolt returns with a sleeker design, smarter battery tech, and enhanced range that addresses real-world driving needs. Whether you’re ditching gas pumps for good or just dipping your toes into EVs, the 2026 Bolt EV stands out for its value-packed punch. In this guide, we’ll dive into the full specs, spotlight the battery and range details, and explore why this little electric powerhouse could be your next daily driver.
Design and Exterior: Compact, Stylish, and Practical
The 2026 Chevy Bolt EV retains its iconic hatchback silhouette but gets a modern facelift that turns heads without sacrificing practicality. Measuring 169.6 inches in length with a 105.3-inch wheelbase, it’s nimble enough for city parking but spacious for road trips. At 63.9 inches tall and with 5.6 inches of ground clearance, it handles light urban obstacles with ease.
Key exterior highlights include:
- Refreshed front and rear fascias with sleek LED lighting for a more aggressive stance.
- Seven vibrant color options, such as Habanero Orange and exclusive Atomic Yellow on the sporty RS trim.
- 17-inch aluminum wheels in multiple finishes, including gloss black on the RS for added flair.
For enthusiasts, the new RS trim introduces roof rails and unique badging, making it ideal for light cargo like bikes or kayaks. Tip: If you’re in a snowy region, opt for the RS’s black wheels—they pair well with all-season tires for better winter traction. This design evolution keeps the Bolt’s fun-to-drive ethos while nodding to Chevy’s bolder EV lineup, like the Equinox EV.
Interior and Comfort: Driver-Focused Space for Everyday Wins
Step inside the 2026 Bolt EV, and you’ll find a cabin that’s been reimagined for comfort and connectivity. The column shifter frees up console space, boosting front legroom to an impressive 44.3 inches. With 96.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, it’s family-friendly without feeling cramped.
Comfort features at a glance:
- Evotex seating (a durable, leather-like alternative) with heated front seats standard; ventilated options available.
- Ample storage, including a redesigned center console that fits oversized tumblers and a passenger dash pocket for quick grabs.
- Optional panoramic sunroof to flood the space with natural light.
Cargo versatility shines here: 16.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats expands to 56.3 cubic feet when folded—enough for a weekend’s groceries or a set of golf clubs. Practical insight: Use the flat-folding seats for bulky items like camping gear; the low load floor makes lifting a breeze, reducing strain on your back during loading.
Powertrain and Performance: Peppy and Efficient
Under the hood (or rather, the floor), the 2026 Bolt EV packs a single-motor setup delivering 210 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. This front-wheel-drive configuration hits 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds, making it surprisingly sprightly for merging onto highways.
Performance perks include:
- A permanent magnet motor with segmented magnets to cut energy loss and heat.
- One-Pedal Driving mode for seamless stops and starts, perfect for stop-and-go traffic.
- Blended regenerative braking that recaptures energy smoothly, mimicking a traditional drive feel.
Weighing in at 3,776 pounds, it feels balanced and responsive. For car buffs, the 11.59:1 final drive ratio optimizes low-end torque for hill climbs. Example: On a 200-mile coastal drive, gentle acceleration can squeeze extra miles from the battery—try maintaining 55-65 mph for optimal efficiency.
Battery and Range: Reliable Power for Real Life
At the heart of the 2026 Chevy Bolt EV is its upgraded 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a shift from nickel-based packs for better longevity and cost savings. This prismatic-cell design is more stable in extreme temperatures and requires less cooling, meaning fewer range dips on hot summer days.
The standout stat? A GM-estimated 255-mile range on a single charge, enough for the average American’s 42-mile daily commute with plenty left for errands. Backed by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, it’s built to last.
| Battery Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 65 kWh (LFP chemistry) |
| Range | 255 miles (GM-estimated) |
| Efficiency Factors | Temperature-optimized; preconditioning adds up to 10% more range in cold weather |
| Real-World Tip | Charge to 100% weekly for calibration—apps like Google Maps will alert you to precondition based on your route. |
This battery’s resilience shines in mixed driving: Highway hauls might net 220-240 miles, while city zipping could push closer to 270. Pro tip: Park in shade during summer to preserve 5-10% extra range by avoiding heat soak.
Charging Capabilities: Faster and More Accessible
Gone are the days of marathon charging sessions. The 2026 Bolt EV supports 150 kW DC fast charging, zipping from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes—over 2.5 times quicker than its predecessor. At home, the native NACS port (Tesla’s standard) opens doors to Superchargers and 250,000+ public stations.
Charging breakdown:
- Level 1 (120V outlet): ~4 miles/hour—great for overnight top-ups.
- Level 2 (240V, 7.7 kW): ~26 miles/hour—install a wallbox for daily routines.
- Level 2 (11.5 kW): ~40 miles/hour—ideal for apartments with shared stations.
Bonus: Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capability lets it power your house during outages (with GM Energy gear). Insight: Schedule charges during off-peak hours via the myChevrolet app to slash electricity bills by 20-30% in utility programs.
Technology and Infotainment: Google-Powered Smarts
The 2026 Bolt EV’s tech suite feels premium without the price tag. An 11.3-inch touchscreen runs Google built-in, integrating Maps, Assistant, and Play Store apps for seamless navigation that factors in your battery level.
Standout features:
- Hey Google voice commands for climate tweaks or calling home.
- 11-inch driver display customizable for speed, range, or media.
- Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging for up to four devices.
For entertainment, stream Netflix or play games while parked. Enthusiast note: Super Cruise hands-free driving (late availability) uses the nav to suggest charging stops—test it on interstates for stress-free 200-mile legs.
Safety Features: Over 20 Layers of Protection
Chevy doesn’t skimp on safety, loading the Bolt EV with over 20 standard driver aids. From Adaptive Cruise Control to Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, it’s engineered for confidence.
Core safety tech:
- Blind Zone Steering Assist and Lane Keep Assist for highway peace of mind.
- HD Surround Vision (available) for 360-degree parking views.
- Tire pressure alerts with fill guidance.
In practice, these features reduce fatigue on long drives—pair with the Rear Seat Reminder to never forget a kid or pet.
Pricing and Availability: Affordable Entry to EVs
Starting at $28,595 for the LT trim (plus $1,395 destination), the 2026 Bolt EV undercuts rivals while packing premium perks. The RS jumps to $31,600, adding sporty accents. Expect Q1 2026 deliveries from Chevy dealers.
Budget tip: Factor in federal tax credits (up to $7,500) to drop effective cost below $22,000—check eligibility via the IRS site.
Wrapping Up: Why the 2026 Chevy Bolt EV Delivers
The 2026 Chevy Bolt EV isn’t just a comeback story—it’s a refined, accessible EV that nails the basics while whispering “upgrade” through every feature. With its robust LFP battery, impressive 255-mile range, and blistering charge times, it empowers drivers to go farther, cheaper, and greener. Whether you’re a first-time EV owner or a seasoned gearhead, this Bolt proves electric doesn’t have to mean extravagant.
Key Specs Summary Table
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $28,595 (LT); $31,600 (RS) |
| Battery | 65 kWh LFP; 8-yr/100k-mile warranty |
| Range | 255 miles (GM-est.) |
| Charging | 150 kW DC (10-80% in 26 min); NACS port |
| Performance | 210 hp / 169 lb-ft; 0-60 in ~7 sec |
| Dimensions | 169.6″ L x 69.7″ W x 63.9″ H |
| Cargo Space | 16.2–56.3 cu ft |
| Tech Highlights | 11.3″ Google infotainment; Super Cruise (opt.) |
| Safety | 20+ standard aids (e.g., Adaptive Cruise) |
