A new highway test suggests budget-conscious drivers may not have to sacrifice real-world usability to switch to an electric vehicle. The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, priced at under $30,000, delivers better highway range than its Environmental Protection Agency rating says, according to InsideEVs.
Here's what to know
Chevrolet's redesigned Bolt beat its EPA highway estimate in a 70 mph road test, covering 243 miles on a full charge. That put it 11 miles ahead of its rating.
Tom Moloughney, an InsideEVs contributor and host of the State of Charge (@StateOfChargeWithTomMoloughney) YouTube channel, ran the test on the New Jersey Turnpike, a route he regularly uses because early traffic is light and charging stations are easy to find. The car was a base LT on 17-inch wheels with the 65-kilowatt-hour LFP battery pack available across the lineup.
Conditions for the drive included tire pressures set to Chevrolet's recommendation, temperatures between 71 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and climate controls in the efficiency setting. When the run ended, the instrument cluster showed 1% battery and 2 miles of remaining range.
More background
Price is a major part of the Bolt's appeal. The 2027 model is the cheapest new EV on sale in the United States. It also improves on the previous version with added range, quicker charging, and more cabin technology, according to InsideEVs.
The Bolt carries an EPA combined estimate of 262 miles. For drivers who spend most of their time on freeways, though, the highway comparison may be the most useful benchmark.
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InsideEVs noted another point of comparison came from EV Motoring (@EVMotoring). In a 75 mph test of a similar Bolt, the channel recorded 197 miles of range and 2.8 miles per kilowatt-hour, while Moloughney's 70 mph run averaged 3.6 miles per kilowatt-hour.
EVs can save drivers money over time through lower fuel costs and reduced routine maintenance since they do not require oil changes and generally have fewer moving parts than gas vehicles.
The Bolt could make buying an electric vehicle more attainable for commuters and families trying to stretch their budgets.
Driving behavior affects range in any EV. High speeds, aggressive acceleration, and climate-control use can all reduce how far a charge will go.
Where can I learn more?
Highway driving is just one part of what makes an EV practical. The stories below look at ownership costs, home charging, and the savings that can add up over time.
• Across the U.S., AAA found EVs can cost less over time than gas cars.
• On Reddit, owners said cheap daily driving pushed them away from gas cars and toward EVs.
• At home, drivers call overnight Level 2 charging the easiest way to cut costs.
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