2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Data Assessment

By Peter Tran, EditorUpdated October 16, 2026MethodologySources: EPA specifications, NHTSA records, modeled assumptions

Automated assessment, not a hands-on review. Reliability proxies do not predict breakdowns; running economics excludes purchase price and depreciation.

out of 100

#25 of 103 sedans · class median 61

Reliability proxies60

25% of overall

Efficiency60

25% of overall

Economics77

50% of overall

What these numbers mean for this model

This assessment uses the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV (Automatic (A1)) specification row: 259 miles rated range, 3.88 mi/kWh, and 65 kWh usable battery. It does not average every trim or model year. Its efficiency score is 60/100 within Sedan peers. Changing the available peer set can change its relative score.

Fuel comparison: Chevrolet Malibu, 32 MPG, in the same Sedan body class. Modeled annual fuel savings are $752; negative means the gas rival is cheaper to fuel. This is not an exact trim or purchase-price match. Local rates and charging habits can change the result; use the ownership calculator before making a purchase decision.

Evidence gaps

Recall records span available model-family records, not verified fleet exposure or complete year coverage. Check your VIN separately; zero stored recalls does not mean none exist.
A model-specific curated issue checklist is available; issue counts are not prevalence or failure rates.
Battery estimate: 1.8% per year, based on a model-level curve in our dataset, not a test of this car. The underlying curve is not independently verified here.
Charging speed is modeled from peak power; weather, battery temperature, and the charging curve can produce a different result.

Check EPA specifications Check NHTSA recalls by VIN Scoring formulas and assumptions

What drives the score

Reliability proxies — 60/100

Recorded recall campaigns13 campaigns 60

13 campaigns across 5 model years with records. Coverage and fleet exposure are unverified, so this metric is neutral (60), not a breakdown-rate estimate. Zero records does not establish reliability.

Documented owner issues1 major / 0 watch / 2 minor 60

Weighted from our hand-curated known-issues database for this model.

Battery degradation1.8% / yr 59

Model-level curve from our dataset; an estimate, not a test of this specific car.

Efficiency — 60/100

EPA efficiency3.88 mi/kWh 89

Miles per kWh vs other sedans. Drives every cost figure on this site.

EPA range259 mi 39

Rated combined range. Expect 20-30% less in freezing weather.

Fast-charge speed26 mi / 10 min 24

Modeled from peak 55 kW using a 72% taper assumption; not a measured charging test.

Economics — 77/100

Energy cost per mile6.0¢/mi 89

Scenario assumptions: 80% home at 17¢/kWh, 20% public DC at 48¢/kWh; not live rates.

Fuel savings vs gas rival$752/yr 44

Against the Chevrolet Malibu (32 MPG) at $3.92/gal, 12,000 mi/yr.

Modeled capacity-loss allowance$154/yr 87

Illustrative lost capacity × $132/kWh. Not a repair bill, replacement quote, resale loss, or probability of failure.

Road-trip charging cost$12.39 / 100 mi 89

Cost of 100 miles bought entirely at public DC fast chargers.

Ownership numbers at a glance

Energy cost per mile: 6.0¢
Annual energy cost (12k mi): $718
Fuel savings vs gas rival: $752/yr
Fast-charge speed: 26 mi per 10 min
Modeled capacity-loss allowance: $154
NHTSA recall campaigns: 13

Assumes 12,000 mi/yr, 80% home charging at $0.17/kWh and public DC at $0.48/kWh, gas at $3.92/gal. Scoring model v1.1.

Charging cost in your ZIP 5-year cost of ownership Real-world range Buyer's checklist & known issues