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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| City / Hwy MPG | 127 / 108 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 118 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $650 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $39,095–$43,475 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV earns a Recommended rating among the evs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.7/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.7/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.6/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $39,095–$43,475, 120 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Bolt EV sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The 8.7/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this ev delivers more than most of the class. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranks #143 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 47% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $39,095 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 26%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
Across the Bolt EV model years we've scored, the 2020 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $27,245 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $26,595 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $26,595 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $39,245 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $39,095 | |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $37,995 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $37,495 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $36,620 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Latches/locks/linkages / Doors / Latch 26/03/2020 · 20V184000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The door-handle cable inside the rear doors may be too long, allowing contact with the window when it is opened, possibly damaging the cable. A damaged cable may cause the… |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Disc / Caliper 22/12/2020 · 20V808000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. These vehicles may have an improperly cast front left brake caliper that can fracture during a high-pressure braking event. |
| Seat belts 23/12/2020 · 20V811000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500,… |
| Electrical system / Propulsion system / Traction battery 20/08/2021 · 21V650000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity. |
| Structure / Body / Roof and pillars 15/12/2022 · 22V930000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire. |
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
