Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
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 →
How It Ranks Among EVs
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%.
$0 — 8 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Bolt EV Year Should You Buy?
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.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 120 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV (8 on record)
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 with our free VIN recall checker.
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.
Own a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV reliable?
We rate the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV's reliability 7.7/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #143 of 268 evs in our database (better than 47% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV cost?
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV starts at $39,095 and ranges up to $43,475 across trims (MSRP when new). At 120 MPG, expect roughly $438/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Bolt EV years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 8 Bolt EV model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.6/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Latches/locks/linkages, Service brakes, hydraulic, Seat belts, Electrical system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Chevrolet Bolt EV
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Similar EV to Consider
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
