2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

A massive $2 billion setback recently halted production on the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Lasting from the end of August through mid-September of 2021, the shutdown on production was due to a number of battery fires that was already compounded by a global computer chip shortage. With all of these hassles at hand, it will be a wonder if the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV makes a strong comeback for the rest of the model year.

The news actually is not all bad for the Bolt EV. Or, for that matter, for Chevy. They're still looking to beef up their line of EVs. They're just having to make some big changes to their current LG batteries, which are making the cells responsible for the fires in the Bolt EV. And, yes, all Bolt EVs ever made are now being recalled because of this issue.

Aside from this massive recall, the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV is an efficient daily driver with its impressive 250-plus miles of all-electric range. Its cabin is quite spacious, and its acceleration is surprisingly swift for an EV. On the downside, though, the cargo space you receive feels cramped. And, while going on rougher pavement surfaces, the ride quality can get pretty choppy. On top of that, there is no federal tax credit to take some of the financial burden off of buyers anymore.

If you log on to the Bolt EV's page, you will read words like "redesigned". What's new for 2022? Its styling cues have been updated, as have the infotainment interface and front seats. Newly available is adaptive cruise control, and wireless smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard.

Is the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV a vehicle you should consider getting, recall and chip shortage aside? Or should you pass and check out a different EV altogether? Read on to gain some clarity for your final purchasing decision.

Compare the 1LT vs 2LT Trims. What is the difference?

Fortunately for those who hate being inundated with half a dozen or more trim level choices, GM sticks to just two for the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV: the 1LT and 2LT. Both have an estimated 259 miles of all electric charge from their standard 11.5-kW charging module. For a single hour of charge with a 240-volt, 48-amp charging unit in use, this comes out to approximately 37 miles of range. The standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) work to lessen the amount of wheel-lockup the vehicle experiences, and it will maintain the steering column while pressing hard on the brakes on slippery road surfaces.

DC fast charging is available so that you can charge the Bolt EV at DC Fast Charging stations. In just 30 minutes, this creates 95 miles of charge. There is also a dual-level charge cord available. This changeable attachment can be plugged in for either 120-volt (Level 1) or 240-volt (Level 2) charging capability. Use the 120-volt three-prong outlet for Level 1 charging or simply switch the ends to plug the cord into a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet, which will charge at up to 7.7kW Level 2 charging. Level 1 charges at about 4 miles of range per hour while Level 2 can manage approximately 25 miles of range per hour.

The standard electric drive unit gets 200 hp (or 150 kW) of motoring power and 266 lb-ft (360 N-m) of motoring torque. This amount of power surprisingly takes the Bolt EV from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 7 seconds flat - a good showing indeed for this segment.

You also get a standard electronic precision shift with One Pedal Driving mode. This set-up has a button and switch-based drive unit interface, and the button allows for One Pedal Driving that remains active between each drive. One Pedal Driving enhances regenerative braking, capturing the energy created and returning it back to the battery. Press your foot down as normal when you want to speed up, then, when you want to slow down, just lift your foot off of the accelerator. Of course, if you need to make an immediate stop, use your brake pedal.

There is also a standard electronic parking brake that will automatically detect if the Bolt EV is on an incline. Keyless start and push button start are standard too. A lithium-ion battery is included, although as already mentioned, that is undergoing a massive recall and will likely be different once the recall is complete. The Regen on Demand steering wheel paddle has on-demand activation of the regenerative brakes to recapture lost energy. StabiliTrak - the electronic stability control system with traction control - is standard as well.

Alike under the hood, are the 1LT and 2LT at all distinguishable on the outside? Well, yes, sort of. The 1LT comes with 17-inch Silver painted aluminum wheels with optional 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with carbon flash painted pockets. The 2LT only equips the latter. Some other standard exterior features include LED headlights and taillights and solar absorbing glass.

Available packages on the 1LT - which are made standard in the 2LT - include the Convenience Package and the Driver Confidence Package. The Convenience Package equips Jet Black/Nightshift Blue leather-appointed seating, ventilation on both front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and 17-inch Dark Android painted aluminum wheels with Silver painted inserts. Driver Confidence adds rear parking assist, a rear cross-traffic alert, and an included side blind zone alert with the lane change warning.

The 2LT lets you opt for the Infotainment Package, which includes a 7-speaker premium Bose sound system with a subwoofer, wireless charging, and two USB charge-only ports in the rear.

Inside, you will find quite a few of the same safety, infotainment, and convenience features on both trims. But the 2LT does equip more. Both come with ten airbags in total for maximum protection in the event of a crash. You also get Wi-Fi hotspot capability, a 6-speaker sound system, a 6-way manual front passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, automatic climate control, and a cabin air filter. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system with a 10.2-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen display gives you access to AM/FM radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and phone calling, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Cloud connection, in-vehicle app capability, and voice recognition. Cruise control also comes equipped.

On the 2LT, the 8-way power adjustable driver's seat is standard. Adaptive cruise control is available, and you also get standard ambient interior lighting. Also equipped is the automatic heated steering wheel. The premium 7-speaker Bose sound system and one Type-A and one Type-C USB ports at the rear of the center console are optional.

Both trim levels come with a driver information center with an 8-inch display, dual front visors, a false cargo floor for extra storage, and front carpeted floor mats. The 2LT adds a front seatback map pocket. The 1LT has a standard HD rear vision camera, but the one on the 2LT gets wrapped in with a HD surround view system. The available heated front seats on the 1LT are standard on the 2LT. Keyless open and start come on both vehicles. The LATCH system, location-based charging, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a manually tilting and telescoping steering wheel are also standard.

There are programmable power door locks and power windows. You also get a rear cargo cover, rear carpeted floor mats, and child locks on the rear doors. The 2LT includes a rear center armrest. Each trim has rear heating ducts for optimal air flow, and you get remote keyless entry and remote start for quick and comfortable access. The 1LT has standard cloth seating, but the 2LT upgrades you to some breathable perforated leather-appointed seat trim. SiriusXM is standard with 360L trial subscription. Sport Mode is included in the drive modes, and you get multiple controls mounted onto the steering wheel for easy access.

The Teen Driver feature lets you customize settings linked to a key fob to encourage safe driving from your teen. It can limit certain features by turning them off or on. There is also an in-vehicle report card that displays your teen's driving habits.

Tire fill alert, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a vehicle efficiency display round out the list of standard features for the cabin.

So, what kind of safety features will you find on the Bolt EV? There are quite a few. Both the 1LT and 2LT come with emergency braking that is automatic, OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services capability, a pedestrian safety signal, signature LED daytime running lights with sequential turn signals included in the design, StabiliTrak, and Chevy Safety Assist. Chevy Safety Assist gives the vehicle the automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, pedestrian braking for the front of the vehicle, an indicator that tells the following distance, lane departure warning with the lane keep assist function, and automatic high beams (known as IntelliBeam). The 2LT standardizes rear park assist, which is available on the 1LT if you want to opt for it.

Final Thoughts

Now, it is time for some final recommendations. When it comes to deciding which trim level you want to buy, you have to consider the vehicle's price point. Affordability is probably why you are buying the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV - that, and its long electric range. That is why you might want to stick with the 1LT trim level and just equip a few things. The Convenience Package and Driver Confidence Package are the two packages you will likely want to add on since they give the 1LT more helpful features. They're especially handy if you live in a place where the winters can be chilly.

The 2LT trim level is not that much of a price jump over the 1LT where most folks cannot justify buying it. It might be within some folks' budgets, but likely not everyone's. But, if you highly prefer leather over cloth seats and want a few more standard and optional features, the 2LT is a decent trim level too.

The thing to be aware of is that there has been a delay in manufacturing due to the defective battery cells. Since they could potentially cause fires under the hood, Chevy had to place a hold on construction. So, if you encounter a delay in getting into the seat of a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV, do not be surprised. That computer chip shortage is not helping matters much either.

All in all, the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV is a practical daily driver. You can easily store a few pieces of luggage and a bag of golf clubs in the cargo area and take off for a road trip. You just have to understand that you will not find fast chargers in most places, so be prepared for slower charging times with the included cord. But, as far as EVs go, the Bolt EV recharges more quickly than others in its segment thanks to some updates from Chevy. Recall aside, if you do a lot of commuter driving, it is worthy of some consideration.