Electric vehicles have been a steadily growing market segment for the last decade. What once was a mostly vacant field filled with hybrids and various Tesla models is now bursting at the seams. Reputable auto manufacturers like Chevrolet, Ford, Volvo, Toyota, and Volkswagen have all made their own EVs.
The Chevy Bolt is one such EV, a crossover hatchback with an affordable price tag. How does Chevy’s offering stack up against the Tesla Model Y? Let’s take a look at the specs, tech, and everything else pertaining to these two vehicles to see who comes out on top.
Chevy Bolt vs Tesla Model Y: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chevy Bolt | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 247 miles | 330 miles |
| Battery Capacity | 66 kWh | 75 kWh |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Warranty | 5 years or 60k miles for the drivetrain | 8 years or 120k miles for the drivetrain |
| Charging Rate | 7 hours at 240 volts | 11.5 hours at 240 volts |
| Horsepower | 200hp | 425hp |
| Torque | 266 foot-lbs | 475 foot-lbs |
Chevy Bolt vs Tesla Model Y: What’s the Difference?
These electric vehicles do have a fair few similarities, but you can clearly see some deficiencies when it comes to performance on Chevy’s side of things. This is thanks in part to the Chevy Bolt being a weaker overall vehicle, but there is some reasoning behind that. These are both fairly solid showings for electric vehicles, even if the Bolt is a little less impressive than the Tesla Model Y.
Power
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The Chevy Bolt lacks the same torque and horsepower as the Tesla Model Y. It is fundamentally a smaller vehicle, operating as a crossover rather than a full-blown electric SUV.
Boasting only 200 horsepower, the Chevy Bolt is still a perfectly capable vehicle. Those looking for a daily driver likely won’t be disappointed by the actual performance of the Bolt. What it lacks in acceleration, it certainly makes up for in other areas.
The Tesla Model Y has double the horsepower of the Bolt, and is a better performance vehicle for those looking for commendable acceleration and driving comfort. The difference in the drivetrains in the vehicles is more pronounced, as well.
The Bolt operates as a front-wheel drive, compared to the Model Y’s all-wheel drive. Ostensibly, for those living in metropolitan areas, this doesn’t make much of a difference.
The operational range between the two vehicles is closer. The Model Y does have a battery with greater capacity and more operational range, but the Chevy Bolt is no slouch. Considering its own operational range of 247 miles on a full charge, it isn’t too much of a detriment in comparison to the 330 miles of the Model Y.
Pricing
The price is the largest difference between the two vehicles, aside from performance. The suggested retail price of the Model Y in its stock configuration is considerably loftier than the Bolt. At higher trim levels for the Model Y, you could effectively purchase multiple Chevy Bolts.
Tesla having such high pricing isn’t too terrible of a consideration, however. Yes, it may impact decisions in regard to financing plans or affordability. This does come with the addition of a more stout warranty overall.
The Bolt has an arguably inferior warranty package. At five years, or 60,000 miles, on the drivetrain, it doesn’t really stack up to the 120,000 miles, or eight years, offered by Tesla.
The Bolt is a cheaper vehicle, overall, coming in at nearly $18,000 less than the Model Y. For those looking for a daily driver with a reasonable price tag, the base trim level for the Bolt makes for a good choice.
Features
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The user interface of the Bolt is, overall, more cohesively designed than Tesla’s. Rather than relying on a singular large screen, there are multiple screens, each with its own useful information. Both have driving assistance, but the Bolt lacks an autonomous driving feature similar to the Tesla.
Chevy has packed some fairly smart tech into the Bolt, despite the cheaper price. A bevy of autonomous systems alert users to collisions, keep track of lanes and regulate high beams while driving in low light conditions.
Tesla has a more featured autonomous driving system; something Tesla has done work to pioneer in the last few years. Safety features also account for the 360-degree field of vision provided by Tesla’s array of sensors and cameras. Autopilot allows for autonomous driving, while also taking care to keep track of lanes, incoming traffic, and other factors.
Chevy Bolt vs Tesla Model Y: 6 Must-Know Facts
- Chevy Bolt is the most affordable American EV manufactured.
- Chevy Bolt is Chevy’s first true EV.
- Chevy Bolt has easy access to maintenance and repairs.
- Tesla is the most supported EV brand in the United States.
- Tesla Model Y can recharge 162 miles of range in 15 minutes with Tesla-supported chargers.
- Tesla Model Y has no physical controls for controlling vehicle functions.
Chevy Bolt vs Tesla Model Y: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
While Tesla has had the market edge for close to a decade, it’s hard to recommend it given its steadily growing price. There certainly is support across the country in terms of charging stations, but the Chevy can more easily be serviced at local dealerships. When considering electric vehicles, beyond just the range, it’s important to consider all aspects of owning a car.
Tesla has the upper hand on elements like cargo capacity, interior roominess, and autonomous features. The Chevy Bolt is an affordable entry EV from a reputable American auto manufacturer. Despite the high-tech features of the Tesla Model Y, the Bolt is more easily maintained and has more physical controls in the event of system failures.
Recent Technology Updates for the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model Y
Since February 2023, there have been technological advances for the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model Y, including:
- Improved Range: In June 2023, a software update for the Tesla Model Y improved the range and added a new autopilot feature.
- Energy-Saving Mode: After a software update in July 2023, the Chevy Bolt saw improved battery life and a new energy saving mode.
Possible Technology Advances for the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model Y
While planned technology advancements have not been announced for the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model Y, it is likely that you may see some or all of the following in the next six to 18 months:
- Improved battery technology: Since electric cars need efficient and affordable batteries, we can expect to see improvements in battery technology that electric cars more practical for everyday use.
- Faster charging speeds: We can expect to see faster charging speeds due to new charging technologies, including wireless charging and ultra-fast charging.
- More affordable prices: Due to increased competition as more companies enter the electric car market, prices are likely to come down on electric cars.
- New features and functionality: Some new features we can expect to see with electric cars include self-driving features and augmented reality navigation.
