How many miles does a 2020 Chevy Bolt get on a full charge?
The 2020 Chevy Bolt EV is EPA-rated to travel about 238 miles on a full charge.
That figure represents an official laboratory estimate under defined testing conditions. In the real world, weather, driving style, and other factors can reduce or occasionally extend the range. This article explains the official rating, what influences it, and how to maximize efficiency.
Official EPA rating for the 2020 Bolt EV
The 2020 Bolt EV uses a 60 kWh battery pack and, according to the EPA, provides an estimated 238 miles of range on a single charge. This figure applies specifically to the standard Bolt EV; the Bolt EUV, which is a different model with its own rating, is rated differently (about 247 miles in its more recent iterations). When comparing ranges, verify the exact year and version of the vehicle.
What the rating means
EPA range is measured under controlled conditions: a midrange speed profile, moderate acceleration, and standard temperature. Real-world range will vary with climate, driving, load, and use of climate control.
What influences real-world range on a 2020 Bolt EV
Before listing the factors, it helps to understand why the miles per charge can differ from the EPA figure.
- Temperature and weather: Cold or hot conditions affect battery efficiency and HVAC energy use.
- Driving style and speed: Higher speeds and aggressive acceleration consume more energy.
- Terrain and elevation: Upgrades and hills reduce range compared to flat driving.
- Battery health and age: Older packs with reduced capacity yield fewer miles per charge.
- Tire pressure and rolling resistance: Underinflated tires increase energy draw.
- HVAC and other energy use: Heating or cooling the cabin can noticeably impact range, especially in extremes.
- Vehicle load and aerodynamics: Extra weight and roof racks increase drag and energy use.
In practice, drivers in temperate climates with conservative driving can expect numbers closer to the EPA estimate, while extreme conditions or heavy usage may reduce range significantly.
Tips to maximize range on a 2020 Bolt EV
To help stretch the miles per charge, consider these practical strategies. The following list covers common, actionable steps you can take in day-to-day use.
- Precondition the battery and cabin while the car is plugged in, so HVAC uses grid power rather than the battery when you start driving.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gently, anticipate traffic, and use regenerative braking where possible.
- Maintain a steady, moderate speed; use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for optimal efficiency.
- Limit extra weight and remove roof racks when not needed to reduce drag and energy use.
- Use Eco mode if available to maximize efficiency and limit climate control intensity.
- Plan charging stops and charge to about 80% for longer trips to shorten charging time and preserve battery life.
These practices can help you approach the EPA rating more consistently, though individual results will still vary by conditions and driving patterns.
Summary
For the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV, the official EPA-rated range on a full charge is 238 miles. Real-world mileage depends on weather, speed, terrain, and how the vehicle is used. By adopting energy-saving habits and planning charging stops, drivers can maximize the miles you can reliably get from a single charge.
