How much is a new 2017 Chevy Bolt?

A new 2017 Chevy Bolt EV started around $37,495 before destination charges and incentives, with higher trims closer to $41,000. Eligible buyers could significantly reduce the out‑of‑pocket cost with the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500, plus possible state rebates. Actual prices varied by trim, options, dealer promotions, and location.

Pricing by trim

Here are the official MSRPs for the 2017 Bolt EV by trim level, noting that destination charges were added on top in most configurations.

1. LT: MSRPs around $37,495 before destination charges.


2. Premier: MSRPs around $41,780 before destination charges.

Prices shown reflect manufacturer MSRPs; the final sticker price at a dealership typically includes the destination charge (roughly $875 for 2017), taxes, dealer fees, and any options or packages.

Incentives and how they affect the price

To help buyers lower the cost, several incentives were available in 2017. The federal government offered a tax credit of up to $7,500 for eligible electric vehicles, including the Bolt. This credit reduces the amount of tax owed rather than the up‑front price at the dealership, so the effect depends on a buyer’s tax liability. The credit for General Motors‑built EVs began to phase out after the manufacturer reached certain sales milestones, which could reduce the credit in later years. In addition to the federal credit, many states and localities offered their own rebates or credits, which varied widely.

Federal and state incentive details

1. Federal EV tax credit: Up to $7,500 for eligible buyers. This is a tax credit, not an instant dealer discount, and it depends on the buyer’s tax situation. GM’s eligibility for the full credit could have phased out for some buyers in the years after 2017 as the manufacturer’s cumulative EV sales crossed certain thresholds.


2. State and local incentives: Availability varied by state and city, with some programs offering rebates, tax credits, or reduced registration fees for BEVs in 2017. These programs often had caps and deadlines.


3. Dealer promotions and financing: In addition to rebates, dealers sometimes offered their own savings, financing deals, or lease specials that could shave hundreds or thousands of dollars off the out‑of‑pocket cost when combined with incentives.

Concluding note: The real‑world price a buyer paid in 2017 depended on combining the base price with destination charges, applying the federal credit (when eligible), stacking state incentives where available, and negotiating with the dealer on promotions or financing terms. The outcome could range from the mid‑$20s to the low‑$30s in terms of effective purchase price for the most favorable combinations.

Warranty and ownership costs

Chevrolet provided a standard new‑vehicle warranty along with a robust battery warranty for the Bolt EV. The battery was covered under an 8‑year/100,000‑mile warranty, while the basic bumper‑to‑bumper warranty was typically 3 years/36,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty generally extended to 5 years/60,000 miles. Real ownership costs also depended on factors like charging equipment, electricity prices, and maintenance needs, which for BEVs tend to be lower than for internal‑combustion engines in some categories.

What this meant for buyers in 2017

For someone shopping in 2017, the Bolt offered a relatively affordable entry into long‑range electric driving with a compelling test case: a vehicle that combined practical daily range with a price that could be favorable after incentives. The key to a good deal was understanding the trim differences, calculating the up‑front price including destination charges, and layering on any federal and state incentives while considering potential dealer promotions.

Summary

The 2017 Bolt EV began at about $37,495 before destination charges, with higher trims near $41,000. The federal tax credit of up to $7,500 could substantially reduce the cost for eligible buyers, and state incentives varied by location. Destination charges, taxes, and dealer promotions all influenced the final price. For buyers in 2017, the Bolt represented a strong value proposition among early long‑range electric vehicles, especially when incentives and promotions were stacked thoughtfully.

What is the value of a 2017 Chevy Bolt?

The value of a used 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV ranges from $4,886 to $13,448, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

Is the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV reliable?

The reliability of the 2017 Chevy Bolt is mixed due to a major battery fire recall that affected many vehicles. While many owners reported satisfaction after the recall and battery replacement, common issues include the EV battery itself, display screen freezes, and the 12V battery failing. Owners who had the battery replaced reported their cars ran smoothly afterward.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV after 130,000 miles: 1mTransport EvolvedYouTube · Jan 16, 2025
Key reliability points for the 2017 Chevy Bolt:

• Battery Recall: The most significant issue is the potential for battery fires, especially when the battery is fully or almost fully charged. A recall for models from 2017 to 2019 (and some later years) was issued, requiring many batteries to be replaced. It's critical to check if a specific vehicle has had its battery replaced under the recall. 
• Common Issues:
  • EV Battery: Beyond the recall, some owners have reported issues requiring battery replacement. 
  • Display Screen: The display screen has been known to freeze. 
  • 12V Battery: Some owners have reported the 12V battery wearing out prematurely or failing without warning, which can prevent the car from starting or shifting gears, according to this YouTube video and Reddit users. 
• Positive Feedback:
  • Many owners, particularly after the battery recall was resolved, report satisfaction and that their cars run smoothly. 
  • J.D. Power gave the 2017 Bolt a great rating for quality and reliability based on owner surveys. 
  • Minimal maintenance beyond tires and air filters has been reported by some owners, notes this YouTube video. 

In summary
The 2017 Chevy Bolt's reliability is heavily dependent on whether its battery recall has been addressed. If the battery has been replaced, many owners find it to be a reliable vehicle with other minor issues, but if not, it carries a significant fire risk.

What year is the bad Chevy Bolt?

The Chevy Bolt years to avoid are generally considered to be the 2017-2019 models due to the risk of battery fires, with the 2020 and 2021 models also impacted by the same recall, although to a lesser extent. These models require careful checking of the battery's recall status, as they were subject to recalls for battery-related issues that could lead to fires. The 2022 and 2023 models are considered more reliable, but some early 2022s may have had issues until production changes were implemented in the spring of 2022. 
Years to be cautious about

• 2017-2022 (Bolt EV) and 2022 (Bolt EUV): These are the models covered by the main battery recall that aimed to address the risk of battery fires. 
• 2017-2019: These years had widespread battery issues that led to a full recall and replacement of the battery pack for many vehicles. 
• 2020-2021: Some models from these years were also part of the recall, though their original batteries were slightly different than the 2017-2019 models. 
• Early 2022: Some early production 2022 models may have had issues before the production changes were made around April 2022. 

How to mitigate risk

• Check for recall completion: Verify that the battery recall has been fully addressed for any used Bolt you are considering. A vehicle with a newly replaced battery pack is a safer bet. 
• Review maintenance records: Look for any documentation that shows the battery replacement has been completed. A Carfax report can be helpful for this purpose. 
• Avoid models with unresolved issues: If a seller can't provide proof of a new battery pack or has a car with unresolved recall issues, it's best to avoid buying it. 
• Consider later models: The 2023 and later models are generally considered more reliable as they have benefited from the production changes and fixes made to the batteries. 

What is the lifespan of a Chevy Bolt battery?

A Chevy Bolt's battery can last 10–20 years or over 100,000 miles, with most owners not needing a replacement within the 8-year/100,000-mile warranty period. Factors like driving habits, climate, and charging habits significantly influence battery life. To maximize battery life, it's recommended to keep the charge between 20% and 80%, avoid frequent DC fast charging, and limit exposure to extreme temperatures. 
This video explains how to monitor your Chevy Bolt's battery health and potential degradation: 53sThatJamesGuyYouTube · Jul 13, 2024
Factors affecting battery life

• Driving habits: Aggressive driving can reduce battery life compared to steady, highway driving. 
• Climate: Extreme heat or cold can negatively impact battery performance and longevity. 
• Charging habits:
  • Avoid frequently charging to 100% or discharging below 20%. 
  • Limit the use of DC fast charging, as it can generate more heat than Level 1 or Level 2 charging. 
• Age and condition: The battery's age and overall condition play a role in its lifespan. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance can help ensure the battery's components are working efficiently. 

You can watch this video to see the results of an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on a Chevy Bolt EV battery: 58sTransport EvolvedYouTube · Jan 16, 2025
Tips for extending battery life

• Charge within the 20%-80% range: If possible, avoid charging to 100% or letting the charge drop below 20% for daily use. 
• Minimize DC fast charging: Utilize slower Level 1 or Level 2 charging when you can. 
• Park in a garage: This helps protect the battery from extreme temperature fluctuations. 
• Drive smoothly: Maintain a consistent speed and avoid rapid acceleration and braking. 

This video explains the Chevy Bolt's battery warranty and how it works: 55sEveryday EVYouTube · Aug 30, 2022
Warranty information

• All Chevy Bolt batteries come with an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, which covers a certain level of battery health retention.
• This warranty is designed to ensure the battery remains functional for a significant period, even with normal use.