Is Chevy Bolt FWD or RWD?
The Chevy Bolt is front-wheel drive (FWD).
In this article, we examine the Bolt’s drivetrain configuration and what it means for the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV across model years, including performance, handling, and availability of all-wheel drive (AWD).
Drivetrain configuration explained
The Bolt uses a single electric motor mounted at the front that powers the front wheels. The battery pack is located under the floor, which helps with a low center of gravity and stability. Across both the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, GM has implemented a front-wheel-drive layout for efficiency, cost, and packaging reasons. There is no factory AWD option for these models in current production.
Bolt EV vs Bolt EUV
Bolt EV
The Bolt EV is a compact, fully electric hatchback that employs one front-mounted electric motor to drive the front wheels. This setup is consistent with the model’s focus on efficiency and urban usability, rather than performance-focused all-wheel-drive capabilities.
Bolt EUV
The Bolt EUV is a larger, slightly more premium variant that also uses a single front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels. Its extended wheelbase and interior space do not change the fact that it remains front-wheel drive.
What this means for driving and efficiency
Because the Bolt’s propulsion is front-wheel drive, traction and handling characteristics align with typical FWD electric vehicles. The weight distribution, aided by the floor-mounted battery, contributes to stability and a low center of gravity, while keeping production costs and component complexity lower than all-wheel-drive systems.
Here are the core drivetrain facts for the Chevy Bolt:
- Single front-mounted electric motor powers the front wheels
- No AWD option is available for Bolt EV or Bolt EUV in current production
- Drivetrain configuration is consistent across model years for both Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
In short, the Bolt’s drivetrain design prioritizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness with front-wheel drive across both main models, without offering an all-wheel-drive option.
Why GM sticks with FWD for the Bolt
Summary
The Chevy Bolt is front-wheel drive (FWD) across both the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. It uses a single front-mounted electric motor to drive the front wheels, with no current AWD option in production. This drivetrain choice emphasizes efficiency, cost savings, and practical urban usability, while benefiting from the Bolt’s flat battery placement for a low center of gravity.
Is the Chevy Bolt FWD or RWD?
The Bolt is powered by a single 200-horsepower motor that powers its front wheels, a propulsion system that nets an EPA-estimated 259 miles on a single charge. The Bolt has DC fast-charge capability that Chevy says can add up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
Why did Chevy discontinue the Bolt?
Chevy discontinued the Bolt to make way for newer, more advanced electric vehicles (EVs) and a new battery platform called Ultium. The Orion plant, which produced the Bolt, is being retooled to build electric pickup trucks, such as the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado. Additionally, the Bolt's technology was becoming obsolete compared to the new platform.
- Transition to Ultium platform: The Bolt's battery technology is not compatible with GM's new Ultium platform, which will be used in future EVs like the Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado.
- Plant retooling: The Orion Township, Michigan, plant that built the Bolt is being converted to produce a higher volume of electric trucks, which GM sees as a higher-profit market.
- Profitability and market strategy: While the Bolt was a popular and affordable EV, it was believed to have low profit margins. By focusing on larger EVs, GM aims for greater profitability in the long term.
- Technology limitations: The Bolt's charging speed and overall technology were falling behind newer competitors.
- Past recalls: A series of recalls for battery fire risks also damaged the Bolt's reputation and cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars.
Is RWD or AWD better for EV?
RWD in an EV is going to be a bit better than an ICE because the weight in an EV is evenly distributed whereas the ICE is front-heavy (that's where the engine is). AWD generally gives a bit more power and better traction control, but good tires will probably go a longer way towards good driving in snowy conditions.
Is the Chevy Bolt rear wheel drive?
Powertrain Details
While the SUV is offered in two trims, the vehicle is only available with front-wheel drive. Driving range is often a concern for people interested in an EV, but that's not the case for motorists interested in the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
