Is the Bolt EV FWD or RWD?
The Bolt EV is front-wheel drive (FWD).
Understanding the drivetrain layout helps explain how the Bolt EV accelerates, handles, and compares with other electric vehicles. This article breaks down the drive configuration for the Bolt lineup and what it means for everyday driving.
Drivetrain layout and how it works
The Chevrolet Bolt EV uses a single electric motor mounted on the front axle to power the front wheels. This design makes the Bolt a front-wheel-drive electric vehicle, with no rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive option offered for the Bolt lineup.
Knowing the drivetrain helps readers gauge performance characteristics such as traction, cornering feel, and efficiency, especially when comparing the Bolt to EVs that offer AWD or RWD configurations.
Key drivetrain facts
- Single electric motor powers the front wheels (front-wheel drive).
- No all-wheel drive (AWD) option is offered for Bolt EV or Bolt EUV.
- Both Bolt EV and Bolt EUV share the same front-wheel-drive layout, with a floor-mounted battery pack contributing to stability and weight distribution.
- Regenerative braking and torque delivery are tuned for front-wheel-drive dynamics.
In summary, the Bolt's drivetrain is designed around front-wheel drive, prioritizing efficiency and predictable handling typical of FWD EVs rather than AWD traction.
Model variants and drivetrain
Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
Chevrolet's Bolt family—including the original Bolt EV and the larger Bolt EUV—are both front-wheel-drive electric vehicles. GM has not offered a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive version of the Bolt lineup, focusing instead on a simple, efficient FWD layout.
Both variants share the same front-wheel-drive configuration, reinforcing Chevy's commitment to a straightforward, efficient drivetrain across the Bolt lineup.
Summary
The Bolt EV is front-wheel drive (FWD). Across its variants, Chevrolet has kept the Bolt lineup as FWD-only, a choice that informs traction, handling, and efficiency compared with AWD or RWD competitors. For most daily driving, FWD provides reliable performance and predictable behavior in a compact electric package.
Why is Chevy discontinuing the Bolt EV?
Chevy discontinued the Bolt to make way for more profitable, advanced EVs on its new Ultium battery platform. The Orion plant where the Bolt was made is being retooled for electric pickups, and the Bolt's older battery technology was outdated compared to newer models, including the upcoming Equinox EV. While the Bolt was popular, GM needed to focus on its next-generation vehicles for higher profitability.
Reasons for discontinuation
- Transition to Ultium platform: The Bolt used an older battery architecture that was not compatible with GM's new, more advanced Ultium platform. GM is shifting resources to this new platform for its future EVs.
- Production capacity: The Orion Township, Michigan plant that built the Bolt is being retooled to produce electric versions of the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickups.
- Profitability: While the Bolt was a top seller, it was reportedly not a very profitable vehicle. GM is prioritizing higher-end EVs, like the upcoming pickups, which are expected to be more profitable.
- Outdated technology: The Bolt's battery technology was becoming obsolete, with slower charging speeds compared to newer competitors.
- Brand shift: The discontinuation also marks a strategic shift for GM to focus on larger, more expensive EVs, though they still plan to offer a budget-friendly option with the future Equinox EV.
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.
Does the Chevy Bolt come in AWD?
No, the Chevy Bolt is not available with all-wheel drive; it is exclusively a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle. Both the standard Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV are FWD, and Chevrolet has not offered an AWD version.
- The Chevy Bolt's design is a front-motor, front-wheel-drive layout.
- This has been true for all model years of both the Bolt EV and the larger Bolt EUV.
Is the Chevy Bolt EV 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.
