Loading

Is the Bolt rear wheel drive?

Yes, the Chevrolet Bolt is a rear-wheel drive electric vehicle. The Bolt's electric motor is located at the rear of the vehicle, powering the rear wheels for improved traction and handling.


Detailed Explanation


The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric compact hatchback that was first introduced in 2016. Unlike many traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, the Bolt's electric motor is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, rather than the front. This rear-wheel drive configuration provides several benefits, including better weight distribution, improved traction, and more responsive handling.


The rear-wheel drive layout of the Bolt is a departure from the more common front-wheel drive design found in many other electric and hybrid vehicles. In a front-wheel drive system, the electric motor is located at the front of the vehicle, powering the front wheels. This configuration can be more efficient for some vehicle types, but it can also lead to understeer and reduced traction, especially in slippery conditions.


By placing the electric motor at the rear of the Bolt, Chevrolet was able to achieve a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles. This balanced weight distribution, combined with the instant torque delivery of the electric motor, gives the Bolt excellent handling characteristics and a responsive, agile driving experience.


The rear-wheel drive layout also provides the Bolt with improved traction, particularly in wet or snowy conditions. With the weight of the battery pack located over the rear wheels, the Bolt is less prone to wheel spin and can better maintain control in slippery situations.


Overall, the Chevrolet Bolt's rear-wheel drive configuration is a key part of its design and contributes to the vehicle's engaging driving dynamics and all-weather capability.

What is the mpg equivalent of the Chevy Bolt?


MPGe of popular electric cars

Electric Car Model (base Level, 2023 Model Year)Efficiency (miles Per Gallon Equivalent, Combined City And Highway)
Tesla Model S120 MPGe
Chevy Bolt EV120 MPGe
Tesla Model X102 MPGe
Hyundai IONIQ 6135 MPGe



What vehicle is rear-wheel drive?


Rear Wheel Drive – RWD Meaning
This is why most sports cars such as the Corvette and Camaro are RWD - and more exciting to drive. The disadvantage of a RWD vehicle is that they do not perform well in poor weather conditions such as rain or snow because they are more prone to traction-loss.



Is Bolt FWD or RWD?


All Bolt EUVs come with the same powertrain: a 200-hp electric motor and front-wheel drive.



How do you tell if a car is FWD or RWD?


You can simply lie down on the ground and look underneath your vehicle. If there is a long, pole-like shaft (drive shaft) running from the back of the engine area to the rear wheels, you have a rear wheel drive vehicle. If there is no drive shaft running the length of the vehicle, you have a front wheel drive car.



Are Chevy Bolts rear-wheel drive?


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.



Why is Chevy discontinuing the Bolt?


This was compounded by recalls in 2020 and 2021 due to fire concerns related to defective batteries from suppliers and manufacturers alike. Reports indicate that at least a dozen Bolts experienced spontaneous fires due to this issue.



What is the difference between the Bolt LT and 2LT?


Go for the Bolt's 2LT trim. It adds a considerable number of tech and nice-to-have features, as well as unlocking some options not available on the 1LT model. One of those options is the Infotainment package. It adds an upgraded Bose stereo, a surround-view camera system, a wireless charging pad and more USB ports.



How do I know if my car is FWD or RWD?


You can simply lie down on the ground and look underneath your vehicle. If there is a long, pole-like shaft (drive shaft) running from the back of the engine area to the rear wheels, you have a rear wheel drive vehicle. If there is no drive shaft running the length of the vehicle, you have a front wheel drive car.



Is Chevy discontinuing the Bolt?


GM ended Bolt production on December 20, 2023.



Does the Chevy Bolt have AWD?


The Bolt EV and EUV share a drivetrain, a single electric motor that delivers 200 horsepower (hp) and 266 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque to the front wheels — there's no all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The Chevy Bolt EV is slightly lighter than the EUV, so it's a touch quicker to reach 100 km/h.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.