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Is the Chevy Bolt a hybrid or electric car?

The Chevy Bolt is an all-electric vehicle (BEV), not a hybrid. It runs exclusively on electricity stored in a battery and does not have a gasoline engine to propel the car.


The Bolt lineup comprises two BEVs—Bolt EV and Bolt EUV—both designed around battery-powered propulsion. They are distinct from the Chevy Volt, a separate plug-in hybrid that uses both an internal combustion engine and electric motor.


What makes the Bolt an electric vehicle


The following points explain how the Bolt fits the electric-vehicle category and what buyers should know about its propulsion and charging.



  • Battery-powered propulsion: A rechargeable lithium‑ion battery pack powers an electric motor (or motors) to drive the wheels.

  • Single- or dual-motor configurations: Depending on the model, the Bolt can use one motor or more, all powered by electricity.

  • Charging capability: The Bolt can be charged from a standard household outlet, dedicated home charging equipment, and public charging networks; some versions support faster DC charging.

  • Zero tailpipe emissions: While driving, the Bolt produces no exhaust emissions.

  • GM Ultium platform: The Bolt relies on GM’s Ultium battery technology, designed to deliver energy efficiently within a modular pack.


In short, the Bolt operates strictly on stored electrical energy, with no gasoline propulsion involved in normal operation.


How the Bolt differs from a hybrid like the Chevy Volt


Before listing the key differences, it helps to clarify what a plug-in hybrid is versus a pure electric vehicle.



  • Propulsion: Bolt uses electric motors powered by its battery; the Volt combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, sometimes using the engine to generate electricity or drive the wheels.

  • Emissions: Bolt delivers zero tailpipe emissions; the Volt may emit when the gasoline engine runs or when charging the battery from the engine.

  • Fuel and electricity use: Bolt relies solely on electricity (recharged from the grid); Volt can run on gasoline and electricity, with charging supplementing range.

  • Range mechanism: Bolt depends on battery charge for its range; Volt can switch to gasoline to extend range when the battery is depleted.


Bottom line: the Bolt is a pure electric vehicle, not a hybrid.


Bolt models and propulsion details


Chevrolet markets two primary Bolt models that share the same BEV propulsion approach, differentiated mainly by size and utility considerations. Both are battery-electric vehicles with no internal combustion propulsion.



  • Bolt EV and Bolt EUV: Both are BEVs powered by rechargeable batteries and electric motors; the EUV is a slightly larger, more utility-focused variant.

  • Charging options: At-home charging and public charging networks are supported, with DC fast charging available on many trims, enabling quicker recharges.


These points reflect the Bolt’s status as part of Chevrolet’s all-electric lineup, rather than any hybrid configuration.


Current context: safety recalls and market status


Since its introduction, the Bolt has experienced notable safety concerns centered on its lithium‑ion battery packs. GM conducted recalls and battery-pack replacements for affected early Bolts to address fire risk. While those safety steps were a critical chapter, the Bolt remains marketed as a battery-electric vehicle within Chevrolet’s broader electric-vehicle strategy and Ultium-based lineup.


Summary


The Chevy Bolt is an all-electric car, not a hybrid. It runs solely on electricity stored in a battery, with no gasoline engine for propulsion. Distinguishing Bolt BEVs from plug-in hybrids helps clarify the broader shift in Chevrolet’s lineup toward battery-powered vehicles, including the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, while contrasting them with the hybrid Chevrolet Volt of the past. For buyers, the Bolt offers zero tailpipe emissions, charging flexibility, and integration into GM’s Ultium-based electric-vehicle ecosystem.

Does Chevy have any hybrid vehicles?


Yes, Chevrolet offers hybrid vehicles, most notably the performance-oriented 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, which combines a V8 engine with an electric motor. While Chevrolet has focused on fully electric vehicles, it also has past hybrid models like the Malibu Hybrid available on the used market. Chevrolet has stated plans to introduce new hybrids, including plug-in hybrids, to the North American market by 2027, MotorTrend reports. 
Current hybrid models

  • Corvette E-Ray: A new hybrid model that combines a V8 engine with an electric motor for added performance and all-wheel drive. 

Past hybrid models (available used)
  • Malibu Hybrid: A fuel-efficient midsize sedan, with the 2019 model being a popular choice. 
  • Volt: A plug-in hybrid that offered significant all-electric range for shorter trips before being discontinued in 2019. 

Future hybrid plans
  • Chevrolet plans to release new hybrid and plug-in hybrid models starting in 2027 to meet regulatory requirements.
  • These future hybrids are expected to be based on existing models and will not be entirely new nameplates. 



Is the Chevrolet Bolt electric or hybrid?


The Chevy Bolt is an electric vehicle, not a hybrid. It runs solely on a battery that is charged from an external power source, and there is no gasoline engine. Chevrolet also previously sold a plug-in hybrid called the Chevy Volt, but the Bolt model is completely electric.
 

  • Chevy Bolt: A fully electric vehicle (EV) that runs exclusively on battery power. 
  • Chevy Volt: A former plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery. It is no longer in production, and the Bolt is now Chevrolet's main affordable electric car. 

If you are considering a Chevy Bolt, remember that it is a pure electric vehicle. This means its performance and range are dependent on its battery charge and access to charging stations. 
  • Electric-only: The Bolt does not have a gasoline engine, so you will not need to refuel with gas. 
  • Range: The electric range is its primary limitation; you will need to consider your driving habits and access to charging. 
  • Charging: You will need to charge the vehicle at home or at public charging stations. 

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Do Chevy Bolts take gas?


By switching away from conventional gasoline and using an electric engine, the Chevy Bolt cuts ways down on emissions and fuel charges. But how long does it take to charge a Chevy Bolt? It only takes a few minutes to fill a gas tank, so we understand why long electric car charger times might be a deal-breaker.



Why did Chevy discontinue the Bolt?


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. 


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.