Is the Chevy Bolt EV all wheel drive?
The Chevy Bolt EV and its larger sibling, the Bolt EUV, are not offered with all-wheel drive. They are front-wheel drive only, with no AWD version in Chevrolet’s current lineup as of 2025.
Both Bolt models use a single electric motor powering the front wheels. Chevrolet has not announced or released an AWD Bolt variant, and GM has focused its all-wheel-drive EV offerings on other models rather than the Bolt family.
Drivetrain fundamentals
Single-motor front-wheel-drive layout
The Bolt family relies on one electric motor mounted near the front axle to drive the front wheels. There is no rear motor to power the back wheels, which means there is no true all-wheel-drive configuration available for these vehicles. This layout emphasizes efficiency, compact packaging, and a lower cost versus multi-motor AWD systems.
Current model lineup and official stance on AWD
Before listing the key points, it helps to understand what buyers can actually buy today and what Chevrolet has stated publicly about AWD for the Bolt.
- Chevrolet Bolt EV: front-wheel drive, single motor; no all-wheel-drive option.
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV: front-wheel drive, single motor; no all-wheel-drive option.
- As of 2025, Chevrolet has not announced an all-wheel-drive Bolt variant.
In practice, this means that customers seeking AWD within the Bolt family will not find an AWD version in the current lineup, and any AWD capability would require considering other models or waiting for future announcements.
Other GM EVs with AWD options
GM’s broader electric-vehicle lineup includes models that offer all-wheel drive, which can be appealing to buyers needing enhanced traction. While these aren’t Bolts, they provide a point of comparison for what GM offers in AWD across its brands.
- Cadillac Lyriq and other GM crossovers/SUVs generally offer AWD options on specific trims.
- Chevrolet’s larger EVs, such as the Blazer EV in certain configurations, also provide AWD availability.
For buyers who specifically require AWD, exploring these non-Bolt GM options is a practical path while keeping Bolt as a budget-friendly, city-focused front-wheel-drive EV.
Future prospects and what to watch for
Chevrolet has not published a timeline for an AWD Bolt, and there is no official indication that an AWD Bolt is in development for the near term. Any change to the Bolt’s drivetrain would come through formal product updates from Chevrolet and GM, so prospective buyers should monitor official announcements for the latest configurations and availability.
Summary
In summary, the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are not offered with all-wheel drive. They use a single front-wheel-drive electric motor and have not been released with an AWD option as of 2025. Buyers who need AWD should consider other GM electric models or keep an eye on future Bolt updates as automakers periodically refresh their lineups.
Which EVs have AWD?
Many all-electric vehicles (EVs) are available with all-wheel drive (AWD), including popular models like the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Subaru Solterra. These vehicles offer a wide range of options, from luxury SUVs and sedans to more budget-friendly choices, with AWD available as a standard or optional feature.
You can watch this video to learn about different all-wheel-drive electric vehicles: 1mAlphaONEcarsYouTube · May 25, 2024
Examples of electric vehicles with AWD
- Tesla: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck
- Ford: Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning
- Hyundai: Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona Electric, Ioniq 5 N
- Kia: EV6, EV9
- BMW: iX, i4, i5, i7
- Chevrolet: Blazer EV, Equinox EV
- Subaru: Solterra
- Toyota: bZ4X
- Audi: Q4 e-Tron, Q6 e-Tron, e-tron, RS E-Tron GT
- Volkswagen: ID.4, ID. Buzz
- Porsche: Taycan, Taycan Cross Turismo
- Mercedes-Benz: EQB, EQE, EQS, G580 With EQ Technology
- Rivian: R1T, R1S
This video explains what all-wheel drive means in electric cars: 59sOut of Spec GuideYouTube · Mar 27, 2023
Why choose an AWD electric vehicle?
- Traction: AWD provides more grip on various road conditions, including rain, snow, or uneven surfaces.
- Performance: The dual-motor setup in many AWD EVs can offer better acceleration and performance compared to their single-motor counterparts.
- Capability: Some models with AWD are designed with off-road or other rugged conditions in mind.
How does the Bolt EUV handle in snow?
The weight of the EUV and the low center of gravity worked very very well. I only had some small hiccups with getting nearly stuck over ice because I had to come to a complete stop. Otherwise I didn't really have any issues. Drive slow, brake smoothly/coast, predict your turns, etc.
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 there an AWD Chevy Bolt?
All Bolt EUVs come with the same powertrain: a 200-hp electric motor and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive isn't an option. Acceleration should be perky thanks to the instantaneous power delivery that's inherent to electric motors.
