Is the Chevy Bolt FWD or RWD?
The Chevy Bolt is front-wheel drive (FWD). Both the Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV use a single electric motor mounted on the front axle to drive the front wheels, and GM has not offered a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration for these models.
Drivetrain configuration
In electric vehicles, the drivetrain layout commonly adopted by manufacturers for compact to mid-size cars is front-wheel drive. The Bolt follows this pattern with its front-mounted motor and front-wheel power delivery.
Key characteristics of the Bolt's drivetrain include:
- One electric motor powers the front axle and drives the front wheels
- No rear motor or rear-wheel-drive setup
- Both Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are front-wheel drive
- No official all-wheel-drive option is offered for current models
In practice, this FWD arrangement simplifies packaging and lowers cost, while providing predictable traction in typical conditions. It also means the Bolt does not offer the added traction of AWD in slippery weather.
Variants: Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
Bolt EV
The original Bolt EV uses the same front-wheel-drive configuration, with a compact chassis and a single front axle motor powering the car. Range varies by battery option and model year, but the drivetrain remains FWD across trims.
Bolt EUV
The Bolt EUV shares the same front-wheel-drive layout as the Bolt EV. It’s a larger variant with more interior space, but it does not offer an AWD option.
Both variants rely on regenerative braking and front-wheel power delivery, maintaining a straightforward and efficient electric drivetrain.
Summary
Bottom line: The Chevy Bolt is front-wheel drive. There is no rear- or all-wheel-drive version offered for the Bolt EV or Bolt EUV, which remains a defining trait for owners considering traction and maintenance in varied conditions.
