What size tires are on the Bolt EV?

The Chevrolet Bolt EV, a popular all-electric vehicle, comes equipped with a specific tire size that is important for owners to know. In this article, we'll dive into the details of the Bolt EV's tire size and why it matters.

Bolt EV Tire Size

The Chevrolet Bolt EV comes standard with 17-inch wheels and 215/50R17 tires. This tire size is specifically designed to provide a balance of performance, comfort, and efficiency for the Bolt EV.

The 215 in the tire size refers to the tire's width in millimeters, while the 50 represents the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire's sidewall height to its tread width. The R17 indicates that the tire is radial and has a 17-inch wheel diameter.

Why the Bolt EV's Tire Size Matters

The Bolt EV's tire size is an important factor in several areas, including:

• Handling and Ride Quality: The 215/50R17 tires are optimized to provide a smooth, comfortable ride while also offering responsive handling for the Bolt EV.


• Efficiency and Range: The tire size is designed to work in harmony with the Bolt EV's electric powertrain, helping to maximize the vehicle's range and energy efficiency.


• Replacement and Maintenance: When it's time to replace the tires, it's important to use the same size or a recommended alternative to ensure proper fit, performance, and safety.li>
  

Knowing the Bolt EV's tire size and understanding its importance can help owners make informed decisions about maintenance, replacement, and overall vehicle performance.

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Orion plant where the Bolt was made is being retooled for electric pickups, and the Bolt's older battery technology was outdated compared to newer models, including the upcoming Equinox EV.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. 

What size tires are on the Chevy Bolt EV?

The standard Chevy Bolt EV tire size is 215/50R17, while some trims or models may have an option for 215/45R18 tires. To confirm the exact size for your vehicle, check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb or the sidewall of the tire itself. 
Standard tire sizes

• 215/50R17: This is the most common original equipment (OE) tire size for most Chevy Bolt EV models. 
• 215/45R18: Some trims feature a slightly larger 18-inch wheel with this tire size. 

How to find your specific tire size

• Driver's side door jamb: A sticker on the inside of the driver's door jamb lists the recommended tire size and inflation pressure for your vehicle. 
• Sidewall of the tire: The tire's sidewall is also printed with its size, like "215/50R17". 

Do Chevy Bolts need special tires?

Well that is where you are in luck, because the Chevy Bolt EV comes standard with the Michelin® Energy® Saver A/S tires which are self-sealing tires, designed to patch issues while you're driving. Find out more about the Chevy Bolt EV tires, and why they're such a unique choice.

Is there a class action lawsuit against Chevy Bolt?

A class action lawsuit for the Chevy Bolt EV battery defects resulted in a $150 million settlement that provides compensation to owners of 2017-2022 model years. Eligible owners could receive up to $1,400 if they had the specific software update installed before a deadline (which has passed) or a minimum of $700 if they sold or leased their vehicle before the software remedy was available.
 
Lawsuit overview

• What it was about: The lawsuit, In re Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Litigation, alleged that 2017-2022 Chevy Bolt vehicles had defective batteries that could overheat and catch fire, leading to reduced range and a decrease in the vehicle's value. 
• Affected vehicles: All 2017-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EVs (and 2022 Chevy Bolt EUVs) that were shipped to a dealer on or before August 19, 2021, are eligible if they have not received a buyback. 
• Settlement details: A preliminary settlement was granted in September 2024, with a final approval hearing held in May 2025. The settlement includes cash payments, service awards for class representatives, and administrative costs. 

Compensation for eligible owners

• Up to $1,400: For owners who had the required diagnostic software update installed by the deadline (December 31, 2023) but did not receive a battery replacement or a buyback from GM. 
• Up to $700: For owners who sold their vehicle or terminated their lease before the software remedy was released and did not receive a battery replacement or buyback. 
• Other options: Some owners may have already received a battery replacement from GM and may be eligible for a different payment from the settlement if they met the criteria. 

Important notes

• The deadline to file a claim was July 31, 2025. 
• This settlement is part of a larger recall effort that cost GM nearly $2 billion. 
• The final approval hearing for the lawsuit was in May 2025. 
• For any changes to dates, check the official settlement website: www.boltevbatterysettlement.com.