Why is the Bolt limited to 92 mph?
The Bolt’s top speed is electronically limited to roughly 92 mph (about 150 km/h). This safeguard is built into the vehicle’s software to protect the battery and drive components, support safe handling at high speeds, and maximize efficiency and range.
How the limit works in practice
The Chevrolet Bolt uses an electronic speed limiter embedded in the powertrain control software. As the car approaches the upper end of its performance envelope, the system gradually reduces torque and ultimately caps the motor output to keep the vehicle from surpassing the set speed. The speed limit is influenced by factors such as battery temperature, state of charge, and selected drive mode, and it is not a mechanical brake or gear stop but a software-imposed boundary.
What factors drive the limit
Several technical and safety considerations interact to set the Bolt’s top speed. The following are the primary factors:
- Battery and thermal management: At high speeds, the battery and power electronics generate more heat; limiting speed helps keep temperatures within safe operating ranges.
- Motor and drivetrain protection: Prolonged high-speed operation can place stress on the motor windings, inverter, and cooling system; the limiter helps prevent premature wear or damage.
- Vehicle stability and safety: Higher speeds amplify aerodynamic and handling demands; a cap helps maintain predictable steering, braking, and control.
- Range and efficiency: Top speeds dramatically reduce efficiency and drain the battery faster, so the limiter indirectly supports more practical real-world driving range.
- Warranty and safety standards: The limit aligns with engineering safety margins and corporate policy to minimize risk and maintain reliability.
Taken together, these factors explain why the Bolt’s top speed is capped around 92 mph rather than being a fully mechanical gearing limit.
Can the limit be changed or bypassed?
By design, GM’s Bolt is configured with a factory-set electronic speed limiter. Altering or bypassing this limit is not officially supported and can void warranties, violate local laws, and create safety risks. In practice, changes would involve software modifications that GM does not authorize for public use and could compromise the vehicle’s stability control, battery protection, and overall reliability.
Notes on modification and safety
Owners who seek higher speed should be aware that there are no sanctioned, dealer-supported methods to raise the Bolt’s limit. Any attempts to override the limiter should be weighed against potential safety concerns and warranty implications.
Summary
The Bolt’s approximate 92 mph cap is an intentional, software-driven safety feature designed to protect the battery and powertrain, support stable handling, and preserve efficiency. While it may limit highway-speed performance, it reflects a cautious balance between performance, longevity, and safety. There is no approved method to permanently raise this limit through official channels.
Why can cars go over 100 mph if it's illegal?
There are several reasons why cars are designed to go much faster than the law allows. First, drivers are given a safety margin for emergency situations which allows them to pass other vehicles safely or accelerate quickly when needed, like to avoid collisions or escape dangerous situations, MotorBiscuit explains.
What is Bolt's top speed in mph?
27.33 miles per hour
In 2011 Belgian scientists used lasers to measure Bolt's performance in the different stages of a 100-meter race held in September that year. They found that, 67.13 meters into the race, Bolt reached a top speed of 43.99 kilometers per hour (27.33 miles per hour).
What is the speed limit on the bolt EUV?
There is the rpm limit of the motor, and beyond that the thermal limit of the battery. If you went significantly faster than 92 for a sustained time the pack would overheat.
What is the top speed of the Chevy Bolt?
93 mph
It has a 200-horsepower electric motor that delivers quick acceleration and a top speed of 93 mph. Chevy upgrades the interior of the Bolt EV for 2023 with a more premium design with better materials and more soft-touch surfaces.
