I’ve always had a soft spot for hatchbacks and this 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV was no exception. My love for it was a little different since this hatchback didn’t have an internal combustion engine. This was the first EV that I’ve had to live with for a week. I did have to rethink what owning a car is like.

When I received the Bolt, I was honestly hoping for a different color than the gray it was in. I think the red or bright blue would be the choice I would’ve selected. One of my favorite design features of the Bolt EV were the headlights. The actual lighting element is the lower part which look like they would be fog lights. The twist wheels are also a great design but the tires left a little to be desired in the grip department. The Michelins also had me filling them back up every 2 days to the recommended 38 psi.

You get inside and the Chevrolet Bolt was pretty impressive. Considering this is labeled an entry level vehicle, it still had some premium design and materials. The seats and steering wheel exemplified that premium quality. The big infotainment screen was a nice treat and the HD Surround Vision camera system looked incredible on it. The space inside was surprising, given its overall dimensions.

Now when you open the hood, you won’t find spark plugs, fuel injectors, or motor oil. This Bolt has an electric motor spinning 200 horsepower and can go on an estimated 259 miles on a full charge. The charging is extremely easy to set up specially during off peak hours to avoid a high electric bill.

For a first impression with an EV, the Bolt really impressed me. My family and I are now considering the Bolt EUV for the added space. I definitely think that the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV is the gateway vehicle to the EV world.