For those considering an affordable and reliable electric vehicle, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt has emerged as a strong contender. As a content creator at keyfobx.com and an auto repair specialist, I’ve analyzed owner experiences to provide you with a comprehensive look at the 2019 Bolt, drawing insights from real-world usage. This review is based on a firsthand account of a 2019 Bolt EV LT driven for five years and over 113,000 miles, offering valuable data for prospective buyers and current owners alike.
One of the most compelling aspects highlighted is the remarkably low cost of ownership. The owner purchased their 2019 Bolt for $22.5k after rebates in 2019, showcasing the initial affordability. Over five years, maintenance was minimal, primarily consisting of routine wear items. Two sets of tires were needed, each lasting approximately 45,000 miles and costing around $1,000 per set. A windshield replacement due to road debris cost $400, and an alignment after encountering a rock was a mere $80. A single TPMS sensor replacement was only $65, mostly for labor. Remarkably, these were the only repairs needed over the entire ownership period, demonstrating the inherent reliability of the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt.
Charging costs were also exceptionally low for this owner, a significant advantage of EV ownership. Benefiting from free workplace charging and home rooftop solar with net metering, the owner reported that approximately 80% of their 1,800 monthly miles were essentially free to charge. Even considering public charging at Electrify America’s (EA) current rates of $0.50/kWh, the overall energy expenses remained minimal. This underscores the potential for substantial fuel savings with the 2019 Chevy Bolt, particularly for owners with access to home or workplace charging.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive experience, the owner did note a few minor, unrepaired defects that are worth considering for potential buyers of a used 2019 Chevrolet Bolt. The infotainment system experienced crashes every couple of weeks, requiring a reboot – a known but unresolved issue. Fast charging at newer, high-speed stations (100kW+ from EA and EvGo) sometimes required manually holding the latching pin, a minor inconvenience. An iBooster clicking noise gradually became more noticeable, with a repair quote of $180 that was never addressed. Lastly, occasional brake caliper sticking was observed, likely due to the limited use of mechanical brakes in EVs that heavily rely on regenerative braking.
The owner’s primary complaints centered around two common EV limitations: slow DC fast charging speeds and reduced cold weather performance. While the battery replacement program improved the charging curve somewhat, charging speeds above 60% remained slow. Furthermore, the absence of a heat pump in the 2019 Bolt, combined with the inefficient cabin heater, resulted in decreased range and slower charging in colder temperatures. These are important factors to consider, especially for those in colder climates or those who frequently rely on fast charging during long trips.
Ultimately, the owner’s satisfaction with the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt is evident in their decision to purchase a newer, nearly identical 2020 model. This speaks volumes about the overall ownership experience. The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt emerges as a highly economical and dependable electric vehicle, particularly appealing to those seeking a budget-friendly EV for commuting and local trips. While minor issues exist, the low running costs and minimal maintenance make it a compelling option in the used EV market, especially when considering its proven reliability over high mileage.
