Tesla Model 3 vs Chevy Bolt – The Fight Is On!
March 28, 2023The Tesla Model 3 and the Chevrolet Bolt, provide a range of over 200 miles between charges. Both the Model 3 and the Bolt are the first mass-market battery-powered vehicles to provide that kind of driving range for under $40,000, at least in theory. Even with such commonalities, contrasting the sporty, expensive Model 3 with the familiar and utilitarian Chevrolet Bolt hatchback is difficult.
The Bolt comes in two different trims, but only one size of battery.
From the standpoint of its electric engine and battery, the Model 3 presents a unique problem since it is not a single Model. The Model 3 comes in a wide variety of trim levels and pricing ranges, any one of which might change at any time. This week, Tesla announced a new Model with a base price of $44,000 and a range of 260 miles. Before, the company's long-range Model cost $49,000 and could go 310 miles. When Tesla finally releases the long-awaited $35,000, 220-mile Model 3 next year, our job will be much easier. That variant is more like Chevy's electric vehicle in terms of features and pricing. So, let’s dive deeper into this battle between the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevy Bolt EV and decide which EV is the winner.
Range
Both Chevrolet and Tesla are being rather secretive regarding the official range of their vehicles.
Chevrolet claims that the Bolt is capable of "more than 200 kilometers" on a single charge. Tesla advertised the Model 3 as having a range of 215 miles, but the company stressed that this was only the starting point.
Having said that, Chevrolet has carried out more testing and will officially update the official range of the Bolt EV to about 240 miles.
Yet, because Tesla has been assigned a higher preliminary number, we have no choice but to award this victory to Tesla until it is officially confirmed. Yet, Bolt will emerge victorious in this particular competition in the long term.
So, Model 3 Wins!
Technology
Considering that people are pre-ordering the Model 3 like they would an Apple product rather than a $35,000 sedan, this section is crucial. You've been warned: the outcome might shock you.
What do we know about the technology within the Model 3? The only feature it has is a 15-inch screen that floats above the dashboard. Not to mention, all models come with with Tesla's Autopilot hardware for semi-autonomous driving. However, you will need to pay for turning it on.
Tesla Model 3 Interior Layout & Technology
But, the Chevrolet Bolt is practically bursting at the seams with cutting-edge equipment. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen may be a step down from the Model 3-inch display, but it's still quite large.
It also has a rear-view camera mirror that can display an 80-degree digital view of the area behind the vehicle or function as a regular mirror with the flick of a button. Other cameras mounted outside the vehicle provide drivers with a 360-degree bird's-eye view of their immediate surroundings.
Also, Chevrolet installed what they term low-energy Bluetooth in the Bolt. It means the Bolt's Bluetooth technology will automatically couple with the driver's phone whenever it comes within 100 feet of the car. This turns on the lights, which not only make it simpler to detect the car in a dark parking lot, but also make it more tempting to approach.
More so, it eliminates the need to wait for the car to boot up before using Bluetooth, which greatly simplifies the process of moving a call from the phone to the car. In the future, Chevrolet may be able to use low-energy Bluetooth to let you use your phone instead of a key fob, much as Volvo is doing.
The Bolt also includes built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bolt lets owners adjust the car's climate from anywhere, and how many other cool features it has, but we’ve made our point
Since this was first published, substantial discussion has arisen about the Bolt EV's basic technological features, and this paragraph has been the focus of most of that debate. Hence, we consulted General Motors for their thoughts.
We haven't announced packaging yet, but practically all technologies will be standard," a GM official told Mashable.
The Model 3 may be the more popular of the two, but it doesn't make it the more technologically advanced.
Bolt EV wins here.
Charging Times
With a rapid charger, the Bolt can add 90 miles of energy in roughly 30 minutes.
While charging at home using a 240-volt outlet, the Bolt's inbuilt 7.2-kilowatt charger can add around 25 miles to the car's range in only an hour. A complete overnight charge of the 60 kilowatt-hour battery can restore all 238 miles of driving range on the rare days when you use up every last drop of juice. In less than two hours, you may have a full battery again after an average day of driving, during which you cover around 40 kilometers.
Road journeys over 200 or so miles need utilizing a highway-based fast charger. Chevrolet provides a quick-charge port as an add-on for $750. The addition of 90 miles of range may be achieved with 50-kW DC chargers in around 30 minutes if this port is present. Quick charging for your Chevrolet only works with stations that adhere to the CCS standard, which might be hard to come by even on well-traveled roads.
The Model 3 has access to Tesla’s huge network of Superchargers.
MODEL 3: An electric vehicle's relative charging speed is determined by its onboard charger's specifications. Using 48 amps, the long-range Tesla Model 3 can charge at an 11.5 kilowatt rate. This equates to an additional 40 miles of range every hour of charging time when using a 240-volt power supply. It makes sense to charge the Model 3 with a greater range at a faster pace since its 75-kWh battery pack only takes eight hours to fully charge.
The 220-mile Model 3, when it arrives, will feature a 32-amp (or 7.7-kilowatt) internal charger. That’s faster than the Bolt’s integrated charger, but only barely. Nonetheless, that's quick enough to add nearly 30 miles in an hour.
Access to Tesla's 120-kW Superchargers is where the Model 3 really shines. Compared to the Bolt's 90 miles of range while connected to a 50-kW station, the Superchargers can offer as much as 150 to 170 miles of range in just 30 minutes of highway downtime. (Several variables affect how long it takes for a certain charging event to occur.) If you're on a road trip in a Tesla, you won't have to worry about finding a suitable charger because the company placed Superchargers thoughtfully and coordinately between major cities.
BOLT: The Bolt's 60 kWh battery pack is standard on the $36,620 LT trim. The Bolt's stated 238-mile range is therefore realised even at the base Model's pricing. The Bolt is considered to be one of the most cost-effective long-range EV's after taking into account the federal tax credit of $7,500 that most buyers would be eligible for and other state and municipal incentives that vary by location.
Pricing
While comparing prices, one electric vehicle is clearly superior. The Chevy Bolt EV's starting price of $27,495 for the 1LT FWD variant is a lot lower than that of the Tesla Model 3. The Bolt's base price remains at $30,695 even if you choose for the next trim level up, the 2LT FWD. The Chevy Bolt, much like the Tesla Model 3, comes in a variety of colours, although only the Brilliant Blue Metallic and Radiant Red tint coats incur an additional cost.
The Infotainment Package, which has a Bose seven-speaker radio system, wireless device charging, and twin USB charging connections for rear passengers, may be purchased separately for $695. Adaptive Cruise Control is a $495 option but it rounds out the only extra method to enhance the beginning price of the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Comparatively, the Tesla Model 3 can be priced out even more simply than the Chevrolet Bolt. In terms of pricing, the Model 3's entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive trim level begins at $43,490. Choosing a paint colour for the outside other than white and upgrading to white inside seats from the basic black seats will increase that sum somewhat. An additional set of sport wheels is available with the RWD package for an extra $1,500. Prices for the Performance Tesla Model 3 begin at $53,990, with the same options for adding on expensive paint jobs and custom interiors. Apart from these simple options, a Tesla Model 3 customer will only have to consider spending an additional $15,000 on full self-driving capability or $6,000 on enhanced autopilot.
So far, the Bolt is now the best value.
Design
In this case, We get to let aesthetic preferences—rather than cold, hard numbers—determine the outcome. The thing is, it's not exactly a walk in the park to choose.
Looking at it from the outside, we have to give the award to Tesla. Of course, the Model 3 looks quite similar to the Model S and the Model X from the outside, and we can't help but feel like I've seen it before. In comparison to the Bolt, however, it is more athletic, stylish, affordable luxury EV.
Tesla has shocked everyone with its stunning level of interior minimalism.
Comparing the cabins, though, the Bolt is clearly the victor . We
Unfortunately, Tesla has not provided any inside photos of the Model 3. Let's just say it's not exactly motivational. Indeed, there is utter silence within. When it comes to interior design, Tesla has shocked everyone with its stunning minimalism. The dashboard consists just of a wheel and a display.
In contrast, the Bolt is simple in design, yet sleek and durable in construction. Moreover, it features not one but two displays. It wouldn't surprise us if Tesla's first mass-produced vehicle, the Model 3, had the same problems with build quality as the Model S.
That being said, after giving it some thought, the Bolt is the superior design.