Tesla ModeModel 3 vs. Chevy Bolt

[rachelhikes]

We’ve had a Chevy Bolt for about a year, and have just added a Model 3. I wanted to share some impressions.

First, of course, the Model 3 is much the more capable and flexible car, but the Bolt is not without its strengths. The Bolt’s advantages largely are about local driving, especially in more crowded areas.

(Sorry - hit post too soon; am cleaning up.)

 

[peebrayne]

I still dont see the advantages of the Bolt over the model 3.

 

[run-the-joules]

I still dont see the advantages of the Bolt over the model 3.

CarPlay. Hatchback is more flexible for cargo. More service locations that you're less likely to even need. Better paint color choices. Cheaper insurance.

 

[ChrisH]

CarPlay. Hatchback is more flexible for cargo. More service locations that you're less likely to even need. Better paint color choices. Cheaper insurance.

Even if they had better colors, the car looks like an upside down bathtub. It doesn’t matter what color it is.

 

[seattlite2004]

I still dont see the advantages of the Bolt over the model 3.

Price...I got a near 8K off retail without haggling,...so about 14K price delta between a loaded Bolt and the least expensive Model 3. Also...Bolt has Android Auto, Car Play and true one pedal driving....oh and heated steering wheel....gawd I love that heated steering wheel. Affordable EVs are good for everyone....Tesla ain't there yet.

 

[run-the-joules]

Even if they had better colors, the car looks like an upside down bathtub. It doesn’t matter what color it is.

Oh I wouldn't buy one for $100 (unless I could immediately sell it and pocket the profits), don't get me wrong. But let's not pretend that the Model 3 can't be improved.

 

[ChrisH]

Oh I wouldn't buy one for $100 (unless I could immediately sell it and pocket the profits), don't get me wrong. But let's not pretend that the Model 3 can't be improved.

Oh of course it can. I just thought better paint colors was not a legit pro for the bolt.

 

[ChrisH]

Price...I got a near 8K off retail without haggling,...so about 14K price delta between a loaded Bolt and the least expensive Model 3. Also...Bolt has Android Auto, Car Play and true one pedal driving....oh and heated steering wheel....gawd I love that heated steering wheel. Affordable EVs are good for everyone....Tesla ain't there yet.

You ended up with a Bolt. Were you the one that was going to get an XC40? Maybe I’m thinking someone else. Did you get a 3 or go with Bolt instead?

 

[ChrisH]

Price...I got a near 8K off retail without haggling,...so about 14K price delta between a loaded Bolt and the least expensive Model 3. Also...Bolt has Android Auto, Car Play and true one pedal driving....oh and heated steering wheel....gawd I love that heated steering wheel. Affordable EVs are good for everyone....Tesla ain't there yet.

The model 3 can do pretty close to one pedal driving if you can get away with California stops at stop signs lol.

 

[seattlite2004]

The model 3 can do pretty close to one pedal driving if you can get away with California stops at stop signs lol.

But it aint....

 

[KenF]

CarPlay. Hatchback is more flexible for cargo. More service locations that you're less likely to even need. Better paint color choices. Cheaper insurance.

For me, the big advantages of the Bolt are:

(1) True one-pedal driving (no brake needed under 10mph).
(2) CarPlay and Android Auto with Waze and Spotify.
(3) Surround parking view.

 

[run-the-joules]

Oh of course it can. I just thought better paint colors was not a legit pro for the bolt.

Sure is when your color choice on a model 3 is dictated by what you dislike the least instead of what you like I don't mind my color so much now but there's a shade of blue on the Bolt that I've seen around that makes me envious

 

[ChrisH]

But it aint....

I still won’t have to change brake pads for like 100,000 Miles

 

[ChrisH]

Sure is when your color choice on a model 3 is dictated by what you dislike the least instead of what you like I don't mind it so much now but there's a shade of blue on the Bolt that I've seen around that makes me envious

I mean...I like MSM and got it so.....

 

[run-the-joules]

For me, the big advantages of the Bolt are:

(1) True one-pedal driving (no brake needed under 10mph).
(2) CarPlay and Android Auto with Waze and Spotify.
(3) Surround parking view.

I totally forgot to try the surround parking when I test drove

 

[run-the-joules]

I mean...I like MSM and got it so.....

That's what I got as well It has, like a fungus, grown on me. I'd still have preferred bright blue, orange, yellow or purple though.

 

[seattlite2004]

You ended up with a Bolt. Were you the one that was going to get an XC40? Maybe I’m thinking someone else. Did you get a 3 or go with Bolt instead?

That ain't me. Im a line waiter but I got a Bolt to scratch that EV itch....ain't willimg to pay 49k+ for a Tesla....but might be willing to pay 35k to scrtch that Tesla itch depending on how much tax credit is left.

For me, the big advantages of the Bolt are:
(1) True one-pedal driving (no break needed under 10mph).
(2) CarPlay and Android Auto with Waze and Spotify.
(3) Surround parking view.

Yeah....I love that surround view....no rash on my wheels. Also...I can come to a full stop at 50+mph in L mode and paddle.

 

[ebmcs03]

Bolt has better regen. Easier loading in trunk and roomier back seat.

 

[seattlite2004]

I still won’t have to change brake pads for like 100,000 Miles

That ain't really the point of one pedal driving...

 

[sduck]

I was offered a really nice price for a bolt earlier in the year, several months before I got my model 3. And it was tempting. I used to have a volt, and it made several (4) extended stays in the local chevy service center, and at one of those visits I was asking around, hence the nice offer. At the time my tesla was looking like it might be as much as a year away, and I wasn't sure the volt was going to make it. I had several serious issues with jumping on the bolt though:
1. No supercharging network. I do several regular day trips that work fine in the tesla, but would probably not quite work in a bolt. And I know from experience with the volt that finding working chargers in small towns can be a hit or miss experience. Maybe in a few years this situation will improve, but it's not there yet.
2. Interior space. I'm a cellist, and the difference between the bolt and the model 3 is night and day as far as fitting a cello in. The back seat is just too small in the key dimensions for a cello. While it can be made to work, it's just not a good fit.
3. Zip. The bolt just doesn't have it. Sure, it's better than a volt. But, my other car is a BMW 535. And my wife has an Audi A7. The bolt just doesn't measure up to those other cars. The model 3 does.
Sure, the bolt is a great car, and obviously works for lots of people - I see them all the time around here. But not for me.