The Chevrolet Bolt is back. While the discontinuation of the old model at the peak of its popularity initially felt like a classic instance of GM tripping over its own shoelaces, the company saw the outcry and promptly set about re-engineering its entry-level EV. We’re talking new battery cells, a new charging system, real technical updates that have meaning. Mind you, if you want the new Bolt’s headline feature, you’re going to be in for a bit of a shock.
Between hands-off capability on Lidar-mapped roadways and the willingness to actually stay close to a leading car in stop-and-go traffic, Super Cruise is a pretty slick bit of kit. The sort of thing that makes a genuine difference for big-mileage commuters, and a big draw of the old Bolt EUV. Unsurprisingly, Chevrolet’s also positioning Super Cruise as the new Bolt’s killer app, but as with anything that seems like a good deal these days, there’s a catch.
While the new Chevrolet Bolt starts at $28,995, you can’t just tack Super Cruise onto a base model and call it a day. GM simply won’t let you. Instead, you need to run a gauntlet of option packages that will see the sticker price absolutely balloon. The $3,255 Super Cruise package alone, including a three-year subscription, already costs 11.2 percent of the Bolt LT’s starting price, and that’s before you consider the prerequisites.
The cascade kicks off with the Super Cruise package, which requires the $1,695 Technology Package. While this includes some nice stuff like a wireless smartphone charger, a 360-degree camera system, traffic sign recognition, and automatic wipers, it also has small potatoes like ambient lighting and one of those awful rearview mirrors that doubles as a camera. We aren’t done yet, however, because guess what? Spec’ing the Technology Package on the Bolt LT requires another flippin’ package.
It’s called the EvoTex package, it’s $795, and it basically amounts to pleather upholstery. Alright, so it does augment the faux leather with ventilated front seats, but it also includes a curious addition that shows just how aggressive Chevrolet’s been with the base price of the Bolt: a fold-down rear seat center armrest. Oh yeah, just one small thing to note, I’m pretty sure you can guess what it is at this point: Ticking the box for the EvoTex package requires yet another package.
This time, it’s the $995 Comfort Package, which adds a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Heated seats are generally a good idea on an EV as localized heating is more efficient than effectively having a space heater behind the dashboard, but the revamped Bolt comes with a heat pump that should do alright in near-freezing conditions.
Still, add it all up, and you’re looking at roughly a 23 percent premium over the base price if you want a new Chevrolet Bolt with Super Cruise, and that $35,655 optioned-up price gives the Bolt some real competition. If you’re willing to go hands-on, the new Nissan Leaf features Level 2 advanced driver assistance even on the cheapest S+ model, but $35,725 gets you the mid-range SV+ trim. Not only does it feature 288 miles of range, which can make a difference on the rare occasion you’re trying to use all of it, but it also gives drivers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Granted, the addition of forward parking sensors doesn’t quite make up for the lack of a heated steering wheel or ventilated front seats, but the new Leaf is the closest rival to the new Bolt out there.
On the other hand, Ford’s been heaping thousands of dollars in discounts on leftover 2025 Mustang Mach-E crossovers, which means that $39,995 sticker price can fall as far as the low 30s. The specs are good: 260 miles of range, lifetime hands-free highway driving for an extra $2,495, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, plus what the base Mach-E loses in features to a well-equipped Bolt, it picks right back up in size and overall maturity. This one could very well be worth an extra few grand.
So, while the new Chevrolet Bolt is cheap for a new EV, the options you want might result in a far bigger price tag than you expected. At this end of the market, an extra $6,600 is an enormous amount of money, and we aren’t even jumping up a trim level. Want a sportier-looking Bolt RS with Super Cruise? Be prepared to pay $37,445. Yep, for that sort of upcharge, I’ll probably just keep my hands on the wheel.
Top graphic image: Chevrolet
That’s not bad. When super cruise first came out it was an $8k-$10k standalone after other packages
while the supercruise being tied to a bunch of other options.. isn’t awesome..
it’s still a lot of car for $35k.
the Equinox EV doesn’t even let you add supercruise until LT2 trim level.. so with the other options supercruise requires.. an Equinox EV with supercruise is $45k.
I’d rather spend $35k on a PHEV Prius, but that’s just me.
which will get you the base model PHEV Prius, and if that’s your prerogative, so be it.
I agree. But it’s almost as much car for a lot less.
“ Instead, you need to run a gauntlet of option packages that will see the sticker price absolutely balloon”
That’s fine with me. Until these systems can legally drive me somewhere while I take a nap in the back seat, I’m not interested.
So until we get to that point, give me the cheaper base model that doesn’t have all this crap that I don’t need or want.
And as long as it has basic cruise control, I’ll be happy.
This may finally provide the evidence I’ve been curious about as to whether enough people actually want self driving features enough for it to be an actual money maker for the manufacturers. The bean counters are going to be eyeing the take rates on these options very carefully.
It’s not that I don’t think people will pay for self driving tech – it’s that I’m not sure the juice is going to be worth the squeeze for a lot of consumers.
For the mid term, I’m guessing there will be two kinds of vehicles made – those with the self driving tech, and those without any option for it to be added. I’m thinking this “we’ll charge everybody for pieces only some are going to be able to afford to make use of” thing isn’t going to pan out in the long run. But hey, they do that kind of thing now with other option sets, so maybe I’m wrong.
It’s tough for me because I have no idea if I actually want a system like super cruise. I’d need to try it out (for a while) to decide. If I was in the market, I wouldn’t pay this kind of premium for a feature I’ve never used (and a 15 min test drive is not going to convince me of anything).
That didn’t take long!
The GM hit-pieces on this car have started, it seems.
Absolutely none of those packages are needed by those looking for a cheap EV, but the automotive press needs to find something to complain about with this car since its from GM.
How many will GM make and get to dealers without all those packages is my wondering. Will they bait and switch in their advertising?
“hit piece” is a stretch, lol.
Have you seen what is written about stellantis and tesla? GM is fairly neutral in the opinion around here, generally described as having bright moments but not reaching their potential
Woah Woah Woah. I was with you until you started disparaging the rear mirror camera. Truly one of the greatest inventions of modern cars since the addition of seats instead of wooden park benches. Short of sending little smiles to a rear seat passenger why would I need to look at their head when I’m trying to drive? GM needs to just give the thing a proper washer though.
The best packages under Chevy are usually under LT models and throw some extras as needed before jumping into Premier packages. Thats how I got my 23 Bolt EUV, LT with Heated/Ventilated seats, leather and the redline package. I dont need the fancy 360 cameras, or super cruise, sunroof, etc. More things to break the more you add.
Wow, I got almost the same ride you got. ‘23 Bolt EUV, LT trim with the blue leather heated/ventilated seats with power driver seat, auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated steering wheel, and the arguably nicer wheels. No sunroof, no surround view camera just the standard backup camera, and plain Jane cruise control. No Redline package on my car though. Had it almost 2 years now and it’s gotta be one of the best damn vehicles I’ve owned.
I like armrests.
I like heated and powered seats.
I like wireless phone charging & 360 degree cameras.
And I’m guessing the 360 degree camera & traffic sign recognition is kinda necessary to make SuperCruise work?
So getting the things I’d like to have plus not needing to steer while on the freeway seems worth the money.
Kinda not seeing the issue here.
I think really the super cruise package should come with everything needed for super cruise, like the camera. Other than that this site is very pro ace of base.
Agreed.
Tho I don’t need the RS package – because its stupid to pay more for black trim and wheels when the standard wheels and trim are just fine, and I don’t need roof rails.
So with destination and freight: $35,655
Yeah RS trim should be a personal choice. GM does that for cadillac, they make 2 identical trims one with the chrome (lux) and one with the black out (sport) choice is yours.
I’m sure the bean counters counted their beans and figured there’s a group of buyers that will pay extra for the 360 camera but would give it up rather than pay the premium for supercruise. But yes, having a chain of “prerequisites” to get what you want is annoying. Especially because we all know they are going to advertise this with “now available with Super Cruise for only $3,255*”
not surprised. You’re tacking a premium feature on a car that’s priced in the near economy category.
I don’t think it’s the price that the author has an issue with, it’s how they obfuscate the true cost and it at least *feels* like they’re making you buy a bunch of unrelated options to get to this one. If GM wants to explain how all these other packages are technologically necessary for Super Cruise to work, I’m open to hearing them out.
The large print giveth, the small print taketh away.
Is this “trimflation”?
How many base models will ever actually get to a dealer lot?
This has to be some part of “Nobody wants cheap cars anymore, nobody buys them”
I’ve never seen a Bolt or a Volt w/o the Comfort Package.Somewhat noteworthy: On the Volt, power seats were not an option, regardless of how swanky the trim package.
ditto the Leaf and i3. I know those are very different cars, but that’s an interesting pattern of first gen EVs skipping power seats. Wonder why…
I’ve heard weight, and can somewhat believe it. Power sears are heeaaavy. Volt seats are rather light. Plus a well designed manual seat is pretty much as comfortable as a power seat, so no real loss.
Which option level includes the crotch vent?
Asking for a friend.
The Comfort package includes the crotch vent but also heated acelerator pedal. If you only want the crotch vent then you have to order the Crotchfort package. I think it’s named after James Crotchfort, a profuse sweater, who first engineered this in the 1970’s.
Does the crotch vent also cover ventilation for the ass? Or is this a “you have to choose one” situation – crotch or ass?
Once GM realizes most people are going to be getting the Comfort Package only, they will make that a required bundle with Super Cruise too.
So, you’re telling me that you can get an actual base model without the crap that a lot of people (on this and other sites) constantly say they don’t want or need and you present that as a bad thing?
I think he’s mostly presenting the interconnectedness of the packages as a bad thing. That said, the ventilated pleather requiring the power seats makes sense. The tech package requiring the pleather makes less sense, but what they’ve essentially done is turned the packages into trim levels by requiring the packages below the one you want.
That’s a good way to look at it. These are trim levels by a different name. It makes me less annoyed for some reason.
I would think this is more about the availability of the base model. What Dealership will want the base spec model when Chevy will push the subscription model in advertising. It will just mean the real base models will be with only the bottom 2 required packages, and they will be lease specials.
Chevy does allow ordering to spec, but that will take some time and most dealerships are going to charge full MSRP on orders, while you may get a discount on what’s in stock. Which is to say that I don’t know if it would be worth it.
That’s the rub. They offer something that will not really be as available as they want you to think. Some one who needs a good cheap car goes in to buy the base model and walks out with financed model that was on the lot several thousand more than they real need or can afford. It’s all short term gain over long term reward.
I actually see the reverse happening here: loaded up Bolts being harder to find, and stocked less often, because at that price you’re at Equinox EV money with more room and range. It’s not like it was in the initial run where the Bolt was the only electric option.
But when it comes to package interconnectedness, are there many buyers that want just SuperCruise and avoid other options? That seems like it’ll be an oddball spec that would end up stuck on the lot IMO.
There is something very funny to me about the idea that you should be able to buy a car that drives itself but has a manual drivers seat.
I still don’t see the point of power seats. Especially since they move at their own (slow) pace and manual adjustments are so much quicker.
Manual adjustments are faster, power seats offer finer adjustments. Everything is a tradeoff.
We need seats with manual AND electronic control, dammit, and I’m tired of OEMs depriving us of this crucial combination.
Oh, no. Now I’m considering how this would work and all I can think of is a manual crank for each adjustment. You’d still get the fine-adjustments of the power seat, but you would lose a lot of the speed of normal manual seats.
will you settle for the half-assedness of seats with electronic seat control and manual recline? (and has any OEM ever tried the inverse. Surely someone has…)
Power seats are really only good when you have memory settings or when you just need to nudge the backrest recline forward or back
Power seats without memory settings are somewhat silly, but indispensable for couples of different heights.
Our Hyundai had the 2 person memory and the seats AND side mirrors would adjust now with our Pacifica no side mirror memory. It sucks.
Side mirror memory is such a nice feature, and seems like it wouldn’t be difficult to add. More manufacturers should include that. Once upon a time, I’d also suggest adding radio presets to the memory settings, but I feel like enough people use Android Auto or CarPlay that it may be moot. Maybe memory that includes which phone is primary?
The Pacifica and the Hyundai have infotainment memory but just the Pacifica skips the mirrors.
Along the lines of standard auto high beams without standard automatic headlights (lot of base trim Toyotas have been like that).
when you think about it, an automobile is one big power seat
or several power seats
This almost reads like a Mad Libs of someone discovering the US retail auto industry for the first time 🙂
No offense intended at all. It really grinds me gears…that is…if there are any gears even left to grind! Probably a CVT.
This really stretches my bands!
Single speed direct drive, so it grinds your gear, singular.
Direct drive?!
Great, now we have a car that vinyl hipsters won’t shut up about! /s
Is it possible that some are intertwined? Like maybe Super Cruise requires the 360 camera system?
You have to pay $1,700 to get rain sensing wipers? FTS.
I had them in my Mazdaspeed 3, they were nice for long drives when it kept going from dry to drizzly to downpour. But I don’t really miss them that much, not worth $1,700.
I don’t think that’s that crazy. Some brands like Mazda or VW are more liberal with including it on model lines, but for others it’s just a high package or top-trim feature. Ex. cheapest Honda with it is the $33.5k Civic Sport Touring hybrid.
How hard is it to sense when it is raining when you are driving a car? The wiper stalk is right there. It would make sense to have auto wipers if you had to get under the hood to turn them on and off, but $1700 to not lift a finger is crazy.
It would be one thing if it worked well, but I’ve yet to find an application that did, across multiple brands. Always seems to zing into high speed too easily and I think about the wiper operation more than if it were just regular manual settings, or using it on the constant speed setting anyway. My old GTI, I gave up and just turned the feature off completely and used the wiper stalk as normal. My Honda, I couldn’t turn it off.
My 2017 Mazda6 has automatic wipers. Not impressed. Sometimes they go into fastest speed with minor drizzle and other times I literally cannot see out of the window due to water build and waiting for them to wipe. In minor rain, I just find myself using the “mist” function to wipe them as needed.
Same, they seem to freak out at the mist coming off the vehicles ahead on highway, and other times I’m waiting for them to wipe like you described. Usually that’s after I’ve adjusted the sensitivity down so it’s like they’re being passive aggressive back at me for not wanting them to wipe so dang much.
My 2008 Saturn Astra had auto wipers standard. You could get it without air conditioning, but it always had automatic wipers. I don’t know why they aren’t standard on most vehicles. Most of the cars I have with automatic wipers work pretty well.
I generally don’t like rain sensing wipers. They never seem to work consistently.
I’m GLAD they’re an option.
And even if they did work as expected, a feature like that isn’t worth anywhere close to $1700 to me. I wouldn’t even pay $500 for it.
So, it’s not an apples to apples comparison, but I bought a used 2022 EUV last month with Supercruise, but it’s like Supercruise lite on the EUV because it doesn’t do lane changes and only works on about 1/3 of the roads that most of the other cars do. While it’s pretty neat, I can’t say I’m going to pay the monthly fee after my 3 month trial is done. The older Bolts just are hampered by the slow DCFC so they aren’t really a road trip car. The secret is that you can install a Comma.AI on the Bolt for $999 and get something similar to Supercruise for a one-time fee with no monthly costs. It’s not going to work for at least a while on a new one, but it can work on any of the old ones with adaptive cruise control as long as they don’t have Supercruise installed.
I still say a used Bolt is one of the best values out there, especially if you find one with a replaced battery pack. I bought a 2022 EUV with every option and 44,000 miles for $17,250 and it has 90,000 miles and 6 years left on the battery pack warranty because it was replaced at 34,000 miles. The DCFC rate sinks, so it’s not going to make a good primary car if you do road trips, because charging is going to take like an hour, but it’s a great commuter car.
We have similar car choices, I have a 2023 Bolt EUV and a Miata NB lol the Bolt is one of the most reliable cars I ever had from GM.
I just… don’t get it, I guess. If you’re sitting in the car anyway, you might as well be driving it. Just buy something you enjoy driving.
I didn’t get it either, until I had a trial of Supercruise. It’s great on interstates and in stop and go traffic. I love to drive and have the Miata for those times, but interstate driving is just a grind, and it’s way more relaxing to just let the car do it for me. And honestly the Bolt is pretty fun to drive… It’s not as engaging as a stick shift Miata, but the instant torque is great and it’s pretty fast off the line in city driving.
Fair point. I admit to using LKA and adaptive cruise on quiet stretches of the interstate, but I have a bit too much of the Luddite in me to let the car do everything. 
Exactly, I like driving much more than I like riding. I guess the people who like riding want the self-driving cars.
I’d love to meet the geniuses who pay nearly $40k for a Chevy Bolt.
It will be discounted.
Because GM.
Damn near company is pulling scumbag shit with options packages like this. You can’t get automatic cruise control on a Maverick unless you spec out a $40k Lariat, for example.
Automatic (adaptive cruise) is standard. Super Cruise is much more than that.
Right, just saying that every company is doing this in some way or another. Entry-level cars have been decontented to death.
Entry level cars have not be “de-contented”, they have been left with what was the content. Options used to include, radio other than AM, passenger side mirror, AC, rear shoulder belts, a locking gas cap, and so many other things that are “standard” now. Its the creep of thinking you need something because its the newer version that leads to this kind of action from companies.
Seriously, my first car had manual everything and an air conditioner that didn’t work well enough so I just rolled the windows down. I did put a new stereo in it.
When we went to get my daughter something “basic” after she wrecked her Fusion, we were looking at the Sentra S (I tried to convince her to go with something else but she liked the Sentra. I think it was the orange paint on the SR she chose). But the S had power everything, advanced safety features, blind spot monitoring, bluetooth audio and Android Auto. Her complaint was the stereo only had 4 speakers and didn’t sound very good.
You’re right, that’s probably not the right term to use. More just vastly reducing options/bundling options together to move you to higher trim levels.
This reminds me of the Polestar 2, where, if you wanted an interior in a color other than black, you had to pony up a total of (IIRC) $8,000 in options. We were considering an i4 a few years ago, and a few folks pointed out how much cheaper the 2 was…but that price advantage went completely out the window if you couldn’t live with the coal bin interior, which I’d really have hated.
Its relatively easy to take a new car to a local independent shop to have new seat upholstery and door panel inserts installed for a lot less than $8000.
Heck, when I was a new car salesperson for a brief time in the early 90s we were doing that at the dealer.
Those of us who grew up without such drivers’ aids – and some of us, indeed, without even power steering – are not fussed.
“If I didn’t want to do the driving myself, I would’ve called a cab.”
Remember when options were line-item details? You want one, you can order just the one? That ship has sailed, sunk and been written off by Lloyd’s. Call off the search, no survivors.
I recently discovered that the wireless charging capability that can be had in my RAV’s upmarket sibling can also be had in my base model. The charging pad is available as a separate part and the wiring is already there. It plugs right in.
I’ll have more of that, please. I would like to be able to parts-counter my way to exactly the car I want, without having to break the budget on the first day to do it or put up with a bunch of fripperies that I’d prefer to leave off.