2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Overview
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a fully electric compact hatchback known for its impressive range and city-friendly maneuverability. As an electric vehicle, its mechanical complexity is significantly lower than traditional internal combustion engine cars, leading to a generally positive reliability outlook. Key areas of focus for electric vehicles include battery health, charging system integrity, and the electric drive unit. While the Bolt EV has seen some attention for battery-related concerns in earlier model years, the 2020 model generally benefits from refinements. This analysis focuses on documented technical issues beyond standard maintenance, providing insights into potential areas of concern for owners and prospective buyers.
Engine
Electric Drive Unit
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: N/A
Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: N/A
Suspension
Standard Suspension
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: N/A
Electrical
High-Voltage Battery
Battery Module Failures
- Symptoms: Reduced range, charging issues, warning lights, potential for thermal runaway (though rare and addressed by recalls/updates).
- Solution: Battery module replacement or software updates. Recalls have been issued for certain battery configurations.
- Cost: $2,000 - $5,000+
Onboard Charger
Charging System Faults
- Symptoms: Inability to charge, intermittent charging, error messages on the dashboard.
- Solution: Diagnosis and potential replacement of the onboard charging module.
- Cost: $500 - $1,500
12V Auxiliary Battery
Premature Failure
- Symptoms: Various electrical systems malfunctioning, difficulty starting (though it’s an EV, the 12V battery powers essential systems).
- Solution: Replacement of the 12V auxiliary battery.
- Cost: $150 - $300
Exterior
Body Panels & Paint
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: N/A
Lighting
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: N/A
Interior
Infotainment System
Software Glitches
- Symptoms: Screen freezing, unresponsiveness, connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Solution: Software updates or system resets.
- Cost: $0 - $200
HVAC System
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: N/A
Summary Verdict
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV generally presents a good reliability record, characteristic of many electric vehicles due to their simpler mechanical powertrains. The primary concern revolves around the high-voltage battery, with some instances of module failures and the potential for thermal issues, though these have been subject to recalls and manufacturer attention. The onboard charger and the 12V auxiliary battery are also potential points of failure. Beyond these electrical components, other systems like the suspension, exterior, and interior generally perform reliably with no widespread reported issues. Owners should remain aware of battery health and any manufacturer service bulletins or recalls.