When it comes to EPA range estimates, technology features, and presentation for electric vehicles, the Tesla Model 3 is considered the industry standard. However, we here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse think the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV may have it beat. The Edmunds.com staff recently published a blog that made a solid argument with a few good reasons why the Bolt EUV is a better choice than Tesla’s entry-level offering of the 2021 Model 3.
Weight on Wallet Factor: The official price difference between the two cars is approximately $7,000. The base trim for the Tesla gets you faux leather seating, heated seats, larger wheels, and onboard navigation. However, when stacked up against our Bolt EUV, the top Premiere trim level will get you many of these options plus cooled seats, and the EUV still has a lower final price than the base Model 3. If you are willing to wait until fall, there’s a good chance that you will see numerous manufacturer incentives on the Bolt EUV, which will provide even more in the way of savings.
The Star-Studded Super Cruise: Both the Tesla and the Bolt EUV boast features to reduce the strain of driving. Our Bolt EUV features Super Cruise, and the Tesla has its own type of Full Self-Driving Capability. You need the top Premiere trim on the Bolt EUV to gain access to Super Cruise, but obtaining the Model 3’s option costs roughly $7,800 more. Consumer Reports gave the Bolt EUV’s Super Cruise top marks in a 2020 ranking of active driving assistance systems.
Space For Stuff: The hatchback design you’ll find in the Bolt EUV offers more cargo-friendly space at 16.3 cubic inches. The Model Y from the Tesla camp provides a bit more, but you are looking at about $18,000 minimum more in spend. The Bolt EUV has come such a long way since the 2019 EV model, with awesome design, great technology, and wider everyday appeal.
Fulfilling Real World Expectations: The Bolt EUV has an EPA-estimated range of 247 miles, while the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is rated at about 20 miles more. But, when push comes to shove, the real-world finish is sometimes a bit different. When the Model 3 has been pushed to perform, it sometimes comes up short, but the Bolt EUV has proven itself able to exceed its EPA rating by 7%. The Edmunds staff will soon make an official go of it for themselves, and circle back to us with the official findings.
