It’s remarkable to consider how far electric vehicles have come since the early days of EV advocacy. As someone who has been driving electric cars for over sixteen years, and a member of Plug In America since its inception following the fight to save the EV1s and original Toyota RAV4 EVs, I’ve had a unique perspective on the EV evolution. Currently owning both a 2017 Chevy Bolt and a 2018 Tesla Model 3, I’ve been asked to provide a direct comparison of these two popular electric vehicles.
Tesla Model 3 vs Chevy Bolt: Side-by-side electric car comparison
Having driven my Bolt for 18 months and around 15,000 miles, including four road trips exceeding 800 miles, and my Model 3 for three months with a couple of thousand miles in anticipation of its first 800-mile road trip, I can offer an informed comparison. My experience shows the Bolt consistently exceeds its EPA-estimated 238 miles of range, even on long journeys. While I’m still exploring the Model 3’s promised 310-mile range, the price difference is notable: approximately $46,000 for the Bolt versus $60,000 for the Model 3. While I appreciate both vehicles, the distinctions go beyond price and range, and certain aspects of the Bolt might appeal more to some drivers.
One of the most significant advantages of the Chevy Bolt is its driver-centric design. Equipped with front, rear, and a virtual overhead camera, parking the Bolt is exceptionally easy, arguably the simplest of any car I’ve owned. In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 offers autonomous parking, highlighting a core difference in philosophy between the two vehicles. While the Bolt emphasizes visual aids like cameras and blind-spot warnings, the Model 3 prioritizes advanced self-driving technology. This focus on autonomy in the Tesla Model 3 is evident in the minimalist interior design, where many traditional controls are replaced by a central touchscreen interface. While I appreciate the clean aesthetic, I sometimes miss having physical buttons and gauges readily accessible and within my line of sight, especially for navigation details positioned in the upper-right corner of the screen, far from the driver’s immediate focus.
Both the Bolt and Tesla Model 3 feature one-pedal driving with regenerative braking. However, the Bolt provides an additional regenerative braking feature via a paddle on the left side of the steering wheel. This feature is something I often reach for in the Model 3, only to be reminded of its absence. Furthermore, the Bolt’s compatibility with “CarPlay” for audio sources and smartphone navigation is a feature I appreciate and find less convenient or restricted in the Tesla Model 3. The Bolt also offers an Internet hot-spot service through OnStar, which is currently unavailable for similar functionalities in the Model 3.
However, the Tesla Model 3 truly shines in styling and performance. Its design is undeniably attractive, and the driving experience is exhilarating. For driving enthusiasts like myself, the Model 3, especially in Sport Steering mode, delivers the thrill of a high-performance sports car with incredible acceleration. The interior is comfortable and spacious, complemented by the impressive panoramic glass roof. While some have criticized the Bolt’s seat design, I personally find them comfortable and supportive, perhaps owing to my 5’8″ frame. The Tesla Model 3 boasts advanced features like driver-profile memory for seat, mirror, and steering wheel positions, along with a sophisticated climate control system that surpasses the Bolt’s. Both vehicles offer excellent audio systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and phone command capabilities.
The Tesla Supercharger network is a significant advantage for road trips, and something I’m keenly anticipating experiencing with the Model 3. While road trips in the Bolt were enjoyable, they required multiple 90-minute charging stops. The Model 3’s extended range and the faster charging speeds of Tesla Superchargers promise to reduce charging stops considerably, enhancing the road trip experience. Coupled with the Model 3’s superior performance and the allure of exploring its semi-autonomous driving features, the Model 3 presents a compelling option for long-distance travel.
Ultimately, choosing between the Chevy Bolt and the Tesla Model 3 involves weighing individual priorities. If budget is a primary concern, the Bolt offers excellent value. However, the Tesla Model 3 provides a blend of performance, technology, and charging infrastructure that is hard to match. Both are exceptional electric vehicles, and I am fortunate to own both, anticipating they will remain our primary vehicles for the foreseeable future.
