2020 Chevrolet Bolt Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an affordable, electric-powered car that debuted in 2017. The new 2020 models will offer the best all-electric range yet for this vehicle. It has an EPA-estimated range of up to 259 miles on a single charge. Chevy has packed this latest model with impressive technology. This car also offers plenty of convenience and safety features.

Chevrolet's Bolt EV only has two trim levels to choose from. Both offer good performance and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Many buyers will no doubt wonder which model is right for them. This guide will detail the differences between the two trim levels in several categories.

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Configurations

The latest Bolt EV only comes in one configuration regardless of the trim level. It is officially designated as a 4-door wagon. The Bolt is a hatchback and falls under the subcompact class of vehicles. It has a wheelbase of 102.4 inches and an overall length of 164 inches. This vehicle may be small, but it still provides plenty of interior space. The Bolt EV can seat up to five adults and has 56.6 cubic-feet of storage space. Like most electric vehicles, the Bolt EV is only available with front-wheel drive.

 

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT vs Premier. What is the Difference?

Chevy has labeled the Bolt's two trim levels as the LT and the Premier. Both come with the same electric motor and single-speed transmission. The performance stats are virtually identical between the two models. The main differences are in the available convenience features.

A convenience package is actually available for the base LT trim. This means you can add on some of the features that come standard on the Premier model. Some of these include heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror. The Premier gets an infotainment package option. This adds on an upgraded sound system by Bose with seven speakers and a sub-woofer.

Charging the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV is as easy as plugging in a cell phone. Charging is fast too. At a public charging station, one can get up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charging time. Chevrolet also offers 240-volt, 32-amp charging units for home use. These units must be professionally installed.

Performance Capabilities

As previously stated, both trim levels come with the same power plant. The all-electric motor produces around 200 horsepower and 266 pounds-feet of torque. With electric power, vehicles have powerful, almost-instant torque for impressive acceleration. The motor runs quietly and smoothly. The front-wheel drive configuration offers good handling in most conditions.

Mechanical Differences

All of the stock mechanical features of the LT and Premier are the same. Although it's not stock for either trim, a fast-charging option is available for both. This option allows an owner to quickly charge their Bolt EV at public fast-charging stations. A 120-volt, portable cord is included with both trims.

The transmission system for both trims allows for one-pedal driving. This means that the driver can largely ignore the brake pedal. The vehicle automatically slows down and stops when the driver's foot is removed from the go pedal. Both trims feature power steering, independent front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension.

The LT and the Premier version of the Bolt EV can easily be started without keys thanks to the push-button feature. Anti-lock brakes are standard for both trims. Battery run-down protection automatically shuts off lights that are left on after the car is shut down.

Exterior Differences

On the outside of the vehicle is where some of the first differences can be seen. The base model comes in eight different exterior colors. Ever-popular colors such as white, gray and black are available. Chevy has also added more bold options such as metallic orange, kinetic blue and oasis blue. The Premier trim level adds on silver ice metallic as an extra choice.

The LT comes equipped with a set of 17-inch wheels. These are painted and outfitted with all-season tires. The Premier shares the same set of tires and the same wheel size. They are cosmetically different, however, and come in a bright, machined-aluminum deco with painted pockets. Both trims have heated exterior mirrors for quick defrosting in cold weather. The Premier trim adds on integrated turn signals.

The door handles match the body color of the Bolt EV, but the Premier model throws on some chrome trim. Intermittent wipers are standard for both trims. The headlights and taillights are LED models no matter which trim is chosen. Chevy throws in a complimentary front and rear tow hook with every vehicle.

One difference on the outside is the Premier's addition of roof-mounted side-rails. This adds on even more storage space for those who do a lot of traveling. Chevrolet makes winter and summer floor mat sets available for both models. Another available option is Chevy's Intellibeam. This feature detects the light level and turns the high beams on and off automatically. A tire-inflation kit can also be thrown in for a nominal fee.

Interior Differences

Interior features is where the LT and Premier start to really differ. As should be expected, the higher-priced Premier has some extras when it comes to interior features. Drivers who choose the upgraded trim will enjoy heated front seats. The steering wheel also has an automated heat feature that reacts to the car's interior temperature. As previously mentioned, an upgrade to the Premier also gets owners a better sound system.

The lighting inside of the Premier trim gets a nice upgrade. There is also ambient lighting for the instrument cluster in the Premier. For the rear passengers, there are a few extra small-item storage options. There is a map pocket on back of the front seats. There is also a rear center arm rest.

One of the biggest additions to the Premier is a false cargo floor. This is optional for the LT, but it comes standard on the Premier. This features adds even more storage space to an already-large cargo area. It also allows drivers to hide more valuable items from sight.

In addition to the added extra features, the Premier gets a few more options for the interior too. Buyers can opt for some extra USB charging ports for phones, tablets and other devices. An infotainment package for the Premier even adds on wireless charging. Leather-appointed upholstery is available for the Premier but not for the LT.

Just like the previous categories, the LT and Premier share the majority of their interior features and options. The standard infotainment center is 4G WiFi capable and can be used as a hot-spot. A 12-volt power outlet is standard on both models and Chevy includes a 120-volt charging cord as well.

The driver's seat and front-passenger seat come standard with 6-way manual adjustments. The rear seat can be split and folded down to add to the overall cargo space. It's a 60/40 split design that gives owners a few options for hauling both passengers and a lot of stuff around.

The LT and Premier both offer automatic climate control. Parameters can be set to the driver's liking. The vehicle will then automatically detect and adjust the temperature. Chevrolet has added a nice driver-information center to both trim levels. An 8-inch screen gives drivers access to info such as battery status and power efficiency.

Safety Features

Safety features are one of the most important categories to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. Both versions of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV come packed with impressive safety features and equipment. The Premier model throws in a few extra driver aids that are missing from the LT model.

The LT trim package gives you an HD rear-view camera. For even better vision, the Premier comes equipped with an upgrade here. It is equipped with an HD surround-view camera. Both add to the overall safety of the vehicle, but the additional views on the Premier can certainly come in handy.

Rear cross-traffic alert is installed in the Premier versions of the Bolt EV. This system engages when the vehicle is in reverse. It helps drivers to detect cross traffic that is behind them when trying to back out of a parking space. It's another handy feature to have when pulling out of a space with the side views hindered.

A rear-parking assist on the Premier trim gives an audible warning when the car gets too close to objects while moving in reverse at lower speeds. This can be added on to the LT as an option for a small increase in the total cost of the vehicle. The Premier also comes already equipped with a lane-change assist. This gives drivers an audible warning when a vehicle is rapidly approaching the Bolt EV's blind-spot zones.

Both trim levels come with 10 standard airbags. LED daytime lights are included as well. Both models come ready for OnStar services. A pedestrian warning gives off an audible warning at low speeds when someone is walking nearby. Chevrolet's tire-pressure monitoring system alerts the driver when the air pressure becomes dangerously low.

Most Chevrolet vehicles in 2020 come with the company's Teen Driver system. Both trims for the Bolt EV are no exception here. This system allows car owners to configure settings to encourage good driving habits. The settings are connected with a key fob. When a secondary teen driver enters the vehicle with the key fob, the settings will engage automatically.

There are also a number of optional safety features and driver assists that can be added on to either trim package. A following-distance indicator is available to make sure drivers maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of them. A front-collision detection system gives off a warning if a crash is imminent. Automatic emergency braking can be added. This kicks in at speeds below 50 miles-per-hour to help drivers to avoid accidents.

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Which Trim to Choose?

 

There aren't many differences between the LT and Premier models of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The features missing from the LT won't be deal breakers for most drivers. The price difference here, while not huge, is still significant enough to take into serious consideration. It's important to note that most of the Premier's features can be added on to the base LT trim level.

For most drivers, the LT model should be just fine. It will save owners some money right out of the gate. Any extras that are attractive to the buyer can simply be added to the LT trim. This will still add up to a lower overall cost. The extras on the Premier are nice, but not essentials. Both models of the Bolt EV are fine choices for anyone looking to own an all-electric vehicle.