The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt is an affordable all-electric vehicle that is ready to take you wherever you want to go. You can go farther than you think from your weekday commute to weekend trips and all the places in between. The Bolt is not only a great car to own and drive, it is great for the environment. The Honda Clarity Electric is another electric car to contend, but it has scaled back on its version of an all-electric vehicle. Let’s look at the comparisons of both vehicles.
Design and Style
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has plenty of strengths for an electric vehicle. This small vehicle makes for a comfortable ride with plenty of interior space and headroom. It has 16.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a total of 56.6 cubic feet when all seats are folded. That’s a good amount of space for a small compact vehicle. With no clutch or gears, this EV has quick acceleration and is quiet as it cruises, creates no air pollution, and feels like you are driving a sports car. Also, with fewer moving parts, you will spend less on maintenance. Bolt’s sporty electric vehicle comes in two trims: LT and Premier trims -both great trims, but even the LT offers a great package.
Honda has pulled the plug on the battery-electric version of the 2020 Clarity, but it still sells a Plug-in Hybrid version and introduced some updates to the Clarity Fuel Cell for 2020; though the Fuel Cell is only available in certain regions of California. It comes with a few limitations, such as limited cargo space and less legroom in the back seat, with only 11.8 cubic feet of cargo space for the Fuel Cell and 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space for the Plug-in Hybrid. A 60/40 split folding rear seat expands that capacity when necessary.
Driving Range/Engine/Pricing
For the 2020 model year, Chevrolet updated the Bolt’s battery pack, increasing its capacity without changing its size. This increased its total range to an impressive 259 miles. Customers will enjoy passing the gas stations and the zero emission care on this vehicle. This extremely quick Bolt features a 200-horsepower electric motor paired with a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a single-speed transmission. Bolt’s affordable price tag starts at $36,620. This price stands out with the standard features that come with this electric vehicle and the money you will save.
For 2020, Honda Clarity is offered in two fuel source versions – Plug-in Hybrid, and Fuel Cell; though there is limited availability with the Fuel Cell. The Plug-in Hybrid model combines a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a battery-fed electric motor. Together they make 212 horsepower, and the electric motor gives you 181 horsepower. The range on a full charge is 47 miles. Clarity Fuel Cell uses hydrogen gas to create electricity on demand. With that, you will get 174 horsepower and a range of 360 miles. If you are used to other Honda sedan rides, you might find the ride quality to be a little too soft with slow acceleration and handling. It’s starting price begins at $34,3500 for the standard Plug-in Hybrid and $37,555 for the Touring Plug-in Hybrid. In the gas engine it delivers 42 mpg in combined city/highway driving. If you are looking for the Fuel Cell; you are looking at an upward starting price at $58,490 – this model is only offered in California.
Tech and Safety Features
The Bolt offers plenty of standard safety and tech features and does not disappoint. It comes standard with a rearview camera and the Teen Driver system. Popular safety features include Forward Collision Alert, Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking, and Lane Keep Assist w/Lane Departure Warning. Its generous tech features include an easy to use MyLink infotainment system, with a 10.2-inch touch screen and informative menus that display battery usage and range information. Also included, is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a six-speaker audio system. It is available with a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system, two rear USB ports, and wireless device charging.
Clarity’s dated infotainment system is a bit of a letdown in its electric vehicle. While it offers an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system, its interface needs work and is hard to use when moving with its distracting touch-sensitive buttons. The infotainment is one of its biggest drawbacks. It offers similar driver assist technology comparable to the Bolt, with standard automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The LaneWatch system is part of the safety package; but it can be distracting as it displays a camera image of what’s in your blind spot as soon as you flip on the turn signal.
Overall
Two choices for an eco-friendly vehicle that are great for our environment and great for your wallet, but the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt’s quick power and impressive electric range make the difference when it comes to making your choice. Come take a look at Burlington Chevrolet.
