Outgoing Chevrolet Bolt: Less Range, More Desire?

Forget about six-figure super-sedan battles on fancy German racing circuits — it’s all a sideshow to what really matters in the electric vehicle realm: range and cost. The world doesn’t electrify in the manner envisioned by our most revered environmentalists without affordability and the ability to drive to the next state and back on a single charge.

Which is why changes coming to the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt are worthy of note. An extra 21 miles of range, pushing the little hatchback ahead of the Hyundai Kona Electric by a single mile. However, while extra range is a nice-to-have, lower monthly payments might be even nicer for those who are already more than satisfied with a 238-mile driving radius. For these folks, the outgoing 2019 model might make a lot more sense, especially given the measures GM’s using to clear them from the lot.

According to CarsDirect, customers in states that don’t end in “alifornia” (and those that don’t sign onto the Golden State’s zero-emission vehicle mandate) can expect significant incentives this month on 2019 Bolts. Previously, only the green states got the deals.

Via a dealer incentive bulletin, the publication noted that for the month of September, a 2019 Bolt LT can be leased for $339 for 39 months with $2,769 due at signing — which works out to $410 a month total cost, minus taxes and fees. Contrast that with the previous lease offer: $449 for 39 months with $3,799 at signing, or $546 a month.

Thank a $2,500 national lease incentive and an APR that’s dropped to 1.25 percent.

For those who want a 2019 Bolt for the long haul, buyers can expect a (doubled) $2,000 bonus, plus a mix of discounts and dealer cash totalling as much as $7,000. That’s up to nine grand off a $37,495 MSRP vehicle that’s still eligible for a halved federal EV tax credit ($3,750). GM’s credit is cut in half again come October 1st.

[Image: General Motors]