Two days ago, I stumbled upon a fascinating thread on the ChevyBolt forum, where a user named JerryP from Florida shared a moment many EV owners can relate to. His comment instantly caught my attention because it captures a conversation almost every electric vehicle driver has had at some point. JerryP wrote:
"When asked about my electric bill, I tell them my cost per mile and then ask what their cost per mile is. If they know, their eyes get really big. But usually, it's more like deer in the headlights eyes."
Jerry’s post resonated with me for two reasons. First, it perfectly highlights the confidence EV drivers often feel when discussing efficiency and cost savings. Second, it points out how few gas-powered vehicle owners truly understand the financial side of their daily commutes. And Jerry’s point about the "deer in the headlights" reaction is a phenomenon I’ve witnessed myself.
So, let’s break this down: what makes the Chevy Bolt so compelling when it comes to cost per mile, and how does it stack up against its competition?
Chevy Bolt: The Cost-Per-Mile Champion?
The Chevy Bolt is known for being one of the most cost-efficient electric vehicles on the market. To understand its brilliance, let’s look at the numbers. On average, the Bolt delivers about 3.5–4.0 miles per kWh depending on driving conditions and habits. In Florida, where JerryP lives, the average cost of electricity is around 14 cents per kWh.
Doing some quick math:
- If the Bolt gets 3.5 miles per kWh and electricity costs 14 cents per kWh, the cost per mile is roughly 4 cents.
- For a 1,000-mile month, that’s just $40 in electricity: an unbeatable figure for most drivers.
Compare that to a gas-powered vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon with gas priced at $3.50 per gallon. The cost per mile for the gas car jumps to 14 cents, or $140 for 1,000 miles. That’s over three times as much!
The Deer-In-The-Headlights Moment
When Jerry asks gas car owners their cost per mile, the blank stares are no surprise. Most drivers don’t think of their expenses this way. They simply focus on filling the tank and driving. But when you shift the conversation to cost-per-mile, the stark difference becomes hard to ignore.
And it’s not just the fuel costs that make EVs like the Bolt shine. Maintenance is another factor. Gas-powered cars require regular oil changes, brake pad replacements, and a host of other upkeep expenses. The Bolt, with its simpler electric drivetrain, minimizes those costs, making it even more economical to own.
For those who wonder if the Chevy Bolt is worth the hype, JerryP’s story is a perfect example of why it is. And as we’ve discussed before in "What Makes the Chevrolet Bolt EV a Better Car to Buy," the Bolt has consistently delivered an impressive combination of affordability, efficiency, and practicality.
How Does the Chevy Bolt Compare to Competitors?
The Chevy Bolt isn’t alone in its EV efficiency game, but it holds its own remarkably well. Let’s look at a few competitors:
-
Tesla Model 3:
The Model 3 is a top competitor, with an efficiency of about 4 miles per kWh. However, Tesla vehicles tend to be priced higher, and depending on electricity rates, the savings might not feel as significant. -
Nissan Leaf:
The Leaf delivers around 3 miles per kWh, making it slightly less efficient than the Bolt. However, its lower starting price sometimes narrows the gap in overall ownership costs. -
Hyundai Kona Electric:
The Kona Electric matches the Bolt’s efficiency at about 4 miles per kWh but often comes with a higher price tag and fewer incentives, tipping the scales in the Bolt’s favor.
When you combine the Bolt’s efficiency with its affordable starting price, generous federal tax incentives, and Chevrolet’s reputation for reliability, it’s easy to see why so many drivers swear by it. As one Bolt owner put it in "I've Owned Many Cars, and the Chevy Bolt Is by Far the Best Commuter," it’s a car designed for practical, cost-conscious drivers who want maximum value.
Tips for Maximizing Your EV’s Efficiency
For readers who already own a Chevy Bolt or any EV with a self-calculating cost-per-mile feature, here are some tips to stretch those miles even further:
- Drive Smoothly: Aggressive acceleration drains your battery faster. A light foot on the pedal ensures better efficiency.
- Precondition Your Car: Use your app to pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin while the car is plugged in to conserve battery during the drive.
- Leverage Regenerative Braking: The Bolt’s regenerative braking can add extra miles to your range, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
- Monitor Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure can increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency. Check your tires regularly.
- Plan Charging Smartly: Charging during off-peak hours can reduce electricity costs even further.
What Does This Mean for Future EV Drivers?
JerryP’s story is more than just a clever anecdote. It’s a reminder that EVs aren’t just about saving the environment—they’re also about saving money. And while the Bolt may not have the flashiest badge or the longest range in the EV world, it’s a perfect example of how practicality and affordability can win hearts (and wallets).
For those considering their first EV, reading "My First Impressions of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV" is a great starting point to understand why so many drivers are choosing the Bolt as their go-to electric vehicle.
What’s Your EV's Cost Per Mile?
So, let’s turn the tables. Have you calculated your vehicle’s cost per mile? Do you own a Chevy Bolt or another EV and have a similar story to share? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Here are two questions to spark the conversation:
- If you’ve owned both gas-powered and electric vehicles, how do the costs compare in your experience?
- What’s your favorite tip for getting the most efficiency out of your EV?
Let’s keep the discussion rolling below!
David Black specializes in vehicle technology in his writing. David's focus at Torque News is mainly in electric vehicles and you can follow him on X and on LinkedIn for tips and suggestions.
Comments
Bolt EV is decent in the…
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Bolt EV is decent in the snow too.
It all depends on what an…
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It all depends on what an individual’s needs are and what they desire from their vehicle.
Cost per mile would have several bewildered, few break down driving cost in that manner.
If you tell them that an EV will save them $600 annually (after considering fuel, oil changes, general standard maintenance, and registration fees) that will probably be a more meaningful comparison.
I have a Volt and a Bolt,…
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I have a Volt and a Bolt, and 2 chargers (EVSEs for the purists).
Volt is 100% EV around town; Bolt is 100% EV for around town and further distances. Volt is our road trip car.
We've never HAD to charge anywhere but home, and it's worked out perfectly.
The Volt's engine has only consumed about 550 gallons of gas, so maybe 16,500 engine miles. It's 10 years old. At this rate, the engine will well outlast me.
I've been quite happy with both cars.
It was 2.4 degrees this…
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It was 2.4 degrees this morning. I pushed the remote start and my Chevy Bolt fired right up. Nice an warm.
I had a2020 bolt EV for…
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I had a2020 bolt EV for almost a year before it was totalled by a deer. I loved it, charged every other night at home. I got into an EV6 as a rental and loved it enough to replace the Bolt with one.
The only niggle I have is how quiet EVs are. I've looked down and noticed I was doing well over 70 on some back highways because I didn't have that engine noise to remind me.
In 2016 i put a $1g…
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In 2016 i put a $1g reservation on a Tesla Model 3. Car delivered July 12 2018, summer of 2019 my wife and I drove to Quebec Canada from Tampa Florida, it was a great round trip, Dec 2025 traded the Tesla for a 2025 Equinox EV so that alone should be proof positive the we have no regrets of driving an electric vehicle. Some people are just stuck on what they want to believe about EV’s so unless someone ask me i no longer try to push EV’s as i used to do years ago. Sorry!
Into my second year after…
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Into my second year after ordering and buying a new 2023 Rivian R1T. (5 years ago I was driving 60K miles a year). At 81, I have slowed down somewhat. We live in a solar powered acreage where I have been using my EV Mean Green lawn mower for 5 years now. My wife just bought a new Tesla Y because we really love the Rivian and now it changes alongside my Rivian in the garage at night. I have made several 500 mile plus trips and even pulled a 4000 pound trailer on one of them. In 3 months I plan on making a 3000 mile trip to the opposite coast and back to attend my granddaughter's HS graduation. I would have a hard time living these days without our EVs.
I'm a happy Chevy Bolt owner…
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I'm a happy Chevy Bolt owner. I could've written this story as my own, as well as just about all the comments. I'll never not own an EV for the rest of my life.
You didn't seem to address…
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You didn't seem to address the actual real reasons not to like EVs. They don't hold their value, their major repairs are far more expensive than motors or transmissions on an ICE vehicle. As someone who has owned a few, these are definitely real problems that suck with these cars.
At some point, EVs will be…
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In reply to You didn't seem to address… by Kirk (not verified)
At some point, EVs will be the dominant car choice (already ~25% in CA, CO) and used car demand will boost used EV prices, and deflate used ICE prices. For someone who holds cars for a long time, the depreciation means absolutely nothing.
Is your repair expense statement based on experience? Very few owners have to do any major repairs to EV components, mostly it's the stuff shared with ICE (suspension, body work) that need attention. These motors are likely good for millions of miles, as are brakes. The only potential big cost item is the battery pack, but there are many owners with 250-300K miles and original batteries that are still at near new capacity.
An ICE Motor+ Transmission swap is likely to be every bit as costly as a battery replacement. And for both, the advanced age/low resale price will mean it may be a wiser move to scrap it than repair.
I owe a 2021 bolt. I drive…
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I owe a 2021 bolt. I drive for Uber. I currently have 240,000 miles on the car.. I have had no problems with the car. I charge at home every night and am getting close to 300 miles on the charge. Great car.
So no mention of the higher…
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So no mention of the higher insurance cost, higher tire cost and the very high depreciation? Some of these might not be as big a factor in one of the cheapest EVs sold new like the Bolt. But for people buying say a Polestar 2 or an Ioniq 5 these other increased expenses need to be considered.
I have four cars - 2016 Fit,…
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In reply to So no mention of the higher… by Steve (not verified)
I have four cars - 2016 Fit, 2018 Rio, 2020 Sportage and 2020 Bolt and the Bolt is the cheapest to insure.
1 comment I like to make to…
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1 comment I like to make to skeptics is ask them how long their gas furnace or their blender has been running (many for over 20 years) then explain that the motor that runs them is the same technology that is in an electric car (the motor). Then ask them how many times they have had to change the oil in their blender or their furnace (never). The same with electric cars. When gasoline cars were first used (early 1900's) you had to go to the hardware store to buy gas for them. It took years for gas stations to proliferate throughout the country. Be a little patient with the charging infrastructure.
To bad when the battery…
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To bad when the battery finally does get depleted we will now have to dispose the the toxic metals. Also. Digging up the metals to make the batteries are not a green endeavor. Glad he likes his ev.....but it's not as green as they are made out to be.
Satisfied better car owners…
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Satisfied better car owners are so rare that one of them makes the news...
Own a 10 year old Leaf not a…
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Own a 10 year old Leaf not a bolt. Still using the original 12V battery. Wondering how long it will last.