The 2017 Chevy Bolt is the first affordable EV available in all 50 states [Review]

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is in an enviable position in the world of EVs. It’s the first affordable, long-range electric vehicle for sale across the U.S.

It beat both the much-vaunted Tesla Model 3 and the next-generation Nissan Leaf to the marketplace. Sometimes, being first is better than being the best.

TFL’s Roman Mica was in California to test drive the all-new Bolt, and even though it is first, Tesla and Nissan have a tough act to follow. The Bolt is just “normal” enough to bring EVs into the mainstream.

Here are the hard numbers: a 60-kWh battery powers a 150 kW (about 200 hp) electric motor that drives the front wheels. It also makes 266 lb-ft of torque, which propels the Bolt from 0-60 in a scant 6.5 seconds.

The EPA rates the Bolt at 119 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined, for a range of 238 miles. GM says that if the car is run flat-out to its managed top speed of 92 mph, it will drain the battery in 170 miles. Not too shabby.

According to GM, in California, it would cost $12 to fully charge the battery during peak energy times, and only $4 overnight.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Roman says that it drives like an EV, meaning it’s quiet, there’s lots of torque, and a lot of brake regeneration. The Bolt can also be set to one-pedal mode, where there is so much regeneration that it’s possible to drive without ever touching the brake pedal.

The Bolt starts at around $37,500, with the premium test model coming in at $42,500. There is a tax credit now, but that might go away with the new administration.

The Bolt will roll out in California and Oregon first, the biggest EV markets, and then rolled out to rest of the country by the end of summer.

Check out the full video above to find out what Roman’s favorite feature is, and to find out if it’s fun to drive.