Chevy Bolt Outdistances Tesla EVs in Range Tests

General Motors Co.’s 2017 Chevrolet Bolt electric small car traveled 250 miles on a single charge in Consumer Reports testing, edging out 2016 versions of Tesla Inc.’s Model S 75D sedan and Model X 90D crossover vehicle.

The Bolt also bested its own U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating of 238 miles per charge. CR notes that EVs and hybrids usually fare worse in its tests, which tend to reflect real world conditions more accurately than do government ratings.

The magazine’s tests included a mix of city and highway driving (mostly at a constant 65 mph) and with the air conditioner and heater off. Hard acceleration and running the HVAC system can significantly reduce an EV’s range.

The $86,000 Model S sedan tested, which has an EPA rating of 259 miles, achieved 235 miles in CR’s tests. Tesla has said the 75D is capable of 275 miles at 65 mph with the AC off at an ambient temperature of 70° F.

The $84,000 Model X traveled 230 miles on a charge, which is 27 miles short of its EPA estimate. The magazine hasn’t tested this year’s Model S or Model X 100-kWh variants, both of which are expected to have longer ranges than their predecessors.

The Bolt starts at $37,500. CR paid $41,000 for the Bolt Premier edition it tested.

Following the latest tests, CR now ranks the Bolt second among all EVs in overall performance after the Model S. In addition to range, the Bolt was praised for its agility and quiet interior. But CR criticized the car’s “overly squishy brake-pedal feel,” long charging time, choppy ride and mediocre seats.