As electric vehicles continue to evolve and go mainstream, two of the most compelling options on the market today are the Kia EV6 and Chevy Bolt. Both deliver an emissions-free driving experience packed with advanced technology. But which one is the smarter buy for tech-savvy shoppers?
As a digital technology expert, I‘ll dive deep on the cutting-edge features and capabilities of the EV6 and Bolt to determine which one comes out ahead. We‘ll examine everything from the digital cockpit and driver assists to charging tech and connected services. I‘ll also provide hard data to back up the analysis so you can make an informed decision. Let‘s geek out and see whether the Kia EV6 or Chevy Bolt is the ultimate high-tech EV!
Digital Cockpit and Infotainment
The interior is where drivers spend all their time, so let‘s start by comparing the EV6 and Bolt‘s digital cockpits. Right off the bat, the EV6 makes a striking impression with its sleek integrated curved display. The dual 12.3" screens smoothly combine the digital instrument cluster and infotainment into one sweeping panel for a minimalist look that‘s straight out of a sci-fi spaceship. Kia‘s graphics are modern and customizable, and the central touchscreen is quick to respond. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.
In contrast, the Bolt‘s cabin is far more conventional, with a tablet-style 10.2" touchscreen protruding from the center stack, flanked by physical controls. An 8" digital gauge cluster sits behind the steering wheel. The Bolt‘s built-in infotainment software isn‘t quite as slick as the Kia‘s, but it‘s easy enough to navigate. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto are also included. While perfectly functional, the Bolt‘s cockpit lacks the EV6‘s wow factor.
Both EVs feature natural language voice control and connected navigation with real-time traffic and dynamic routing. They also offer wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. But the EV6 goes a step further with an augmented reality heads-up display that can project navigation directions and safety alerts onto the windshield. Overall, the EV6 clinches the win here with its superior digital cockpit design and extra features.
Digital Cockpit Tech Head-to-Head
| Feature | Kia EV6 | Chevy Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3" curved screen | 8" digital display |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3" curved touchscreen | 10.2" touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Wireless | Wireless |
| Premium Audio | 14-speaker Meridian (optional) | 7-speaker Bose (optional) |
| Augmented Reality HUD | Available | Not Available |
| Wireless Charging | Available | Available |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Available | Available |
Driver Assistance Technology
Aside from flashy infotainment tech, many new car buyers prioritize advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that enhance safety and convenience. The Kia EV6 and Chevy Bolt both offer an array of digital driver aids, but the Kia is more comprehensive and sophisticated.
Every EV6 comes standard with forward collision avoidance (with pedestrian/cyclist detection), lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and intelligent speed limit assist. It also offers Highway Driving Assist II, which combines adaptive cruise and lane centering for semi-autonomous driving on highways. The Bolt has most of those features as well, but adaptive cruise and lane centering aren‘t offered on the base 1LT trim.
Both EVs feature multiple regenerative braking levels to recapture energy when decelerating. They also offer one-pedal driving modes where lifting off the accelerator can bring the vehicle to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal, which is great for efficiency.
Later in 2023, the Bolt will add Super Cruise, GM‘s advanced hands-free driving system for compatible highways. It‘s similar to Highway Driving Assist but even allows hands-off-wheel operation as long as the driver is monitoring the road. Super Cruise uses high-definition maps, GPS localization, and a driver attention camera to enable hands-free operation on over 400,000 miles of roads in the US and Canada.
The Bolt also offers a unique Regen on Demand paddle on the steering wheel. Holding it down ramps up the regenerative braking force to slow the vehicle more aggressively without using the brake pedal. It‘s handy for situations like long downhill grades.
So while the EV6 has a wider range of standard assists, the Bolt fights back with Regen on Demand and Super Cruise. It‘s a close call, but Super Cruise may give the Bolt the edge for buyers who do a lot of highway driving and want the most advanced ADAS.
Driver Assistance Tech Comparison
| Feature | Kia EV6 | Chevy Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard (all trims) | Optional (2LT and up) |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Centering | Standard | Optional (2LT and up) |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | Standard | Not Available |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Optional |
| Surround View Cameras | Available | Available (2LT) |
| Reverse Automatic Braking | Available | Not Available |
| Highway Driving Assist II | Available | Not Available |
| Super Cruise | Not Available | Optional (mid-2023) |
| Regen on Demand Paddle | Not Available | Standard |
Range, Charging, and Battery Tech
Arguably the most critical considerations for any EV are how far it can travel on a charge, how quickly it refuels, and how well the battery will hold up over time. The Kia EV6 and Bolt take somewhat different approaches here.
The EV6 is available in multiple range options depending on drivetrain. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) Wind can go an impressive 310 miles on a charge. Adding all-wheel drive (AWD) drops that to a still-respectable 282 miles. The performance-focused GT-Line RWD also achieves 310 miles, while the AWD version is rated for 252 miles. Finally, the ultra-high-performance 576 hp GT AWD manages 206 miles.
Meanwhile, the Bolt keeps things simple with an estimated 259 miles of range on both 1LT and 2LT trims. That‘s perfectly adequate for daily commuting and even some road trips, but falls short of the longest-range EV6 models.
As for efficiency, the EV6 Wind RWD leads the pack at 117 MPGe combined, or 4 miles per kWh. Even the least efficient GT AWD achieves 90 MPGe combined. The Bolt is slightly less efficient at 120 MPGe combined, or 3.57 miles per kWh.
The EV6 also charges quicker than the Bolt. It features an 800V battery architecture (vs 400V for Bolt) that allows a peak 240 kW charge rate on a powerful enough DC fast charger. Under ideal conditions, it can go from 10-80% charge in just 18 minutes. The Bolt, in comparison, maxes out at 55 kW DC fast charging and takes about 30 min to add 100 miles of range. Both vehicles support Level 2 AC charging at 11 kW, good for a full charge in around 7 hours on a 240V connection.
But the Chevy claws back some points with battery warranty coverage. Chevy guarantees at least 60% of original capacity for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Kia offers the same 8 year term, but only 70,000 miles for the EV6‘s battery. Still, with its superior range, efficiency, and charging speeds, the EV6 nets the overall win here.
Range and Charging Comparison
| Spec | Kia EV6 | Chevy Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Max EPA Range | 310 mi (Wind/GT-Line RWD) | 259 mi |
| Battery Pack | 58-77.4 kWh | 65 kWh |
| Level 1 AC Charging | 2.3 kW | 1.4 kW |
| Level 2 AC Charging | 10.9 kW | 11 kW |
| DC Fast Charging | 240 kW (800V) | 55 kW |
| 10-80% DC Fast Charge Time | 18 min | 60 min |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/70,000 miles | 8 years/100,000 miles |
Smartphone Integration and Connected Services
No modern vehicle tech comparison would be complete without considering smartphone integration and connected services. The EV6 and Bolt are well-matched here, supporting the most popular features.
Both vehicles offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, letting you easily mirror core apps like navigation, music, messaging, and more on the central touchscreen. They also feature Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling.
In terms of connected features, each car has its own smartphone app that allows remote monitoring and control. With the Kia Connect app, EV6 owners can check the battery‘s state of charge, remotely start or schedule charging, remotely lock/unlock the doors, and even pre-condition the cabin temperature before setting off. The myChevrolet app offers very similar functionality for the Bolt.
For fleet operators, both Kia and Chevy offer telematics services that allow remote vehicle tracking, diagnostics, and more. And each brand provides connected services like automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking – though some features require a subscription.
One unique trick up the EV6‘s sleeve is the ability to work as a mobile power generator. Using the included vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter, you can plug household electronics and appliances into the car‘s battery and power them for hours on end. Kia says it‘s essentially a 3.6 kW generator on wheels – perfect for camping, tailgating, or power outages. The Bolt has no equivalent capability.
So while the core smartphone integration and connected features are quite similar between the EV6 and Bolt, the Kia‘s V2L functionality gives it a slight edge.
Key Takeaways
The Kia EV6 and Chevy Bolt each offer compelling blends of emissions-free performance, advanced digital tech, and practical versatility. But when we tally up the scorecard across all the key technologies that matter most to today‘s consumers, the EV6 emerges as the winner.
The Kia‘s superior digital cockpit experience, extra safety and convenience features, wide array of drivetrain/range options, ultra-fast charging, and unique V2L capability give it the overall advantage for tech-focused buyers. It feels like the more premium, cutting-edge EV inside and out.
That‘s not to say the Bolt is a bad choice by any means. On the contrary, it delivers solid range, efficiency, and smartphone integration at a much more affordable price than the EV6. For buyers who don‘t need all the Kia‘s bells and whistles, the Bolt‘s value is hard to beat. And the addition of Super Cruise later this year will only sweeten the deal.
Deciding between the Kia EV6 and Chevy Bolt ultimately comes down to your budget and tech priorities. The Bolt is the clear economical choice but demands a few compromises. The EV6 costs more but feels a technological step ahead. For my money, the EV6‘s across-the-board digital dominance makes it well worth the premium. But you really can‘t go wrong with either of these cutting-edge EVs.
