The Chevrolet Bolt EV is designed primarily for efficiency, city driving, and daily commuting, not for towing. Unlike trucks or SUVs, it does not come with a factory tow rating in North America, meaning the manufacturer does not officially support towing.
Chevy Bolt Towing Capacity
| Model Year | Model | Estimated Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Bolt EV / Bolt EUV | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| 2022 | Bolt EV / Bolt EUV | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| 2021 | Bolt EV | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| 2020 | Bolt EV | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| 2019 | Bolt EV | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| 2018 | Bolt EV | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
| 2017 | Bolt EV | 900 lbs (408 kg) |
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Does the Chevy Bolt Have an Official Tow Rating?
No, Chevrolet does not provide an official towing capacity for the Bolt EV or Bolt EUV in the U.S. market. This means:
- The manufacturer does not recommend towing
- There is no factory-installed tow package
- You may risk warranty issues if damage occurs while towing
Because of this, any towing done with the Bolt is considered at your own risk.
What Can a Chevy Bolt Safely Tow?
Given its limited capability, the Bolt is only suitable for very light loads. Here are common examples:
- Small utility trailers
- Lightweight cargo carriers
- Bike racks (most common use)
- Very small jet ski trailers (light setups only)
Heavier loads, such as campers, boats, or large trailers, are not suitable for this vehicle.
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Hitch Options for the Chevy Bolt
Although there is no factory tow package, you can install an aftermarket hitch.
- Hitch Type: Class 1
- Typical Hitch Rating: Up to 2,000 lbs (hitch limit only)
- Common Use: Bike racks and small cargo trays
Keep in mind that the hitch rating does not increase the Bolt’s actual towing capability.
How Towing Affects an Electric Vehicle
Towing with an electric vehicle like the Bolt has a much bigger impact compared to gas-powered cars.
Range Reduction
Expect a 20% to 50% drop in driving range, depending on:
- Trailer weight
- Speed
- Terrain
- Weather conditions
Increased Battery Load
Towing puts extra strain on the electric motor and battery, which can lead to faster energy consumption.
Braking Considerations
Since the Bolt is not designed for towing, braking performance may be reduced, especially without trailer brakes.
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Key Limitations to Know
Before attempting to tow with a Chevy Bolt, consider these important limitations:
- No official towing support from Chevrolet
- Limited power and torque for hauling loads
- No integrated trailer braking system
- Reduced stability compared to trucks or SUVs
These factors make the Bolt unsuitable for anything beyond light-duty towing.
Is the Chevy Bolt Good for Towing?
The Chevy Bolt is not a towing-focused vehicle. It performs best as:
- A daily commuter car
- A city-friendly EV
- A cost-efficient transportation option
For towing needs, especially anything beyond very light loads, a truck or SUV is a much better choice.
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Final words
The Chevy Bolt towing capacity is best understood as minimal and unofficial. While it may handle up to 900 lbs in light-duty situations, it is not built or recommended for towing.
If you plan to tow regularly or carry heavy loads, it’s better to consider a vehicle specifically designed for that purpose. The Bolt excels in efficiency and practicality – but towing is not one of its strengths.
