2018 vs 2019 Bolt EV: Differences, Battery Recall & Which to Buy

You’re scrolling through used EV listings. Again. It’s late, and your brain is mush from reading 12 articles that all say “minor updates” without telling you what that actually means.

There’s a 2018 Bolt for $12,500. The 2019? $14,800. Same mileage. Same trim. They look identical in the photos. Your finger hovers over the message button, but something stops you. What if you’re missing something huge? What if that $2,300 difference is actually hiding a deal breaker? Or worse, what if you waste the extra money on differences that don’t matter?

Every comparison article you’ve read throws specs at you. EPA range. Kilowatt hours. Torque figures. But nobody’s answering the only question that matters: which one should you actually buy?

Here’s our plan. We’re going to cut through the noise together. First, we’ll tackle your biggest fear about these cars. Then we’ll dig into the 5% that actually changed between years, using real owner experiences and honest data. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Bolt deserves your money and why.

Keynote: 2018 vs 2019 Bolt EV

The 2018 vs 2019 Bolt EV comparison reveals two nearly identical electric vehicles differentiated by minor refinements. Both deliver 238 miles of range from 60 kWh battery packs. The 2019 adds adjustable charge limits, separate climate controls, and improved seats. Battery recall status matters more than model year. Verify DC fast charging capability before buying either year for maximum value.

The Big Exhale: What Stayed Exactly the Same

The Numbers That Define Your Daily Drive

Both the 2018 and 2019 Bolt EV deliver 238 miles of EPA range. Not 237 for the older model and 240 for the newer one. Exactly 238 miles. That’s the number that freed thousands of drivers from gas station anxiety, and it’s identical in both years.

Same 60 kWh battery pack powering the same 200 horsepower motor. Same peppy acceleration that makes merging onto highways actually fun. Same cargo space. Same hatchback practicality that swallows your Costco run without breaking a sweat.

The Foundation You Can Trust

Your charging reality doesn’t change between years. Both use a 7.2 kW onboard charger, which means about 9.3 hours from empty on a Level 2 home charger. Expect to add 25 to 30 miles per hour of charging at home. That overnight charge that gives you a full battery every morning? Identical experience.

That instant EV torque that pins you back in your seat when the light turns green? Exactly the same punch in both years. The big 10.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Same interface. Same responsiveness.

Here’s What This Means for You

No range advantage. No performance bump. No revolutionary tech leap that makes the 2019 massively better.

If someone tells you the 2019 is “so much better,” they’re either confused or trying to justify their own purchase. The core driving experience, the thing you’ll actually do every single day for years, is functionally identical.

The Plot Twist: That Battery Recall Everyone Whispers About

The Fear You Need to Address Head-On

Both 2018 and 2019 models were included in GM’s battery recall. You’ve seen the headlines. Battery fires. Park outside. Don’t charge overnight. Your stomach probably dropped when you first read about it.

The recall covers all 2017 through 2022 Bolt EVs. Every single one. The cause? Two rare manufacturing defects from LG Chem Ochang battery production: a torn anode tab and a folded separator. When both defects existed in the same cell, it created a fire risk.

The Relief That Changes Everything

GM replaced affected batteries completely free. Not a patch. Not a software band-aid. A full battery pack replacement with brand new cells.

“After the swap, my Bolt feels brand new. Zero worries about the battery now. It’s like buying a 2018 with a 2024 battery.” – Bolt owner on Reddit, 2023

Why This Actually Makes Used Bolts Safer Bets

Post-recall Bolts now carry an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty that resets from the replacement date. Think about that. You’re buying a 2018 or 2019 model, but the most expensive component has a warranty extending potentially to 2031 or beyond.

Many used Bolts on the market have essentially new battery packs with full warranty coverage. Check the VIN through GM’s recall portal or ask the dealer for documentation. A Bolt with a completed battery replacement isn’t just fixed. It’s upgraded.

This isn’t a reason to avoid either year. It’s your green light to shop confidently. The scary part got fixed, and you benefit from it.

What Actually Changed in 2019 (The Short List That Matters)

Change #1: Those Climate Control Buttons That Sparked Forum Wars

The 2018 has a combined heat and AC button. Sounds innocent, right? Wrong. On a cold morning, you need heat. That afternoon when it hits 75 degrees? You need AC. But they’re locked to the same temperature setting.

Real frustration: you’re constantly fiddling with the climate system because you can’t set heat for morning and cooling for afternoon independently. It’s the kind of daily irritation that owners complained about constantly in forums.

The 2019 fix: separate buttons for heating and cooling. You can finally set them independently like a normal car.

Honest take: this is a small quality-of-life improvement that adds up over years of ownership. If you’re someone who notices these things, it matters. If you’re not fussy about climate control, you’ll never care.

Change #2: The Charge Limit Control Slider

The 2018 locks you at roughly 88% charge using something called Hilltop Reserve mode. No adjustment. No flexibility. It’s set and forget for battery longevity.

The 2019 gives you a slider with Target Charge Level mode. Adjust from 40% to 100% in 5% increments. Want to charge to 80% for daily driving but 95% before a road trip? You can do that.

Who cares: battery obsessives who love granular control. If you’re the type who researches optimal state of charge limits and plans around battery degradation curves, you’ll love the 2019.

Who doesn’t: casual EV owners who just want to plug in and drive. The 2018’s simplicity is actually less fussy.

Reality check: both batteries are holding up well past 100,000 miles in real-world use. The difference between 88% and adjustable charging hasn’t created a measurable longevity gap in owner reports.

Change #3: Seat Comfort (The Subtle One)

Multiple sources report the 2019 added improved padding and materials to the front seats. The 2018 seats were widely panned as thin, narrow, and uncomfortable on drives longer than 30 minutes. Owners compared them to lawn chairs.

The 2019 seats still aren’t luxury car territory. But owners noticed the difference. Fewer complaints. More people saying “they’re fine” instead of “my back hurts.”

Bottom line: if you’re tall or broad-shouldered, test-sit both before buying. Your body will tell you if the upgrade matters to you.

Change #4: Fresh Paint Options

The 2019 introduced Shock (a high-visibility yellow-green), Green Mist, Slate Gray, and Kinetic Blue. Some colors were discontinued.

If you love one of these 2019-exclusive colors, your choice is made. Otherwise, let condition and service records trump the paint chart.

Change #5: Driver Confidence II Package Availability

This is big for safety-conscious buyers. The Driver Confidence II Package includes forward collision alert, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and pedestrian braking. On the 2018, it was Premier-only or not available depending on the build.

For 2019, this package became available on the cheaper LT trim. If you want these safety features without paying for leather seats and premium trim, the 2019 LT is your only path.

The Money Talk: What These Actually Cost

What They Cost New (And Why That Still Echoes)

The 2018 Premier started at $41,780. The 2019 Premier? $41,895. A whopping $115 difference.

But here’s the irony. Dealers were desperate to move 2018 inventory when the 2019 arrived, offering $5,000 to $8,000 off MSRP. The 2019 came with smaller discounts of $3,000 to $6,000. Many 2018s actually sold for less despite being newer inventory.

Current Used Market Reality

Model Year	Average Price Range	Typical Mileage	Your Real Savings
2018 Bolt EV	$11,500 – $14,500	25,000 – 35,000 mi	Baseline for comparison
2019 Bolt EV	$13,000 – $16,000	22,000 – 32,000 mi	Usually $1,000 – $2,500 more

That original $115 MSRP difference? Completely irrelevant now. The used market prices these based on condition, mileage, and battery recall status. Not model year.

The Depreciation Game You Need to Understand

Both models depreciated similarly over time. The 2019 typically commands $1,000 to $2,500 more in today’s market, but that’s often because sellers list newer models higher by default, not because of actual feature differences.

That $2,000 you save on a 2018 might vanish at resale if you sell in three years. But keeping it 10 years? That $2,000 stays in your pocket for road trips and upgrades.

The Critical Detail Most Guides Bury: DC Fast Charging

Why This Matters More Than Model Year

DC fast charging capability is optional on both years. Not standard. It’s a $750 add-on for the LT trim and standard on Premier trims.

This is more important than anything else in this entire article. A Bolt without DC fast charging can only use Level 2 charging. That’s 9 hours from empty, not 30 minutes.

The Panic Moment You Need to Avoid

Imagine buying your Bolt. Planning your first road trip. Pulling up to a CCS fast charger at a highway rest stop. Plugging in. And nothing happens.

You check your phone. The charger works. Other EVs are using it. Then you realize: your car doesn’t have the DC fast charge port. Your 30-minute coffee break just became a 9-hour nightmare.

Your Non-Negotiable Checklist

Priority #1: confirm CCS1 charging port hardware before buying. Don’t take the seller’s word. Ask for a photo of the charge port door open, showing both connectors.

This matters 100 times more than whether you’re buying a 2018 or 2019. A 2018 with DC fast charging beats a 2019 without it every single time. For highway usability and resale value, this is essential.

Don’t compromise here. Ever.

Real Owners Speak: What the Forums Actually Reveal

The 2018 Defender’s Case

“Bought a 2018, saved $2,800, and honestly? I’d pay maybe $500 more for the 2019’s charge control slider, not three grand. Best EV value I’ve ever seen.”

This sentiment is common among 2018 owners. They feel they got 95% of the car for significantly less money. The climate button quirk? Annoying but livable. The fixed charge limit? Fine for daily use.

The 2019 Enthusiast’s Take

“The climate button fix alone was worth the extra grand. I use heat in the morning and AC in the afternoon every single day. That’s 700 fewer annoyances per year.”

The 2019 buyers who paid more don’t regret it. The refinements matter to them daily. They value the improved seats on long commutes. They use the charge slider to optimize battery health.

The Consensus After Years of Ownership

Most owners agree: both are fantastic cars. The differences are genuinely minor. Your charging infrastructure matters more than model year. Battery health and service records trump birth year every time.

The Bolt EV community is remarkably positive overall. Owners love these cars despite the interior plastic quality and the recall saga. That should tell you something important.

Your Decision Framework: Which Bolt Is Calling Your Name

Choose the 2018 If…

You’re keeping the car 8 years or longer and resale value means nothing to you. The 2018 will serve you just as well as the 2019 for that entire time.

You’re fine with “set it and forget it” charging at 88% maximum. You don’t want to think about optimal state of charge percentages. The 2018’s Hilltop Reserve is simple.

You found a low-mileage example at a genuine $1,500 or more discount from comparable 2019s. At that price gap, the savings matter.

You don’t need advanced safety features on an LT trim. The Driver Confidence II package isn’t a priority for you.

The $2,000 savings funds your home Level 2 charger installation perfectly. Use the money you save to improve your charging setup.

Choose the 2019 If…

You want maximum control over your battery charging strategy. You’re the person who researches battery chemistry and thermal management. The adjustable Target Charge Level slider will make you happy.

The climate control quirk would genuinely drive you nuts daily. Be honest with yourself. Some people don’t notice. Some people fixate on it every single drive.

You found a Premier with Driver Confidence II and actually want those active safety features. They add real value if you’ll use them.

Prices are within $1,000 and mileage is similar. At that point, get the newer model year. It’s the more refined product.

You’re planning to resell within 5 years. The newer model year tag might help with resale value, even if the actual differences are minor.

The Hidden Third Option: Consider a 2017

Virtually identical to the 2018 in core functionality and 238-mile range. Can save another $1,000 to $2,000 if you find one in great condition.

Best value proposition if you truly don’t care about having the “latest” model year. Same battery recall status applies. Same post-recall warranty benefits.

The Used Bolt Buying Checklist That Prevents Regrets

Must-Check Item	Why It Actually Matters	How to Verify It
DC fast-charge port	Highway trips and resale value	Photo of charge port door open, CCS connector visible
Battery recall status	Warranty coverage and peace of mind	Check VIN with GM recall portal or dealer service records
Original window sticker	Confirms all installed options	Ask seller directly, search VIN online databases
Service history	Battery software updates critical	CarFax plus dealer maintenance records if available
Seat comfort for YOUR body	Daily happiness over years	20-minute test drive minimum, highway and city roads

Do not skip the test drive. Especially in a 2018. Your body needs to tell you if those seats work for you. What’s uncomfortable for one person is fine for another.

The Take: Your Clear Answer in One Paragraph

If both cars have DC fast charging and similar mileage, a clean 2018 is 95% of a 2019 for significantly less money. Choose the 2019 only if the climate control fix, charge limit slider, or specific safety package genuinely matter to your daily life. Otherwise, prioritize condition, battery recall completion status, service records, and installed options over the number on the title.

Both years deliver the same core magic: 238 miles of quiet, instant torque that makes you wonder why you ever paid for gas. The 2019 is more refined. The 2018 is better value. Pick the one that fits your budget and your specific needs.

Conclusion: Your New Reality as a Smart Bolt Buyer

You started tonight drowning in confusion, paralyzed by the fear of missing one crucial detail between the 2018 and 2019 Bolt EV. Now you know the secret: there is no crucial detail that breaks the deal. Both years are excellent electric vehicles. The 2019 has minor quality-of-life improvements that matter to some people and not others. The 2018 saves you real money for 95% of the same experience.

Your action for today: stop agonizing over model year. Right now, search for both 2018 and 2019 Bolts under 40,000 miles with DC fast charging confirmed. Message three sellers. Ask for charge port photos, original window stickers showing installed options, and battery recall documentation. Check every VIN through GM’s recall portal. Schedule test drives for this weekend.

Remember that pit in your stomach from the beginning? It’s gone now. You’re armed with the truth. The Bolt EV is one of the best value propositions in the entire used EV market, either year. Pick the one that fits your budget and your daily routine. Then plug it in, feel that instant torque launch, and enjoy never visiting a gas station again. You’ve got this.

2019 vs 2018 Bolt EV (FAQs)