If you’ve been waiting for a cheap electric car that doesn’t feel like a science experiment, 2025 is looking pretty good.
Tesla’s long-rumored Model 2 is finally coming, and Chevrolet is giving the Bolt EUV another shot with fresh upgrades.
Both aim to deliver real EV range without wrecking your wallet — but which one should you actually wait for? Let’s take a closer look.
Tesla’s Model 2 has been one of the worst-kept secrets in the car world.
Expected to be smaller than a Model 3, the Model 2 will stick with Tesla’s clean, minimal design language. Think simple lines, no grille, and a very aerodynamic shape built to squeeze out extra range.
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV, meanwhile, looks a little more traditional — more hatchback than spaceship. Chevy tweaked the Bolt’s styling a bit for 2025 to make it a little sharper, but it’s still clearly aimed at being practical first, flashy second.
If you like the idea of a small crossover that’s easy to park and doesn’t draw too much attention, the Bolt EUV might fit better. If you want the sleek Tesla vibe, the Model 2 will be the hot pick.
One of the biggest questions buyers care about: how far can you actually drive before charging?
Tesla’s Model 2 is targeting 250 to 300 miles of range depending on the version. That would easily beat a lot of current small EVs and make it a real everyday car, not just a city runabout.
Chevy’s Bolt EUV has a proven track record. It’s expected to keep its solid 250-mile range with some battery improvements for 2025. It’s not the longest-range EV on the planet, but it’s more than enough for daily life, commutes, and most road trips.
Charging should be faster for both models too. Tesla’s Supercharger network gives Model 2 an advantage for road trips, while Chevy plans to boost DC fast charging speeds for the new Bolt as well.
Bottom line: Tesla might go a little farther, but the Bolt will be more than enough for most people.
Tesla always builds quick cars, even the cheap ones.
The Model 2 will probably do 0–60 mph in under 6 seconds, especially if Tesla offers a dual-motor AWD version later. Instant electric torque is Tesla’s trademark, and the Model 2 should feel quick and fun around town.
The Bolt EUV won’t be slow, but it’s not built to be a hot hatch. Expect 0–60 mph in about 7 seconds — fine for daily driving, merging onto the highway, or getting away from stoplights.
Bottom line: If you want cheap speed, Tesla will win. If you just want a smooth, normal commute, the Bolt’s plenty quick enough.
Inside, these two will feel very different.
The Model 2 will likely follow Tesla’s style of big center screen, no gauge cluster behind the wheel, and very few physical buttons. Some people love the clean, tech-forward feel. Others think it’s too stripped down.
The Bolt EUV plays it safer. You get a traditional dashboard layout, an updated infotainment system, a real instrument panel, and easy-to-use physical controls. It’s not flashy, but it’s familiar and user-friendly.
Both should have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — but keep in mind Tesla still doesn’t support either. That’s a huge plus for Chevy if you like easy phone integration.
Bottom line: Tech nerds will love the Model 2. If you like buttons, knobs, and simple screens, the Bolt feels better.
Here’s the real kicker: money.
Tesla says the Model 2 will start around $25,000, but be careful. That’s the target price, and Tesla isn’t exactly famous for hitting base prices early. By the time options and markups hit, you could easily be looking at $30,000 or more for the first couple of years.
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV should stick close to its $26,000 starting price, maybe a little higher with upgrades. Plus, Bolt buyers could qualify for more federal EV tax credits than Tesla buyers depending on how the factories and materials are sourced.
Bottom line: The Bolt EUV will probably be the cheaper, easier EV to actually buy in 2025.
Quick comparison if you’re thinking about putting one in your driveway:
- Tesla Model 2:
- Target 250–300 miles range
- Fast, sleek, minimalist
- Charging advantage with Supercharger network
- Less traditional interior, no CarPlay
- Price may creep up quickly after launch
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV:
- 250 miles proven range
- Practical, easy-to-use layout
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard
- Lower real-world price
- Easier dealer access, more likely tax credit eligibility
Final verdict:
If you want the sleek badge, the faster car, and a more futuristic feel — and you don’t mind waiting or paying a little extra — the Tesla Model 2 will be the exciting choice.
But if you want a proven, practical, easy-to-drive electric car that you can actually buy and drive without drama, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV will probably be the smarter move for most people.
Personally, I’d wait a little to see if Tesla’s Model 2 lives up to the hype. But if you need a real EV for real life now, it’s hard to beat the Bolt’s simplicity and value.
