Why a Bolt vs Volt? The Volt has an electric charge for 99% of what kidlet needs in high school, but the gas generator makes it fine for the odd road trip…that’s my thinking.
The Volt is a great option, but you’re still towing around a gas motor and all the maintenance hassle that comes with it. As fast charging becomes more and more common, the need to have a backup motor for when you can’t find a charger seems to have become less important. Hence why the car got dropped from the lineup.
And the Bolt being a hatchback with more storage room doesn’t hurt.
I had a 2012 Volt. It was a good car. In EV mode in drove great. In gas/hybrid mode it wasn’t quite so nice.
It’s small, and not for tall people especially. Seats four, and a rather small storage area.
Used ones are probably reasonably priced and would be a fine choice for a 16 year old.