[VoltenRock]

My local NJ dealer had a "test drive" event showing off their first (non-pre-ordered) available Bolt EV. Given that it was during a workday on Friday, I was surprised there were even a handful of people. They were expecting 3 dozen throughout the day total, most coming after work. Quite a few from other states that didn't even have them yet. It's definitely getting people into the dealership.

The salespeople were very knowledgeable and spoke highly of the technology, the vehicle, and knew all the ins-and-outs. It was a rare moment where I felt like I wasn't the one educating.

Putting aside the positive dealership experience, let me share a couple impressions I haven't seen others mention:

• Cloth seats were surprisingly good, given the negativity I heard. I understand the concern since they are narrow. However, I liked the material more than I thought I would--felt like "denim" almost. On the negative side, I felt like I needed to re-adjust the seating position to get comfortable, and never found the right "spot." Would need more time to find comfort. Wish they had a lumbar support.
• I didn't feel like it was that "big" honestly. Good use of space, yes. Good rear leg room and head room? Yes. But the narrowness makes it feel small. Still better than the Volt, though.
• I was surprised that "one-pedal driving" only seemed to work below 30 MPH. When we got it up to 55 MPH, the regen seemed weak in L. I didn't get to higher speeds, so maybe it would make a difference there. When I drive my Gen 1 Volt in L, I get more deceleration at higher speeds. The paddle seemed to make no difference (driving in L).
• Of course it was fast as hell, with tons of torque steer. It also rode well, was very quiet.

All in all, a very nice car--that happens to be EV. Not sure I'm taken with it yet, but waiting for them to get an orange premier before making a final decision. The nightfall gray color is not bad--the black grille at least gives it an edge.

 

[BillG]

Putting aside the positive dealership experience,

Why not identify the dealer?

 

[Steverino]

Why not identify the dealer?

I second the motion.

BTW, the seats are 1" narrower than the Volt's.

 

[NYRob]

Were they selling at MSRP or were they discounting it?

 

[Fourdoor]

[*]I was surprised that "one-pedal driving" only seemed to work below 30 MPH. When we got it up to 55 MPH, the regen seemed weak in L. I didn't get to higher speeds, so maybe it would make a difference there. When I drive my Gen 1 Volt in L, I get more deceleration at higher speeds. The paddle seemed to make no difference (driving in L).
[/LIST]

From reading about regen from Bolt owners here I suspect the Bolt you drove had a fully charged battery. When the battery is fully charged regen is limited because the battery's ability to accept charge rapidly is reduced. Same reason DCFC charging rates taper down as the battery gets close to full charge.

Keith

 

[Raymondjram]

There is a Chevy dealer in Atlanta, Georgia who went "the distance", buying a Chevy Bolt EV in California, and driving it all the way to his dealership:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/03...fornia-and-back-to-bring-home-a-2017-bolt-ev/

And they are also offering free test drives, according to the article, but there is no mention at their main web page:
http://www.jimellischevrolet.com/

I did find this page: http://www.jimellischevrolet.com/2017bolt.htm
And this document: http://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA109588324.PDF

"The Chevrolet Bolt is available for test-drives at Jim Ellis Chevrolet, located at 5900 Peachtree Boulevard, Chamblee, GA 30341 or can be scheduled online at JimEllisChevrolet.com. "

If you are in that area, call them and ask about the Chevy Bolt EV.

 

[bro1999]

About Regen in L, pretty sure GM programmed Regen while traveling at highway speeds to feel weaker than at city speeds. Taking your foot off the accelerator while going 65 and getting slammed forward because Regen is so damn strong would not be pleasant.

 

[jeff_h]

Taking your foot off the accelerator while going 65 and getting slammed forward because Regen is so damn strong would not be pleasant.

 

[kns]

Yes VoltenRock, please name the dealer.
Thank you.
KNS

 

[VoltenRock]

Hi, it's Elkins Chevy in Marlton, NJ. I don't know if they sold the nightfall gray, but they also had a kinetic blue scheduled to be in that day. I saw a kinetic blue in person at another dealership (after it closed so no test drive), it was nice. Within 2 days it was already gone from that dealership.

I've been keeping a watch in NJ for Bolts and--at least anecdotally--they seem to be flying off the lots. They show up on cars.com, I favorite them, and within a few days the listing is gone. No real discounts I'm seeing either. Elkins sales staff told me they've been "selling" them for all of March--but they've all been pre-orders. The only reason the gray one was available was because the interested buyer backed out for the last minute.

Based on the enthusiasm of the sales staff and the number of people at the dealership, I'm hoping this is a sign of a good month for the vehicle's rollout in NJ.

 

[Raymondjram]

All these posts demostrate the undocumented public interest in the 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, and disprove the naysayers that call the Bolt EV a failure. GM is delaying the rollout but by September the good sales numbers will begin to appear. And it is a fact that the 2017 Bolt EV has better initial sales numbers than the 2011 Nissan Leaf.