[richiejeep]

Sold my 2016 Volt on eBay and took delivery of my Kinetic Blue Bolt EV Premier last week. Here are some impressions:

- Much quieter than the Volt, especially on Texas chip seal highways.
- Do miss the Volt's unlimited range but am dealing with it. South Texas is truck country. Local dealers got burned
with slow Volt sales and are reluctant to invest in equipment, EVSEs and training for the Bolt EV.
- Love the rear-view camera. On the highway, it really lets you know if someone is in your "blind spot." And if it gets
covered with road grime, run your rear windshield washers and your camera lens gets cleaned too!
- Seats: I hated the Volt seats as they had a concave lower lumbar area that really didn't suit my back. The Bolt EV
seats are much better and very comfortable. I'm 6', 175 lbs. and have no issues. My wife also finds them more
than OK.
- Really quick. My car before the Volt was a 2008 Corvette so I know quick. Only thing holding it back are the tires.
- Styling kind of grows on you. The floating roof, as a styling element, will grow old very fast. But, considering form
and function, it's pretty good.
- With the big side windows, I had the 3M crystalline 95 film applied. I didn't want the dark windows and felt with
the heat in Texas it would be worth it. Really do notice the difference. I can run the A/C on 74 where before I had
to set it to 70/72 to be cool.
Battery on laptop is running low so I'll post some more impressions later.
Thanks.

 

[viking79]

Thanks for the impressions. Enjoy the Bolt EV. I would be inclined to put performance tires on it since the range is more than I need.

 

[Loboc]

Plug your laptop into a 60kWh battery and it should last a few months.

 

[obermd]

What tires did GM put on the Bolt?

 

[rnumrich]

Congrats on the Volt to Bolt jump, I'm on the same timing in that I went from a 13 Volt to a Bolt shipped to me just 4 days ago.

I do want to get my windows tinted (live in LV) so I'll research a bit the option you noted (though in my case I think I would not mind dark, think the Bolt looks better in dark windows in photos I have viewed).

Took a while to master all the technology and settings options. I agree the review camera (not just mirror) is a great enhancement. Love the birds eye view that engages when you put in reverse, or use the camera link from a stopped position (say before pulling into garage). One foot driving in low is most notable feature I enjoy regularly. Agree the styling and looks are better than I expected, but still a liability. I purchased my Bolt without ever seeing one in person. No regrets.

I also very much appreciate the new added safety enhancements. Had the safety packages on the Volt, but at the time that did not include the blind spot detectors with a light/icon on the side mirrors. Also on the Volt you had a lane assist 'warning' that was an audible chirp, but on the Bolt the steering wheel actually gently turns to nudge you back.

Next decision is whether to buy a level 2 charger or not? Would rarely drive even 70 miles in a day, and could get by just topping off every night. Plenty of public level 2 chargers nearby or close to work. More just a fun/status thing I guess.

 

[viking79]

Michelin Energy Saver A/S I think.

 

[viking79]

A reminder about tint, most heat energy is in infrared spectrum, which is not blocked at all by dark tints, but rather by special reflective films that can actually be transparent to visible light. There is energy in the visible spectrum as well, so dark tints will block some heat energy, just not as much as IR rejecting films. Best would be both of course, looks like that 3M has various tint levels.

 

[jcanoe]

Michelin Energy Saver A/S I think.

The Bolt's tires include the designation DT (different tread), this version of the Michelin EnergySaver A/S tire includes Michelin's SelfSeal tire tread puncture sealing technology.

 

[NickHark]

A reminder about tint, most heat energy is in infrared spectrum, which is not blocked at all by dark tints, but rather by special reflective films that can actually be transparent to visible light. There is energy in the visible spectrum as well, so dark tints will block some heat energy, just not as much as IR rejecting films. Best would be both of course, looks like that 3M has various tint levels.

I am concerned that dark tints would cause the window to heat up and act as a heater.

 

[Volterado]

I put crystalline all over my last car, even the windshield. On my current car I have no tint at all. I notice no difference.

 

[jeff_h]

The Bolt's tires include the designation DT (different tread), this version of the Michelin EnergySaver A/S tire includes Michelin's SelfSeal tire tread puncture sealing technology.

Here's a side-by-side:

 

[jcanoe]

Here's a side-by-side:

View attachment 138009

Interesting. On the Bolt OEM Michelin tires the "DT" designation is molded into the sidewall.

This video is a consumer demonstration of the Uniroyal Nail Guard puncture sealing tire that is similar to the Michelin SelfSeal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZPikiiKFw4

 

[richiejeep]

OP here, all recharged (both laptop and Bolt EV) Couple of items related to a quick day trip from Rockport (TX) to San Antonio of about 170 miles. This was my first long road trip where I had to charge before returning home.
- headlights (HID on the Bolt EV, not the LEDs of the Volt!) were on for the initial 2 hours
- tires were at 38psi
- battery fully charged
- A/C set for a slight warm 75F, fan turned up a bit
- Bose cranked up fairly high
- dash cam on
- traveled mostly interstate and held the speed to about 65 via cruise
At the destination (elevation gain of less that 1,000 feet), I had 40 miles left (middle number on the GOM), giving me only 210 effective miles of range. Took the non-interstate route back to Rockport, no headlights, unplugged the dash cam, Bose lower, lots of stop and go driving, same 65 when possible. Arrived in Rockport with 70 miles, giving me the rated 240 miles of range. Love to hear thoughts on improving mileage.

I charged at Gunn Chevrolet on their DCFC - took 2.5 hours to get from 40 miles to 98%. This is the only DCFC in the San Antonio area (haven't checked other dealers) and they were very gracious about letting me use it. It is back in the service area so I just went in like you would for an oil change. Great waiting room but 2.5 hours is a long time - still better than the 8+ hours on a Level 2. I'm guessing the DCFC was operating at only 25 KV. Compared to Houston, Austin and Dallas, San Antonio is a virtual wasteland for CCS DCFC. Thanks again to Gunn Chevrolet - they said they're open until 9pm and the charger would be available.

 

[Slotracer577]

We just did a ~170 mile trip from Sargents co to Black Forest co. On the trip home the gom was showing 95 miles, so the total range would be 260 ish. Both ways used slightly over half a charge. Was very impressed how the bolt did. Going there, we went over one pass (monarch) and coming back there were 3. Speeds were 60-70.
Used a 110 to charge as we were there for a few days. It took 2 plus days to recharge. Really shows that a dcfc is needed for any real distance travel.

 

[Ladogaboy]

OP here, all recharged (both laptop and Bolt EV) Couple of items related to a quick day trip from Rockport (TX) to San Antonio of about 170 miles. This was my first long road trip where I had to charge before returning home.
- headlights (HID on the Bolt EV, not the LEDs of the Volt!) were on for the initial 2 hours
- tires were at 38psi
- battery fully charged
- A/C set for a slight warm 75F, fan turned up a bit
- Bose cranked up fairly high
- dash cam on
- traveled mostly interstate and held the speed to about 65 via cruise
At the destination (elevation gain of less that 1,000 feet), I had 40 miles left (middle number on the GOM), giving me only 210 effective miles of range. Took the non-interstate route back to Rockport, no headlights, unplugged the dash cam, Bose lower, lots of stop and go driving, same 65 when possible. Arrived in Rockport with 70 miles, giving me the rated 240 miles of range. Love to hear thoughts on improving mileage.

I charged at Gunn Chevrolet on their DCFC - took 2.5 hours to get from 40 miles to 98%. This is the only DCFC in the San Antonio area (haven't checked other dealers) and they were very gracious about letting me use it. It is back in the service area so I just went in like you would for an oil change. Great waiting room but 2.5 hours is a long time - still better than the 8+ hours on a Level 2. I'm guessing the DCFC was operating at only 25 KV. Compared to Houston, Austin and Dallas, San Antonio is a virtual wasteland for CCS DCFC. Thanks again to Gunn Chevrolet - they said they're open until 9pm and the charger would be available.

First, congrats on your new Bolt EV!

As for range and efficiency, it's going to vary with conditions, obviously. In your case, 210 miles of range does seem low for 65 mph driving (that's my typical range going 70-75 mph). The only things that stand out to me are the elevation gain (should only cost about 5 miles of range) and the tire pressure. I run mine at 42 psi cold, and 38 psi seems a little low to me.

Also, I have the LT trim. I don't know whether anyone has done a really exacting comparison of LT versus Premier, but it could be that the Premier is about 5% or so less efficient.

 

[quirkySquirt]

richiejeep, any remorse over losing your Gen 2 Volt when you got the Bolt? I'm not a huge fan of the Bolt styling but am really digging the EV range. My commute is 65 miles but if I hypermile and take side roads, I can do it using my Volt during the summer, late spring, and early fall. Otherwise, I hit dino juice for maybe a few miles on my commute.

I'm also concerned with how seat comfort will be as I've got a fat ass and the first thing I noticed when sitting in a Bolt was how narrow the seat was. I'm going to give it another try this weekend as I think I can get over it cause the Volt is a hellaofa gateway drug and I'm hooked on EV now.

I also could take advantage of some good sales around me upgrade from my Volt (see my sig) to a Bolt LT for maybe $500-$1500 net out of pocket (I qualify for the $7500 tax credit again). I'd get rid of my Volt's ICE misfire BANGS and enjoy more EV driving. I'd lose the ICE flexibility but really I don't need it. Only time it's needed is during odd local trips which the Bolt would more than cover for me. Heck, for my odd long distance drive (100+ mile), the Bolt still would work since my destination has free L2 charging and I camp out there for at least 4 hours (4 hrs * 7.7kw * 4mi/kw = 128 miles charged).

Some of my concerns are:

1. Non-extendable visor - did you miss it?
2. Narrow seat
3. Missed ICE range backup (5-minute range extend at gas stations).
4. No easily available CCS DCFC (most are at dealerships, not what I'd consider a good place to kill time at)

 

[saltsman]

richiejeep, did you make it through the storm ok? Hope that you, the family, and that Kinetic Blue Bolt are all ok.

 

[voldar]

..I charged at Gunn Chevrolet on their DCFC - took 2.5 hours to get from 40 miles to 98%....

Best way to do is to charge your Bolt up to 80% on a L3 and switch to L2. L3 charging over 80% is a pain in the ars - in fact ANY EV is in the same situation. I don't really understand why you wanted to go more than 80% when I assume in less than one hour you should have got the jus you needed to get back.

 

[michaellax]

Next decision is whether to buy a level 2 charger or not? Would rarely drive even 70 miles in a day, and could get by just topping off every night. Plenty of public level 2 chargers nearby or close to work. More just a fun/status thing I guess.

I went six months on 120v at home until I finally upgraded to 240v in my garage. It really depends upon how much driving you do each day.

I have already 12,600 on my Bolt EV and i just enjoy driving it as much as possible. I take day trips all the time!

Waiting two days to recharge at 120v was just too long for me, so I upgraded the juice to 240v using a Clipper Creek LCS-20p that I had collecting dust since my old Volt days! Now I almost always can fully recharge overnight!

I second that notion that DCFC should only be used to 80% most of the time and then top off at home or at another L2 where available. They slow down notoriously to protect the battery, so only go beyond 80% on a DCFC if it is your only option and you need the extra juice to make it to your next destination.

 

[richiejeep]

Bolt survived Harvey

richiejeep, did you make it through the storm ok? Hope that you, the family, and that Kinetic Blue Bolt are all ok.

Thanks for asking - we were in Canada when Harvey hit Rockport so everyone is well. The house came through fine with some missing shingles and some ceiling stains due to wind-driven water. The rest of Rockport looks just like you would imagine if a Cat 4 storm hit a small (<10,000) coastal town. About 60% of the structures will have to be rebuilt; none of the 7 hotels made it and are still closed almost 3 weeks later.

(Our front entry smashed by a Live Oak)
The Bolt EV had to be rescued from Houston Hobby airport after the roads became passable. The Fast Park and Ride lot there did not flood and the management was great a communicating and keeping the car plugged in and charged.

Bolt EV and Harvey news: If you were affected by Harvey or Irma (and have a current OnStar 4G Wi-Fi plan), OnStar will download a month of free Wi-Fi to your car! I'm sure it applies to other GM cars as well. We're still out as far as Wi-Fi goes here in Rockport and this communication is being transmitted by our trusty Bolt EV.