I'm 6'1" and 255 lbs. I find the seats comfortable for drives from 4-8 hrs. 2023 Bolt EV BTW ... we really love this car! The slow highway charging has taught us to relax and enjoy the break. We'll walk, read, nap or just chat in a restaurant. We arrive later but way more relaxed and refreshed. I wouldn't have expected this, but it is how it has turned out.
People are comparing EV with petrol car. this not a fair comparison right now. but once you own the cheapest EV (Bolt EUV) for few years and charge it home on Level 2 charging then it would all make sense that EV are better for the wallet and the environment. My Monthly Electric bill only went up by $20 which isn't bad at all comparing to how i was paying Avg $30 a week Fill up a 12 Gallon tank.
I save almost $100 a month vs my old Subaru outback when compared with my leaf. My driving mix is about 80% city and the rest at highway speed. I could not go back. My leaf accelerates way faster than the outback. Definitely not an off-road vehicle of course...😊
Once we installed residential solar (which brought our electric bill from about $120/mo to $8.21), getting a Bolt for the daily commute (with free charger installation) was a no-brainer.
He who whines about a Bolt EV does not deserve to have one. This October, I will celebrate 4 years of being with my Premier (including 4 Canadian winters). Slightly over 100K km on it now - no grudge at all. An incredibly reliable, powerful, and silent fighter jet. The best car in my life.
2022 Bolt EV. I love it. Florida driving. 4.5 miles per kilowatt hour. I drive one-pedal almost exclusively , rarely need to go for the actual brake pedal. I dislike. The storage bin, not only is it too far rearward, it is almost impossible for me to open while driving using my right hand. The location of the USB port is pretty hard to get to. My Android auto often fails to connect. I have to stop, restart my phone and sometimes that doesn't work well. Finally the dash reflects in the windshield. ( I could see this in YOUR video too ).
I absolutely love my Bolt. But let me just say that if you can't have a level 2 charger at your home then just don't. Unless you have a charge station at work then you really need a level 2 at home. Don't kid yourself. You're not going to get by with a regular 110v level 1charger. But I'm not exaggerating, I love this powerful, maneuverable, wonderful little car!
I home charged my Bolt on 110v for about 14 months before I finally had a level 2 charger installed. My personal circumstances made it possible to gain 20+ miles a night charging (exceeding the daily mileage by 20 miles) while I slept and then get a big boost friday night into Saturday...but that's certainly not the majority of Bolt owners but it's *possible*. The main reason for a level 2 install was for safety as the electrical receptacle was getting warm and having a fire due to this type of thing was unacceptable. Also, it turns out level 2 charging is more efficient than 110v never mind faster.
@sp1nrx Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone though. It's a real stretch to think that even 5 percent of people could get away with it without serious inconvenience. If I suddenly have to run my wife to the airport, just 27 miles down the highway and back, and it's really cold outside so that I have the heater running, it will drain an astonishing amount of battery. It's a great little car if you have a level 2 and an absolute gem for a second car, but if anyone at all asked for a recommendation from me I would say, without a level 2, hell no.
@@doggy911 Same here. I can't believe how much I enjoy driving it. And 1 thing that no one talks about is the way the seat sits up higher than most little cars and you can raise it up to the maximum height with the control switches and not feel like you're climbing down into the car to drive it.
The bolt actually does show the battery level in percentage. Sort of. Each tick mark represents 25%, and each strip of alternating color is 5%, so if the vehicle is showing two bars above the middle tick, that'd be 2*25+2*5, or 60% for example.
Glad I got a Tesla model 3… I wanted to get a bolt… but the Tesla just has it all over the Chevy… NJ EV $4,000.00 and Fed $7,500 brought the pice down to $28,500… no brainer…
I got my 2023 Bolt with the same incentives plus a GM Card reward of $1,000 and NO Sales Tax. Net cost was $16,300. An absolute steal. So much so, I got my daughter one for the same price. And, the car is amazing. It’s like a rocket… I found the Tesla interior too bland inside. The Bolt interior is like any other ICE car, which is what I wanted.
I owned more than 25 different cars in my lifetime but 2023 bolt is the best car that I have ever owned in my entire life. I wish GM continued its production. What the shame it is discounted.
My detailed list of complaints below. I love my new 2023 Bolt EV too despite these issues. Chose not to do the brake/blinker tail light mod. I ordered a Comma AI. 100 mile route 6 days a week. My list of complaints below: 1. Boom sound. Don't notice it as much now but it's that low bass sound I and certain people notice when you go over even small bumps on the road, bigger bumps produce bigger bass boom type sound. I lowered all or some windows and sound it still there because I think it's just the frame or structure of the car itself that produces these bass frequencies. Only noticable when you have everything off and a quiet ride, music will drown it unless your music is quiet or listening to classical music, but then the bass frequency of the car is now competing with the bass of the music. I've gotten used to it so I don't mind it but it was very noticable coming from my non bass boom 2013 Prius. It probably is different depending on everyone's ear structure I suppose. Never noticed it in my other cars but very noticable at first time and I am a musician so I notice these things. 2. lights/suspension- The LED lights have a very long throw down the roads, here in Los Angeles and I can't help but think I'm potentially blinding people because every small bump in the road makes the Bolt EV bounce much more than my Prius. Supposedly that's because the smaller wheel base closer together and/or the suspension. You can see the headlights reflecting off all the signs like quarter to half mile down the road. Not even going to bother adjusting the headlights when they have such a wide range of going up and down even to the top of the signal lights ahead of you. The lights are perfectly centered but the car is just so bouncy. 3. subscriptions- Stay away from subscriptions if you can save money with an alternative. 4. app vs tesla delay, abilities set times. 5. android auto - People understandably upset that it might get replaced in future cars. 6. door button vs no - I liked having keyless entry without a button but I got used to it. 7. how difficult is it to replace headlight bulb- Not even in the manual and saw a price for $150 for one LED light bulb? Hope they last years as I do only night driving. 8. charging hoa difficult- took me 4 months to get HOA authorization for 220 volt 40amp . One of the first out of 240 condos association. My first quote after 1250$ off = $1300 looking for cheaper quote if possible now. Using wallbox pulsar plus in a carport. meter panel directly on other side of wall but it is a custom install since i'm using a load shedding device and city rules require a power meter or dcc9 to keep me at a safe controlled use of amps. Total condo has 70 amps so I went with wallbox's power meter $270 that will always prioritize the condo over the car charging. That way you don't have to make expensive upgrades of more amps. 9. vehcile and app updates- Tesla wins. 10 supercruise free only 3 years than pay more. Go with LT2 instead with ACC and comma Ai device. Planning to keep the car as long as possible and best to avoid long term fees/subscriptions. 11 car life longevity is most important for me. The slow charging on Bolt makes the battery last longer in theory since it never exceeds the 1C charge rate. 12 on star - avoid onstar. we have phones to call in emergencies etc. Have to talk to onstar when you buy the car and they quickly go asking for your credit card number. nope not getting mine. 13 time of each drive - would be nice to see after each drive. I have 10 stops a day on my route. 14 forcing customers dealer addons gps avas. Had to pay an extra $1300 for dealer installed gps. It was april 2023 and low stock and did not want to lose the deal. Someone create a law to make this illegal. 15 turn down volume of ped sound at low speeds. At night when people are sleeping you may not want ped warning sound at low speeds when leaving residential area or you might want to turn it off temporarily because I don't want to wake people up if they are sensitive to EV sounds.
I looked at like 5 different brake/tail light mod videos and I'm not going to do it as it helps in the day but not at night. Some of the mods dimmed the tail lights. The lights are more notificable at night so I'm not as worried as i do most driving at night. I just wish the turn signals were on the tail running lights and not on the bottom or copied like in some mods. Found one EV mod video here ua-cam.com/video/oc1g5itpwEE/v-deo.htmlsi=j4yVVz1ITXtjnsV1 and this guys opinions are interesting - ua-cam.com/video/ENTrCG8cZfM/v-deo.htmlsi=M3LGVuPo4pmYHiIs @@dalesupertramp9234
Wah-Wah-Wah😢 Does this guy have a wife, girlfriend, any friends for that matter? What a whiny putz. There ARE NO ideal or perfect cars but the Bolt series is about as close as there ever was or will be until GM resumes production. My two year old EUV makes me smile every time I get in for a drive😊. Will I ever complain like this reviewer does? 😢 Ask me In ten years.
I bought a 23 EUV, premiere. I love this thing. Yes, the charging time is slow. But the car is the best value for range and quality. Until battery technology is everything it should be, this car is the best bang for your EV buck.
Just to put into preceptive to those who are complaining about charging speed or Bolt EUV range. I drive to Washington DC (about 35 miles each way) and then i also do uber/Lyft after work. I don't have any issues at with the charging speed. I charge it at Electrify America or EVGo when I'm not near my house. To Fully charge the bolt EUV from 70 miles range left to 80%, it only takes about 40 minutes. Most Electrify America chargers are at Walmart so i use that time to browse around and stretch my legs. No complains
L2 charge speed is excellent, even if the quick charge is not. Easily have an overnight charge done and ready to drive in the morning even when driving 375+ kms in one trip
I do Uber and Lyft too . Is it worth to get an electric car money wise speaking ? It sounds like it comes out the same as gas since you have to charge all the time
Question the center arm rest do not slide forward anymore? Also they changed the lights because people were complaining how they were before. The ac sounds normal as in any other car to me, there is no engine noise to muffle it a little, good review though enjoyed it
I have to say say that if following one's eye will go to the brake lights if they go brighter -period. One reason they are low is when the hatch is up at night flashers will show in an emergency situation or pulled over on the shoulder at night. PLUS, it makes the higher lights a LOT cheaper by not mixing both functions. I know because I knocked out a light and the combined function light was $600 - plus a core charge. As for dust in your car collecting on the screen - have you checked the cab filter under the glove box??? I live in a VERY dusty area and it isn't a problem for my 2019. Also, the flecks I see look a LOT like ash from fires. The 'elbow rest? Did you pull it forward? It has two positions and one locks the storage bin.
I have a 2023 Bolt EV in the same red color. Initially I wanted the Dark blue but they had mine pre-built. Only difference is mine is the LT2 and I have the Bose sound system. Its been my first EV vehicle and its been a great experience. I have no issues commuting around town.
I got my '23 Bolt euv Lt as a commuting tool, but I'm loving it. In Canada the driver and heated seats/steering wheel packages are standard on the Lt. I would have paid extra for a heat pump. I really like the interior design in the euv, but also don't like the glossy piano black. The charging doesn't bug me, as I charge mostly at home on level 2. I have seen 450-500kms on a charge in the summer. I also HATE where the brake lights are, especially since the pre-facelift bolt has the brakelights where they should be. I turn off the lane keep assist; I really don't like it. By the way, Android Auto stopped disconnecting for me when I turned off power saving on my galaxy s22.
Most likely the brake light is where it's at is because of DOT stuff. I believe there is a requirement where the light has to always be visible. And if it was where you think it should go, it wouldn't be visible if you were to open the rear door. Some cars do it in a different way that works well (Chevrolet Equinox for instance). But perhaps it wasn't possible with this one for instance.
The cargo shield mounts, put a half counterclockwise (anti-clockwise) twist in the elastic so it stays under tension. The headrests hits my head too much, in my Fiat 500e I reversed them. The super deep console needs an tray. It should be pointed out that smart fast charging is 20% to 80%.
My brakes are still new at 43k miles by using the paddle Regen button and the one leg driving only when needed to slow down or stop then unpress the one leg driving.
Re: Wireless Android Auto disconnects, for me, it's happening because of some outside interference with the wireless connection. For example, there's a small private airport near my house and I suspect whatever they have in the air traffic control tower is messes with wireless connections. Consistently - EVERY time I drive by the airport my wireless Android Auto disconnects for a few seconds and very rarely happens anywhere else.
Needed a new car 12yr old Chrysler was starting to cost me money..I worked for Chrysler 30 plus years get discount on new cars and lease but went with a bolt I can’t explain how happy i am with this car it’s perfect for me getting around I average about 800 miles a month my electric bill is up around 20% but other factors add to this increase still my highest electric bill was 300.00 this summer I have a pool pump is on 24/7 so 60 dollars for roughly 800 miles winner winner and it’s fun to drive
I have a 2022 Bolt EV 2LT, make sure you get the adaptive cruise control, it’s worth its weight in gold for longer commuting. I would also get the heated seats and steering wheel because the cabin heater destroys your range due to the lack of a heat pump(from 300 miles summer to about 200 in winter). I wish the headrest was adjustable, I’ll probably bend it back at some point, also the door chimes are loud even after I adjusted them to the lowest middle volume setting. I would buy the car again or save up a lot longer for an awd long range model Y.
The BOLT can display Imperial and Metric units. So, all you need to do is switch between the 2. And don't worry. Most Canadians know what a mile is and the country still uses imperial units in many applications. :) Otherwise, you raised some good points. DCFC is definitely an issue for someone doing frequent long trips, but most DCFC are 50 kwh anyway.
Great video! Very helpful insights from someone who has lived with the car for a while. I'm considering a Bolt EUV which has similar brake lights and I completely agree that they are not just incredibly idiotic but also dangerous. I might even not go for the Bolt EUV because of the increased chance of being rear ended. I guess it must have been slightly cheaper?? What is the price of monthly connectivity service for the Bolt EUV? Is it possible to do without it? If so, what functionalities would you lose?
You're forgiven for being Canadian. Kidding, so was my Dad. I actually bought a used 2021 first gen because it was such a fantastic deal, with a bonus fresh battery, its basically a new car. While I'm not a big fan of the gray and white swoopy dash, I actually prefer having my break lights mounted high on the liftgate, seem like a major safety issue to me.
The brake/turn signal light issue is because the lights you would like to be your brake light and blinker are built into the hatchback. If someone were to haul something big home say from the hardware store and had their hatch back open, but tied down with string or rope. Someone behind this person may not be able to see the brakes lights, or turn signal. That is why you will never see the active lights on a hatchback portion (that opens) on any car. The small lights down below are pretty lame though.
They should switch from hatch to bumper when the door is open, that’s what other manufacturers do usually. You could probably modify that yourself if you wanted to.
@@jensn6490 US regulations state that brake lights can't be on a movable body part. That said, instead of having them switch from the lift to the little ones down below, why not just have them both come on that way? They're not on a movable part and they are on a movable part.
You may have discovered this already but the center console armrest slides forward(just the top part) if you just pull it forward. I disovered this by accident when I was opening the center console storage. I do have a 2019 Bolt but hopefully the 2023 is the same. One thing to remember it also locks the center console so you can't open it unless you slide it to the back position.
@@DrekiTech Sorry to hear that. Interesting they would change that especially since your a taller person and the armrest is to far back for you. I'm short and pull the armrest forward as far as it will go and it's just barely adequate.
I was wondering about battery efficiency. I have the 2023 EUV at 104 km/h it starts switching from green to yellow. Is this the case with other Bolts? I love the car, this is my second one complaint, not that I want to do 125, but some highways now have 110 as the limit which messes with the battery I want to keep between stops.
@@MrWebweaver with any EV, battery efficiency stats to lower around 100km/h due to the extra air resistance. The bolt just shows you that directly. It won't mess up the battery but you'll get more range driving at 90km/h than 110km/h
@@DrekiTech bad choice of words. What I meant was the guessimator goes way off at higher speeds. Good to know that is expected not something wrong with my car. For your screen cleaning, do not use a towel, get yourself a small kit for cleaning glasses, the cloth that comes with it doesn’t scratch the screen like a towel will over time.
for my complaints I'd say the position of the one-peddle driving button. If I'm preparing to back up, sometimes I put my hand on the center console and accidently turn off the the one pedal driving. Not good while you are trying to position yourself to back up
I have a 2021 base, 220 miles per charge in the winter with heater on. 300+ in the summer with light throttle and no or light AC, on $8 of electricity, and no meddling for ME oil involved. After 34k, I dealer trip for software update and seat belt recall repair. Much better than my last new Toyota.
I bought one of the refurbished ones! New bigger battery, full warranty B to B, $4000 rebate and paid $17,500 for a top of the line Bolt with 2500 miles! Only problem I have is the headrests keep slapping the back of my head. I'm about to cut them off, can't seem to turn them around like the Volt or every other car I've ever owned.
It's good to know that GM listened and is going to continue with the Bolt. Which I'm guessing they might be designing it to be part of the Ultium Platform, which in turn could improve the charging rate. It's a wait and see moment. I'm keeping my eye on the Equinox EV.
@@ghostingwo for now EV's will have a lower mileage because there's more weight with all the battery packs. But at the end of the day when you get home, you just plug back in and good to go. If you're doing more then 200-300 km per day. That's insane.
Gr8 review. I ordered a 2023 Bolt EV in December. Just today after 9 months GM finally accepted my order. It's scheduled for production the week of Oct 2nd. Hopefully a strike is avoided. Can't wait. 🚙 🇺🇸 🔌
Does anyone know where there is a link describing any minor updates made for the 2023 Bolt VS the 2022 Bot? (GMs own link's don't provide this info, but hinted that were some )
As long as you don't tailgate the car in front of you, you should have no problem seeing the brake lights. Plus you have the bright 3rd tail light high above. I love my 2023 Bolt EUV!
the center armrest/console cover on my 2020 Bolt slides forward (squeeze the release handle and pull forward/back) - hope that works on your 2023. My software lags are about 2+ sec for almost everything, 2023 better ? Overall love the car
Had a 2017 Premier. LOVED IT. Free charging at work so no fuel cost. But...I would never choose a Bolt for a long driving trip. It was great fun in every other way.
Youre correct about the android disconnect. Doesnt matter what type of phone. Random disconnect while in android auto, with with map on, while taking a turn is horrible.
I've had a 23 EUV for about 6 months, really like how it drives. My only negative is the shifting, would much rather have a standard style gear shift stalk than the stupid pull up switches, just annoying.
I've always liked the look of the Bolt, even if it was an ICE car. It looks like his has great visibility for a driver, not a given in car designs today. I was impressed with a Chevy Cruz I rented by mechanics I know were not fans of the 1.4 liter turbo. I'm in the market for a new car to replace my 27-year-old daily driver but home charging is not an option for me. I hope Chevy doesn't discontinue the Bolt. How can they expect to get better at something and just go for what's been easy or profitable for them? It's getting harder and harder to find affordable entry level cars and that's going to open the door for China in the U.S. market when all the U.S. is likely to produce is 50-65-thousand-dollar SUV's and pickups (apologies to Tesla and Arcimoto). That kind of profiteering is shortsighted and only good for CEO bonuses. Almost every time the big three try to produce entry level cars they give up and go running back to big gas guzzlers. The Cruz I rented was a surprisingly comfortable car, it just needed a more reliable engine. Supposedly the Ford Fusion was a reliable car and Ford abandoned that. If Ford can compete against Ferrari I think each of the big three can produced at least one reliable and affordable car for Americans who are often working in lower paying service jobs these days. After all, dealer service centers are still the most profitable part of most dealerships and even smaller, more modest cars require service.
An observation about the Bolt's brake lights: Have anyone else noticed that Hyundai's and Kia's also have the brake lights in the bumpers? The Bolt is supposed to have been designed in Korea... maybe that's a reason the brake lights are the way they are... anyway, in SoCal Hyundais and Kias are very common and the brake light "thing" isn't as a big issue as elsewhere.
I am a bigger guy...6'2" (like 185cm for the rest of the world), and over 230 lbs (like 105kg). I have no issue with the size of the driver side seat. Actually, the center console fits pretty well as an arm rest, but given that my gorilla of a son sits up front, I would say it is narrow for two people like that.
That "AC fan" whine you complain about isn't actually the fan. It's the variable speed compressor for the aircon. The radiator fan is essentially inaudible above the cabin fan from the outside as well. It's not loud or fast enough to be loud at all. I can tell it's not fast because on my EUV the plastic is still rubbing a little and makes a ticking noise at a very slow pace. I wouldn't even call the lane keep assist that. It's more of a last resort if you start nodding off or take your eyes off the road. Credit where it's due, it's saved my bacon a handful of times.
I rent so I CAN'T charge from home. I have to use fast chargers. I need a 100 percent charge to get where I'm going. I know it slows down after 80 percent, but it takes me over an hour just to get to 80 percent. Unless all there is in the future are EV's, I will NEVER buy one. I also take a lot of long trips to NY and FLORIDA and it's just not practical for me.
The 110v included charger an give you 40 miles of range overnight if connected to an outet that can output 12amps. I went a year just using 110v charging at home.
I thought about buying electric but I have heard so many things happening with them in the cold snap I'm so glad I did not buy one. They are not meant for super cold climates.
Slow fast charging is no problem for me because I don't us fast charging, its my commuter car and I charge it every night in my garage at 240V-32A on off peak power at $0.06 per kWh. I have no intention of every driving it anywhere near even half its battery capacity (>100 miles) per day. I can live with the stupid brake lights as well. The thing that does tick me off its adaptive cruise control does not use regenerative braking breaking, only 10kw max to regen in adaptive cruise, the rest is the friction brakes, just wasting energy and brake pads.
Brake lights cannot be located on a movable surface, that is only on a movable surface. If there lights are on a trunk (boot in Canada ?), or hatchback they must also be on a non movable surface of the vehicle. That is what it says on internet so you know its has to be true. I test drove an EUV Bolt yesterday and thought it was decent but has no idea the brake lights are almost nonexistent .
I work for a national car rental company. Our local fleet became 2/3 EV as of 2023. As of 2024... the honeymoon with the customers is over. No one wants to rent them. We are reducing the EV fleet by 4/5ths. When you get less than 200 miles on a full charge. Not worth the money or the hype, especially when it now costs more to charge you car than to put gas in one. The one thing they don't tell you is that if you use the radio and AC/heat, the charge drops quick. So practically you might get 140 - 150 miles on a full charge. DON"T BUY AN EV!!!
AC/heat will cost you 15 miles out of 220 or 7%. Radio negligible. Charge at home overnight at a fraction of the cost of a public charger. R.e., rentals - I just rented an EV from Avis, drove it about 150 miles. No fee or fuel charge and loved the car - Ioniq 5. Would rent an EV again.
Strange. I Uber/Lyft/gig work. Full charge. $20-$25 earns me $250 on average. No clue what you're bitching about. Who runs ac at full tilt? Isn't necessary. I haven't noticed an issue. I'm in NC. Don't drive like a maniac and drain it. Same as a gas car. Running with your foot buried eats whatever energy source a vehicle uses. You sound like you're just not a good driver and don't understand what you're commenting on.
@@cobymichaels7863 Sorry to trigger you, but I drive and deal with EV's all day. My experience is definitely different than yours, doesn't mean I'm wrong. Besides, how many miles do you drive on a full charge? How many times a day do you need to recharge. Sorry that I got your panties in a bunch, but yeah, EV's are not that great.
Home charging: I pay 14 cents per kWh. My lifetime average is under 15kWh/100km. I'll add 20% for any charging inefficiency. $2.50/100KM A small petrol car will get 6L/100km @ current rate of $2/L - about $12/100km in petrol Charging on the go varies as the charger station sets their own rates. It's often around 1/3 to 1/2 the current cost of petrol here in Vancouver. While a petrol car is more efficient on highway, an EV loses efficiency at speed, so do take these numbers as a rough estimate. We also don't have EV road use taxes yet so that factors into how much cheaper they are to drive.
@@DrekiTech Thanks for that. Yeah, over here in the Netherlands the EVs are road-tax free too ... for now. Already talks about changing that in the near future.
I have a 21 Chevy Spark. I considered a Bolt at the time but couldn't afford it. It has the same stupid "Piano Black" stuff on the dash and I hate it. Impossible to keep from getting dusty. It's a stupid idea and it needs to end. As for the Android Auto thing. Mine worked great for about six months and has never worked since. Not a huge deal for me as I just link the phone with bluetooth and use it for music on youtube or calls. But what is irritating is that the car will disconnect the phone almost every time I turn it off and I have to reconnect each time I start again. There are numerous complaints about this online from multiple GM products so I think it's a level of incompetence at GM with regards to phone integration. So much so that despite acutally liking the car, as a car, I'm considering switching brands altogether for my next vehicle.
Highly unlikely , fast home chargers are on a 50amp breaker at 240volts you would need a pretty large solar array to try and generate these types of amps , or battery bank's being fed by the solar system , and all of this would be quite expensive , but so is a smart fast home charging system.
@@DrekiTech In 1977 US President Jimmy Carter put solar panels on the White House. In 1983 they passed out solar powered calculators to my elementary school class, and told us solar was the “wave of the future”. In the 1990’s they had an all electric car drive from California to New York. It was covered in solar panels so it charged, as it was being driven. Why don’t we have anything close to this almost 50 years later. Lol
@@PanzerPlatformThis isn't an RC car you goober. The bolt takes a solid 2 days to fully charge on level 1 systems. It would use more energy than it gains if you just plug a couple of cheap solar panels into it.
For elbow rest, you should be able to push the back end of the center council rest up , sliding the top head forward. At least that how it is with my 2020.
I love my bolt also. 2017, bought used in 2019. Battery was replaced under recall. Daily commute of 60 miles (97 km), occasionally drive 300 miles (482 km). I almost always charge at home, but the local car dealership recently installed DC fast chargers that are free (for now).
Tyranny only comes in three forms. Denial of resources, social status, or the physical. If you think about resources the denial of a home and or transportation are the two largest forms of tyranny. People who can continuously dictate the price of these can create for themselves a dictatorship. Is there democracy when dictators exist in every community?
Really hoping the bolt comes down in price in Canada. Another concern is when it's time to replace the old technology battery say 8 years later, not sure if they are available and the cost compared to Ultium based battery technology. And the resale value then.
Slim chance. They ended production this year. 23 will be the last model year. The used market for EVs in general will be pretty sweet next year. So if you don't mind used, then I suggest holding off till Fall 2024.
My experience with my 2022 Leafs trip computer aka Guessometer, has been quite different. On longer trips during late fall, in the cold, I have seen the car understate my range. I have the S plus model and at times it will say only 190 miles with the heat on when at 100%. Later in the trip that will become more accurate. But generally if I'm traveling in the cold I can do about 205 miles maybe 210. In summer with ideal conditions I can usually do about 235 miles and run the AC occasionally.
Bolt EV has been the most affordable electric for years now. Nothing will ever change that. That being said this car has objectively bad ergonomics -The driver seat side lever sits too high on the side of the seat. So every time you exit the car, your left thigh will hit the hard plastic. Every. Single. Time -The bottom of the infotainment screen protrudes into your leg space. This pushes your right knee to the left. Meanwhile, your right foot (on the accelerator) remains to the right. My right leg needs to be contorted this way every time I drive the Bolt and it is uncomfortable -The infotainment screen sits way too low on the dashboard. This may not be uncommon among ice cars, but it is abnormal for an electric car. Virtually every EV has the infotainment screen touching the bottom of the windshield or higher. This is good because you can still see the road even as you are looking at the screen. The Bolt's low screen position forces you to shift your eye down and away from the road every time you look at it. This not only causes headache, but it is frankly unsafe. For this reason, I never use the map on the screen. I use my phone instead which is positioned above the dashboard, so I can look at it and the windshield at the same time -Infotainment screen does not sit in the middle. It is positioned closer to the passenger to the right. No one likes to shift their eyes further to the right just to look at a screen. Just why? -hazard light button is located on the passenger's dashboard instead of the driver. Really? Every time you need to press it, you have to extend your right arm full stretch to reach it. Again, this is a hassle and potentially unsafe -Flat gearshift. I'm not against having no stick for the gearshift. I am against it being too low to be able to reach it comfortably. This type of flat gearshift is simply impossible to reach with a water bottle in the way. So why would Chevy put a cupholder directly behind it? Possibly the worst ergonomics in a car. Definitely the worst for an electric car. Besides comfortability, this car is great
!,000 percent right on the tail lights/ brake lights. That is by far the worst idea ever. I was stopped behind one and had no idea they were turning. That in itself will keep me away.
Hey, you can get one of those fast charging EVs for only $20,000 more. Also, get that home fast charger. The price could be from $5000 to $15,000! To help increase battery distance on the Bolt, use regen (one foot driving).
Home charging install could be as low as $500, some have done it for less somehow. With that higher price TV comes more tax and typically more insurance cost
@rp9674 You are talking to a tech designer (who designed the home computer) with a son who is a top electrical engineer. The chance of getting a car charger for that price is about the same chance as having a Ford not recalled! I warn you. The makeshift ones can burn your house down!
This car was discontinued end of 2023. GM and EV's are not ready for prime time. Good luck finding a mechanic and parts in the future.. You should have saved up to buy a real EV Tesla
American automakers are far behind their Japanese and Korean counterparts when it comes to vehicle design and refinement....the Ev Bolt looks old, and resembles a 2010 equinox.. the interior looks dull and dated. I don't see myself buying that CRAP.. GM just needs to go out of business.
I've been driving for nearly 50 years and have never been as happy with a car as I am with our '23 Bolt.
I'm 6'1" and 255 lbs. I find the seats comfortable for drives from 4-8 hrs. 2023 Bolt EV
BTW ... we really love this car!
The slow highway charging has taught us to relax and enjoy the break. We'll walk, read, nap or just chat in a restaurant. We arrive later but way more relaxed and refreshed. I wouldn't have expected this, but it is how it has turned out.
People are comparing EV with petrol car. this not a fair comparison right now. but once you own the cheapest EV (Bolt EUV) for few years and charge it home on Level 2 charging then it would all make sense that EV are better for the wallet and the environment. My Monthly Electric bill only went up by $20 which isn't bad at all comparing to how i was paying Avg $30 a week Fill up a 12 Gallon tank.
I save almost $100 a month vs my old Subaru outback when compared with my leaf. My driving mix is about 80% city and the rest at highway speed. I could not go back. My leaf accelerates way faster than the outback. Definitely not an off-road vehicle of course...😊
Once we installed residential solar (which brought our electric bill from about $120/mo to $8.21), getting a Bolt for the daily commute (with free charger installation) was a no-brainer.
I have the same electric increase for a month with my 2023 Bolt. I’ll take a $20 dollar bill compared to a $120 one any day.
nice point
Love my 2023 , never use fas chargers ever have 40,000 miles on it and not one problem
He who whines about a Bolt EV does not deserve to have one.
This October, I will celebrate 4 years of being with my Premier (including 4 Canadian winters). Slightly over 100K km on it now - no grudge at all. An incredibly reliable, powerful, and silent fighter jet. The best car in my life.
AMen to that. i have two of these and no complain.
To many negative comments....you should get out of it......I Love mine...
2022 Bolt EV. I love it. Florida driving. 4.5 miles per kilowatt hour. I drive one-pedal almost exclusively , rarely need to go for the actual brake pedal. I dislike. The storage bin, not only is it too far rearward, it is almost impossible for me to open while driving using my right hand. The location of the USB port is pretty hard to get to. My Android auto often fails to connect. I have to stop, restart my phone and sometimes that doesn't work well. Finally the dash reflects in the windshield. ( I could see this in YOUR video too ).
I absolutely love my Bolt. But let me just say that if you can't have a level 2 charger at your home then just don't. Unless you have a charge station at work then you really need a level 2 at home. Don't kid yourself. You're not going to get by with a regular 110v level 1charger. But I'm not exaggerating, I love this powerful, maneuverable, wonderful little car!
I home charged my Bolt on 110v for about 14 months before I finally had a level 2 charger installed. My personal circumstances made it possible to gain 20+ miles a night charging (exceeding the daily mileage by 20 miles) while I slept and then get a big boost friday night into Saturday...but that's certainly not the majority of Bolt owners but it's *possible*. The main reason for a level 2 install was for safety as the electrical receptacle was getting warm and having a fire due to this type of thing was unacceptable. Also, it turns out level 2 charging is more efficient than 110v never mind faster.
@sp1nrx Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone though. It's a real stretch to think that even 5 percent of people could get away with it without serious inconvenience. If I suddenly have to run my wife to the airport, just 27 miles down the highway and back, and it's really cold outside so that I have the heater running, it will drain an astonishing amount of battery. It's a great little car if you have a level 2 and an absolute gem for a second car, but if anyone at all asked for a recommendation from me I would say, without a level 2, hell no.
I’m 72 years old and have owned many cars in my lifetime. My Bolt is without question the best one.😊
@@doggy911 Same here. I can't believe how much I enjoy driving it. And 1 thing that no one talks about is the way the seat sits up higher than most little cars and you can raise it up to the maximum height with the control switches and not feel like you're climbing down into the car to drive it.
I have owned many cars in my lifetime and I can say that I absolutely love my 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV.
The bolt actually does show the battery level in percentage. Sort of. Each tick mark represents 25%, and each strip of alternating color is 5%, so if the vehicle is showing two bars above the middle tick, that'd be 2*25+2*5, or 60% for example.
The My Chevrolet app can display the percentage in number.
Glad I got a Tesla model 3… I wanted to get a bolt… but the Tesla just has it all over the Chevy… NJ EV $4,000.00 and Fed $7,500 brought the pice down to $28,500… no brainer…
I got my 2023 Bolt with the same incentives plus a GM Card reward of $1,000 and NO Sales Tax. Net cost was $16,300. An absolute steal. So much so, I got my daughter one for the same price. And, the car is amazing. It’s like a rocket… I found the Tesla interior too bland inside. The Bolt interior is like any other ICE car, which is what I wanted.
@ Glad you like it!
I owned more than 25 different cars in my lifetime but 2023 bolt is the best car that I have ever owned in my entire life. I wish GM continued its production. What the shame it is discounted.
My detailed list of complaints below. I love my new 2023 Bolt EV too despite these issues. Chose not to do the brake/blinker tail light mod. I ordered a Comma AI. 100 mile route 6 days a week. My list of complaints below:
1. Boom sound. Don't notice it as much now but it's that low bass sound I and certain people notice when you go over even small bumps on the road, bigger bumps produce bigger bass boom type sound. I lowered all or some windows and sound it still there because I think it's just the frame or structure of the car itself that produces these bass frequencies. Only noticable when you have everything off and a quiet ride, music will drown it unless your music is quiet or listening to classical music, but then the bass frequency of the car is now competing with the bass of the music. I've gotten used to it so I don't mind it but it was very noticable coming from my non bass boom 2013 Prius. It probably is different depending on everyone's ear structure I suppose. Never noticed it in my other cars but very noticable at first time and I am a musician so I notice these things.
2. lights/suspension- The LED lights have a very long throw down the roads, here in Los Angeles and I can't help but think I'm potentially blinding people because every small bump in the road makes the Bolt EV bounce much more than my Prius. Supposedly that's because the smaller wheel base closer together and/or the suspension. You can see the headlights reflecting off all the signs like quarter to half mile down the road. Not even going to bother adjusting the headlights when they have such a wide range of going up and down even to the top of the signal lights ahead of you. The lights are perfectly centered but the car is just so bouncy.
3. subscriptions- Stay away from subscriptions if you can save money with an alternative.
4. app vs tesla delay, abilities set times.
5. android auto - People understandably upset that it might get replaced in future cars.
6. door button vs no - I liked having keyless entry without a button but I got used to it.
7. how difficult is it to replace headlight bulb- Not even in the manual and saw a price for $150 for one LED light bulb? Hope they last years as I do only night driving.
8. charging hoa difficult- took me 4 months to get HOA authorization for 220 volt 40amp . One of the first out of 240 condos association. My first quote after 1250$ off = $1300 looking for cheaper quote if possible now. Using wallbox pulsar plus in a carport. meter panel directly on other side of wall but it is a custom install since i'm using a load shedding device and city rules require a power meter or dcc9 to keep me at a safe controlled use of amps. Total condo has 70 amps so I went with wallbox's power meter $270 that will always prioritize the condo over the car charging. That way you don't have to make expensive upgrades of more amps.
9. vehcile and app updates- Tesla wins.
10 supercruise free only 3 years than pay more. Go with LT2 instead with ACC and comma Ai device. Planning to keep the car as long as possible and best to avoid long term fees/subscriptions.
11 car life longevity is most important for me. The slow charging on Bolt makes the battery last longer in theory since it never exceeds the 1C charge rate.
12 on star - avoid onstar. we have phones to call in emergencies etc. Have to talk to onstar when you buy the car and they quickly go asking for your credit card number. nope not getting mine.
13 time of each drive - would be nice to see after each drive. I have 10 stops a day on my route.
14 forcing customers dealer addons gps avas. Had to pay an extra $1300 for dealer installed gps. It was april 2023 and low stock and did not want to lose the deal. Someone create a law to make this illegal.
15 turn down volume of ped sound at low speeds. At night when people are sleeping you may not want ped warning sound at low speeds when leaving residential area or you might want to turn it off temporarily because I don't want to wake people up if they are sensitive to EV sounds.
What brake light switch mod are you referring to? Link?
I looked at like 5 different brake/tail light mod videos and I'm not going to do it as it helps in the day but not at night. Some of the mods dimmed the tail lights. The lights are more notificable at night so I'm not as worried as i do most driving at night. I just wish the turn signals were on the tail running lights and not on the bottom or copied like in some mods. Found one EV mod video here ua-cam.com/video/oc1g5itpwEE/v-deo.htmlsi=j4yVVz1ITXtjnsV1 and this guys opinions are interesting - ua-cam.com/video/ENTrCG8cZfM/v-deo.htmlsi=M3LGVuPo4pmYHiIs @@dalesupertramp9234
There is a timer you can reset at the beginning of a ride.
Wah-Wah-Wah😢 Does this guy have a wife, girlfriend, any friends for that matter? What a whiny putz. There ARE NO ideal or perfect cars but the Bolt series is about as close as there ever was or will be until GM resumes production. My two year old EUV makes me smile every time I get in for a drive😊. Will I ever complain like this reviewer does? 😢 Ask me In ten years.
I bought a 23 EUV, premiere. I love this thing. Yes, the charging time is slow. But the car is the best value for range and quality. Until battery technology is everything it should be, this car is the best bang for your EV buck.
Just to put into preceptive to those who are complaining about charging speed or Bolt EUV range.
I drive to Washington DC (about 35 miles each way) and then i also do uber/Lyft after work. I don't have any issues at with the charging speed. I charge it at Electrify America or EVGo when I'm not near my house. To Fully charge the bolt EUV from 70 miles range left to 80%, it only takes about 40 minutes. Most Electrify America chargers are at Walmart so i use that time to browse around and stretch my legs. No complains
L2 charge speed is excellent, even if the quick charge is not. Easily have an overnight charge done and ready to drive in the morning even when driving 375+ kms in one trip
I do Uber and Lyft too . Is it worth to get an electric car money wise speaking ? It sounds like it comes out the same as gas since you have to charge all the time
Question the center arm rest do not slide forward anymore? Also they changed the lights because people were complaining how they were before. The ac sounds normal as in any other car to me, there is no engine noise to muffle it a little, good review though enjoyed it
No, the arm rest does not slide forward. :(
Thanks for the comments. Loving the bolt so far - I need to make a video about my old leaf now
I have to say say that if following one's eye will go to the brake lights if they go brighter -period. One reason they are low is when the hatch is up at night flashers will show in an emergency situation or pulled over on the shoulder at night. PLUS, it makes the higher lights a LOT cheaper by not mixing both functions. I know because I knocked out a light and the combined function light was $600 - plus a core charge.
As for dust in your car collecting on the screen - have you checked the cab filter under the glove box??? I live in a VERY dusty area and it isn't a problem for my 2019. Also, the flecks I see look a LOT like ash from fires. The 'elbow rest? Did you pull it forward? It has two positions and one locks the storage bin.
I have a 2023 Bolt EV in the same red color. Initially I wanted the Dark blue but they had mine pre-built. Only difference is mine is the LT2 and I have the Bose sound system. Its been my first EV vehicle and its been a great experience. I have no issues commuting around town.
I got my '23 Bolt euv Lt as a commuting tool, but I'm loving it. In Canada the driver and heated seats/steering wheel packages are standard on the Lt. I would have paid extra for a heat pump. I really like the interior design in the euv, but also don't like the glossy piano black. The charging doesn't bug me, as I charge mostly at home on level 2. I have seen 450-500kms on a charge in the summer.
I also HATE where the brake lights are, especially since the pre-facelift bolt has the brakelights where they should be. I turn off the lane keep assist; I really don't like it.
By the way, Android Auto stopped disconnecting for me when I turned off power saving on my galaxy s22.
Most likely the brake light is where it's at is because of DOT stuff. I believe there is a requirement where the light has to always be visible. And if it was where you think it should go, it wouldn't be visible if you were to open the rear door. Some cars do it in a different way that works well (Chevrolet Equinox for instance). But perhaps it wasn't possible with this one for instance.
The cargo shield mounts, put a half counterclockwise (anti-clockwise) twist in the elastic so it stays under tension.
The headrests hits my head too much, in my Fiat 500e I reversed them.
The super deep console needs an tray.
It should be pointed out that smart fast charging is 20% to 80%.
My brakes are still new at 43k miles by using the paddle Regen button and the one leg driving only when needed to slow down or stop then unpress the one leg driving.
Re: Wireless Android Auto disconnects, for me, it's happening because of some outside interference with the wireless connection. For example, there's a small private airport near my house and I suspect whatever they have in the air traffic control tower is messes with wireless connections. Consistently - EVERY time I drive by the airport my wireless Android Auto disconnects for a few seconds and very rarely happens anywhere else.
Just so you know, the reason the hatch lights aren't brake lights/turn signals is because it's illegal to have those things on a movable panel.
Needed a new car 12yr old Chrysler was starting to cost me money..I worked for Chrysler 30 plus years get discount on new cars and lease but went with a bolt I can’t explain how happy i am with this car it’s perfect for me getting around I average about 800 miles a month my electric bill is up around 20% but other factors add to this increase still my highest electric bill was 300.00 this summer I have a pool pump is on 24/7 so 60 dollars for roughly 800 miles winner winner and it’s fun to drive
I have a 2022 Bolt EV 2LT, make sure you get the adaptive cruise control, it’s worth its weight in gold for longer commuting. I would also get the heated seats and steering wheel because the cabin heater destroys your range due to the lack of a heat pump(from 300 miles summer to about 200 in winter). I wish the headrest was adjustable, I’ll probably bend it back at some point, also the door chimes are loud even after I adjusted them to the lowest middle volume setting. I would buy the car again or save up a lot longer for an awd long range model Y.
Yes headrest tips too far forward
There's only one trim level for the standard 23 Bolt from my understanding.
US - 23 Bolt EV available in 1lt & 2lt & options within. Heated seats and steering wheel is $1,000 option on one lt, included in 2 LT
How did you add power for the dash camera on the back?do you think you can do a video adding power on the trunk?
the camera on the back is connected to the camera on the front
The BOLT can display Imperial and Metric units. So, all you need to do is switch between the 2. And don't worry. Most Canadians know what a mile is and the country still uses imperial units in many applications. :) Otherwise, you raised some good points. DCFC is definitely an issue for someone doing frequent long trips, but most DCFC are 50 kwh anyway.
Yeah here in BC I saw 50 and 100 DCFC with the 100 being double price per min anyways - so why use that when the car supports max 55
Add a coat of a good car wax to the interior gloss black. It resists both scratches and dust. Try it, you’ll like it🤗
@@DrekiTech Keep in mind that unless you're on a major hurry, 50kwh is sufficient enough in many cases.
Great video! Very helpful insights from someone who has lived with the car for a while. I'm considering a Bolt EUV which has similar brake lights and I completely agree that they are not just incredibly idiotic but also dangerous. I might even not go for the Bolt EUV because of the increased chance of being rear ended. I guess it must have been slightly cheaper?? What is the price of monthly connectivity service for the Bolt EUV? Is it possible to do without it? If so, what functionalities would you lose?
You're forgiven for being Canadian. Kidding, so was my Dad. I actually bought a used 2021 first gen because it was such a fantastic deal, with a bonus fresh battery, its basically a new car. While I'm not a big fan of the gray and white swoopy dash, I actually prefer having my break lights mounted high on the liftgate, seem like a major safety issue to me.
I don’t know about Canada, but third brake lights have been required on every car and light truck in the US since 1994.
In Canada, third brake lights were required on 1986 and newer vehicles
The brake/turn signal light issue is because the lights you would like to be your brake light and blinker are built into the hatchback. If someone were to haul something big home say from the hardware store and had their hatch back open, but tied down with string or rope. Someone behind this person may not be able to see the brakes lights, or turn signal. That is why you will never see the active lights on a hatchback portion (that opens) on any car. The small lights down below are pretty lame though.
That makes a lot of sense, actually! I'm of the "why not use both" mindset :)
They should switch from hatch to bumper when the door is open, that’s what other manufacturers do usually. You could probably modify that yourself if you wanted to.
@@jensn6490 US regulations state that brake lights can't be on a movable body part. That said, instead of having them switch from the lift to the little ones down below, why not just have them both come on that way? They're not on a movable part and they are on a movable part.
@@techguyMD yeah that would also work
You may have discovered this already but the center console armrest slides forward(just the top part) if you just pull it forward. I disovered this by accident when I was opening the center console storage. I do have a 2019 Bolt but hopefully the 2023 is the same. One thing to remember it also locks the center console so you can't open it unless you slide it to the back position.
@@toby9815 it does not slide forward in the 2022+ models
@@DrekiTech Sorry to hear that. Interesting they would change that especially since your a taller person and the armrest is to far back for you. I'm short and pull the armrest forward as far as it will go and it's just barely adequate.
I’m able to have my entire arm from the elbow forward on the armrest. But, I have my seat all the way back.
I was wondering about battery efficiency. I have the 2023 EUV at 104 km/h it starts switching from green to yellow. Is this the case with other Bolts? I love the car, this is my second one complaint, not that I want to do 125, but some highways now have 110 as the limit which messes with the battery I want to keep between stops.
@@MrWebweaver with any EV, battery efficiency stats to lower around 100km/h due to the extra air resistance. The bolt just shows you that directly. It won't mess up the battery but you'll get more range driving at 90km/h than 110km/h
@@DrekiTech bad choice of words. What I meant was the guessimator goes way off at higher speeds. Good to know that is expected not something wrong with my car.
For your screen cleaning, do not use a towel, get yourself a small kit for cleaning glasses, the cloth that comes with it doesn’t scratch the screen like a towel will over time.
for my complaints I'd say the position of the one-peddle driving button. If I'm preparing to back up, sometimes I put my hand on the center console and accidently turn off the the one pedal driving. Not good while you are trying to position yourself to back up
Doesn't the centre arm rest extend forward? It does on the 2020 model.
no it does not. so silly!
I have a 2021 base, 220 miles per charge in the winter with heater on.
300+ in the summer with light throttle and no or light AC, on $8 of electricity, and no meddling for ME oil involved.
After 34k, I dealer trip for software update and seat belt recall repair.
Much better than my last new Toyota.
Good to know, thanks. I hope the only thing I have to do for the first few years is tyres and blinker fluid!
Blinker fluid? Is that a joke? 🙂
Federal regs won't allow brake lights on a movable part of the vehicle. They have to be fixed on the body. Not a rear door.
I bought one of the refurbished ones! New bigger battery, full warranty B to B, $4000 rebate and paid $17,500 for a top of the line Bolt with 2500 miles! Only problem I have is the headrests keep slapping the back of my head. I'm about to cut them off, can't seem to turn them around like the Volt or every other car I've ever owned.
It's good to know that GM listened and is going to continue with the Bolt. Which I'm guessing they might be designing it to be part of the Ultium Platform, which in turn could improve the charging rate. It's a wait and see moment. I'm keeping my eye on the Equinox EV.
Hopefully more mileage too.. though idk if that’s possible with ev cars cause their mileage seems to be a little lower than gas cars
@@ghostingwo for now EV's will have a lower mileage because there's more weight with all the battery packs. But at the end of the day when you get home, you just plug back in and good to go. If you're doing more then 200-300 km per day. That's insane.
Gr8 review. I ordered a 2023 Bolt EV in December. Just today after 9 months GM finally accepted my order. It's scheduled for production the week of Oct 2nd. Hopefully a strike is avoided. Can't wait. 🚙 🇺🇸 🔌
Does anyone know where there is a link describing any minor updates made for the 2023 Bolt VS the 2022 Bot? (GMs own link's don't provide this info, but hinted that
were some )
As long as you don't tailgate the car in front of you, you should have no problem seeing the brake lights. Plus you have the bright 3rd tail light high above. I love my 2023 Bolt EUV!
the center armrest/console cover on my 2020 Bolt slides forward (squeeze the release handle and pull forward/back) - hope that works on your 2023. My software lags are about 2+ sec for almost everything, 2023 better ? Overall love the car
on the new one the center arm rest does not go forward. I put something in my cup holder to rest my elbows on
@12:40, you absolutely will lose them, and my local Chevy Dealer charged me $29.50 for just one! I super glued it in!
I believe they sell a screen protector for the Bolt display.
Had a 2017 Premier. LOVED IT. Free charging at work so no fuel cost.
But...I would never choose a Bolt for a long driving trip. It was great fun in every other way.
Youre correct about the android disconnect. Doesnt matter what type of phone. Random disconnect while in android auto, with with map on, while taking a turn is horrible.
Hasn't happened since I got a pixel. 🤷
@@DrekiTech hmmm. I'll have to see how much those are. Never looked at them.
I've had a 23 EUV for about 6 months, really like how it drives. My only negative is the shifting, would much rather have a standard style gear shift stalk than the stupid pull up switches, just annoying.
My daughter rent these and she loves it
I've always liked the look of the Bolt, even if it was an ICE car. It looks like his has great visibility for a driver, not a given in car designs today. I was impressed with a Chevy Cruz I rented by mechanics I know were not fans of the 1.4 liter turbo. I'm in the market for a new car to replace my 27-year-old daily driver but home charging is not an option for me. I hope Chevy doesn't discontinue the Bolt. How can they expect to get better at something and just go for what's been easy or profitable for them? It's getting harder and harder to find affordable entry level cars and that's going to open the door for China in the U.S. market when all the U.S. is likely to produce is 50-65-thousand-dollar SUV's and pickups (apologies to Tesla and Arcimoto). That kind of profiteering is shortsighted and only good for CEO bonuses. Almost every time the big three try to produce entry level cars they give up and go running back to big gas guzzlers. The Cruz I rented was a surprisingly comfortable car, it just needed a more reliable engine. Supposedly the Ford Fusion was a reliable car and Ford abandoned that. If Ford can compete against Ferrari I think each of the big three can produced at least one reliable and affordable car for Americans who are often working in lower paying service jobs these days. After all, dealer service centers are still the most profitable part of most dealerships and even smaller, more modest cars require service.
An observation about the Bolt's brake lights: Have anyone else noticed that Hyundai's and Kia's also have the brake lights in the bumpers? The Bolt is supposed to have been designed in Korea... maybe that's a reason the brake lights are the way they are... anyway, in SoCal Hyundais and Kias are very common and the brake light "thing" isn't as a big issue as elsewhere.
I also owned a leaf and loved it but my bolt is best of the best. Zero complaints
Thank you SO very much for this review. VERY VERY helpful!
I am a bigger guy...6'2" (like 185cm for the rest of the world), and over 230 lbs (like 105kg). I have no issue with the size of the driver side seat. Actually, the center console fits pretty well as an arm rest, but given that my gorilla of a son sits up front, I would say it is narrow for two people like that.
That "AC fan" whine you complain about isn't actually the fan. It's the variable speed compressor for the aircon. The radiator fan is essentially inaudible above the cabin fan from the outside as well. It's not loud or fast enough to be loud at all. I can tell it's not fast because on my EUV the plastic is still rubbing a little and makes a ticking noise at a very slow pace.
I wouldn't even call the lane keep assist that. It's more of a last resort if you start nodding off or take your eyes off the road. Credit where it's due, it's saved my bacon a handful of times.
I rent so I CAN'T charge from home. I have to use fast chargers. I need a 100 percent charge to get where I'm going. I know it slows down after 80 percent, but it takes me over an hour just to get to 80 percent. Unless all there is in the future are EV's, I will NEVER buy one. I also take a lot of long trips to NY and FLORIDA and it's just not practical for me.
The 110v included charger an give you 40 miles of range overnight if connected to an outet that can output 12amps. I went a year just using 110v charging at home.
I think there is some rule about the lights not being in the hatch.
For those little privacy shield trunk numbs, use black silicone.
I thought about buying electric but I have heard so many things happening with them in the cold snap I'm so glad I did not buy one. They are not meant for super cold climates.
Slow fast charging is no problem for me because I don't us fast charging, its my commuter car and I charge it every night in my garage at 240V-32A on off peak power at $0.06 per kWh. I have no intention of every driving it anywhere near even half its battery capacity (>100 miles) per day. I can live with the stupid brake lights as well. The thing that does tick me off its adaptive cruise control does not use regenerative braking breaking, only 10kw max to regen in adaptive cruise, the rest is the friction brakes, just wasting energy and brake pads.
Brake lights cannot be located on a movable surface, that is only on a movable surface. If there lights are on a trunk (boot in Canada ?), or hatchback they must also be on a non movable surface of the vehicle. That is what it says on internet so you know its has to be true. I test drove an EUV Bolt yesterday and thought it was decent but has no idea the brake lights are almost nonexistent .
I work for a national car rental company. Our local fleet became 2/3 EV as of 2023. As of 2024... the honeymoon with the customers is over. No one wants to rent them. We are reducing the EV fleet by 4/5ths. When you get less than 200 miles on a full charge. Not worth the money or the hype, especially when it now costs more to charge you car than to put gas in one. The one thing they don't tell you is that if you use the radio and AC/heat, the charge drops quick. So practically you might get 140 - 150 miles on a full charge. DON"T BUY AN EV!!!
AC/heat will cost you 15 miles out of 220 or 7%. Radio negligible. Charge at home overnight at a fraction of the cost of a public charger. R.e., rentals - I just rented an EV from Avis, drove it about 150 miles. No fee or fuel charge and loved the car - Ioniq 5. Would rent an EV again.
@@rsteveslater owning one is a little different
@@daimyo2k Just bought the 2023 Bolt EV 2LT today. Guess I'll find out. I've been driving a 2020 Leaf SV+ since 2020. Great car.
Strange. I Uber/Lyft/gig work. Full charge. $20-$25 earns me $250 on average. No clue what you're bitching about. Who runs ac at full tilt? Isn't necessary. I haven't noticed an issue. I'm in NC. Don't drive like a maniac and drain it. Same as a gas car. Running with your foot buried eats whatever energy source a vehicle uses. You sound like you're just not a good driver and don't understand what you're commenting on.
@@cobymichaels7863 Sorry to trigger you, but I drive and deal with EV's all day. My experience is definitely different than yours, doesn't mean I'm wrong. Besides, how many miles do you drive on a full charge? How many times a day do you need to recharge. Sorry that I got your panties in a bunch, but yeah, EV's are not that great.
we have these cars at work, I drive 4-5 hours a day, its the best car trust me
Always wondering about EVs: how does the price-per-km stack up compaired to a similar petrol car?
Home charging: I pay 14 cents per kWh. My lifetime average is under 15kWh/100km. I'll add 20% for any charging inefficiency. $2.50/100KM
A small petrol car will get 6L/100km @ current rate of $2/L - about $12/100km in petrol
Charging on the go varies as the charger station sets their own rates. It's often around 1/3 to 1/2 the current cost of petrol here in Vancouver.
While a petrol car is more efficient on highway, an EV loses efficiency at speed, so do take these numbers as a rough estimate. We also don't have EV road use taxes yet so that factors into how much cheaper they are to drive.
@@DrekiTech Thanks for that. Yeah, over here in the Netherlands the EVs are road-tax free too ... for now. Already talks about changing that in the near future.
55KW is a huge amount of power compared to most residential electrical services.
I have a 21 Chevy Spark. I considered a Bolt at the time but couldn't afford it. It has the same stupid "Piano Black" stuff on the dash and I hate it. Impossible to keep from getting dusty. It's a stupid idea and it needs to end. As for the Android Auto thing. Mine worked great for about six months and has never worked since. Not a huge deal for me as I just link the phone with bluetooth and use it for music on youtube or calls. But what is irritating is that the car will disconnect the phone almost every time I turn it off and I have to reconnect each time I start again. There are numerous complaints about this online from multiple GM products so I think it's a level of incompetence at GM with regards to phone integration. So much so that despite acutally liking the car, as a car, I'm considering switching brands altogether for my next vehicle.
US DOT does not allow brake lights on movable car parts. The hatch moves so……
Take the lid off that mid mount box. Why put up with running your elbow into it?
enjoyed your video.
Yo DT,
Congrats on the new car.
Can you charge it off a solar panel?
-Chuck
Highly unlikely , fast home chargers are on a 50amp breaker at 240volts you would need a pretty large solar array to try and generate these types of amps , or battery bank's being fed by the solar system , and all of this would be quite expensive , but so is a smart fast home charging system.
No solar at my house, but it could be done with a proper set up (ie solar batteries)
@@DrekiTech
In 1977 US President Jimmy Carter put solar panels on the White House.
In 1983 they passed out solar powered calculators to my elementary school class, and told us solar was the “wave of the future”.
In the 1990’s they had an all electric car drive from California to New York.
It was covered in solar panels so it charged, as it was being driven.
Why don’t we have anything close to this almost 50 years later. Lol
@@PanzerPlatformThis isn't an RC car you goober. The bolt takes a solid 2 days to fully charge on level 1 systems. It would use more energy than it gains if you just plug a couple of cheap solar panels into it.
@@PanzerPlatformhopefully soon, Aptera
For it to be small it's actually spacious
For elbow rest, you should be able to push the back end of the center council rest up , sliding the top head forward. At least that how it is with my 2020.
"while texting and driving.." 🤣🤣
Great video
Thank you
Good video!
I love my bolt also. 2017, bought used in 2019. Battery was replaced under recall. Daily commute of 60 miles (97 km), occasionally drive 300 miles (482 km). I almost always charge at home, but the local car dealership recently installed DC fast chargers that are free (for now).
efficiency is good when you haven't used the battery much. come back after 50000 km
Best deal in EV since 2017
Tyranny only comes in three forms. Denial of resources, social status, or the physical. If you think about resources the denial of a home and or transportation are the two largest forms of tyranny. People who can continuously dictate the price of these can create for themselves a dictatorship. Is there democracy when dictators exist in every community?
its the little things that matter ✅️ 👍
I ❤ My 2023 Bolt
9:22 "I'm pretty skinny"
Seriously: lets start to lift some weight?
Really hoping the bolt comes down in price in Canada. Another concern is when it's time to replace the old technology battery say 8 years later, not sure if they are available and the cost compared to Ultium based battery technology. And the resale value then.
Slim chance. They ended production this year. 23 will be the last model year. The used market for EVs in general will be pretty sweet next year. So if you don't mind used, then I suggest holding off till Fall 2024.
For your dusting buy a static cling feather duster style that fits in the glove box. It won't put as much pressure that can start the scratches.
My experience with my 2022 Leafs trip computer aka Guessometer, has been quite different. On longer trips during late fall, in the cold, I have seen the car understate my range. I have the S plus model and at times it will say only 190 miles with the heat on when at 100%. Later in the trip that will become more accurate. But generally if I'm traveling in the cold I can do about 205 miles maybe 210. In summer with ideal conditions I can usually do about 235 miles and run the AC occasionally.
I just wish you would have parked the damn car so we could hear what the hell you are saying. Damn road noise was ridiculous.
Bolt EV has been the most affordable electric for years now. Nothing will ever change that. That being said this car has objectively bad ergonomics
-The driver seat side lever sits too high on the side of the seat. So every time you exit the car, your left thigh will hit the hard plastic. Every. Single. Time
-The bottom of the infotainment screen protrudes into your leg space. This pushes your right knee to the left. Meanwhile, your right foot (on the accelerator) remains to the right. My right leg needs to be contorted this way every time I drive the Bolt and it is uncomfortable
-The infotainment screen sits way too low on the dashboard. This may not be uncommon among ice cars, but it is abnormal for an electric car. Virtually every EV has the infotainment screen touching the bottom of the windshield or higher. This is good because you can still see the road even as you are looking at the screen. The Bolt's low screen position forces you to shift your eye down and away from the road every time you look at it. This not only causes headache, but it is frankly unsafe. For this reason, I never use the map on the screen. I use my phone instead which is positioned above the dashboard, so I can look at it and the windshield at the same time
-Infotainment screen does not sit in the middle. It is positioned closer to the passenger to the right. No one likes to shift their eyes further to the right just to look at a screen. Just why?
-hazard light button is located on the passenger's dashboard instead of the driver. Really? Every time you need to press it, you have to extend your right arm full stretch to reach it. Again, this is a hassle and potentially unsafe
-Flat gearshift. I'm not against having no stick for the gearshift. I am against it being too low to be able to reach it comfortably. This type of flat gearshift is simply impossible to reach with a water bottle in the way. So why would Chevy put a cupholder directly behind it?
Possibly the worst ergonomics in a car. Definitely the worst for an electric car. Besides comfortability, this car is great
Many peoples doesn’t know about Chevy volt 2017-2022 recall due to high voltage charge catch fire explosion no thanks you
So what are those tail lights for??? Unbelievable they're not actual tail lights.
Dude this car is not designed for a road trips. This is cheap, small, commuter. If you take road trips buy Tesla
!,000 percent right on the tail lights/ brake lights. That is by far the worst idea ever. I was stopped behind one and had no idea they were turning. That in itself will keep me away.
I need 500 mile Cleveland to NYC range. Forget it!
Nice car though!
Wait... you think the centre console is an armrest?? And also the door?? And you use this while driving? That's nuts
If it comes to disconnecting from android auto it’s simple. It’s android 😂😂😂
im 240 lb. so when you said, uncomfortable seats sort of killed the whole thing for me. my passat has great seats still after 13 years.
Hey, you can get one of those fast charging EVs for only $20,000 more. Also, get that home fast charger. The price could be from $5000 to $15,000! To help increase battery distance on the Bolt, use regen (one foot driving).
Home charging install could be as low as $500, some have done it for less somehow.
With that higher price TV comes more tax and typically more insurance cost
@rp9674 You are talking to a tech designer (who designed the home computer) with a son who is a top electrical engineer. The chance of getting a car charger for that price is about the same chance as having a Ford not recalled! I warn you. The makeshift ones can burn your house down!
I had Electrify America EVSE installed for $700, it failed I bought a new UL listed EVSE for $300
@@rp9674 Watch out about poor installations. They can burn!
Best EV ever made at any price! It is a GM after all!
This car was discontinued end of 2023. GM and EV's are not ready for prime time. Good luck finding a mechanic and parts in the future.. You should have saved up to buy a real EV Tesla
Your title is misleading. The car is good to drive locally not for long trips.
American automakers are far behind their Japanese and Korean counterparts when it comes to vehicle design and refinement....the Ev Bolt looks old, and resembles a 2010 equinox.. the interior looks dull and dated.
I don't see myself buying that CRAP..
GM just needs to go out of business.
This video was filled with idiotic whining.