New replacement packs are 65 kWh's for a 259mi range. Last July I drove my 2020 from Anchorage, AK to Austin, TX, the extra DC charge time allowed me rest/sleep to continue driving for 3-3.5hrs. Also since it charges at 53kW I was able to choose free chargers in the area even though there may be an EA station and those were usually 62 or 120 kw. Absolutely 0 issues for the entire 10,979 miles.
@@daviidfm923 yes, eastern AK from Wasilla to Tok and on to the border at Beaver Creek. Then again after Watson Lake to Ft. Saint John. The most expensive charging I did during the trip was for level 2 charging in those areas.
The 2023 EV and EUV are 26k and 28k respectively so I can't imagine a scenario where you would want to buy a used 2019 bolt for 26k. Obviously the used market is awful right now and supply of new cars and finding one at msrp is another factor but for anyone looking for a Bolt I'd recommend waiting for a new one unless you find a great price
@@Bubbz2024 I just got a new 2022 Launch Edition EUV a couple weeks ago. With the 6300 Chevy is giving for 2022s and the trade in of my beat up 08 Rav it was also around 33k. It's a great car and hard to beat at the price point
Thinking the same. Not a great time to buy a used period. I am however seeing just recently that most ‘22 bolts in inventory are currently not available. Replacing battery packs maybe?
@@lancastergerard yes. Very insightful of you. My dealership has two used bolts sitting in the lot waiting for a new battery. They can't sell them until it's replaced and since GM is prioritizing existing customers cars first, the cars on the lots will be sitting unsellable for a while.
I got my 2017 Bolt EV in 2020 and now I commute 100 miles a day for work. It saves me a lot in fuel and it's fun enough to drive. I've put 50k miles on my since I purchased it and 30k miles since I got the new battery. I've had no issues with it and I plan on driving it into the ground before replacing it. For the price, it's a hard to pass up if you need a good commuter car. Road trips do suck but it is achievable.
Just picked up sub $10k Fiat 500e with 26k miles on it. Even with short range and slow charging I couldn't be happier. Great commuter car with plenty of power and cheap to buy. When I need to venture out of town I still have my ICE vehicle on standby.
We have two 2017 Chevy Bolts, one is a Premier and one LT. We love both but the LT is actually our favorite. We are satisfied owners and both have their batteries replaced. We have traveled long distances and it actually charges fairly quick with FC. I recommend this car for anyone!!!! LOVE IT!!!!
Can you tell us why the LT is your favorite, as I am thinking of purchasing a Bolt in 2023? Thanks & I am glad to hear you are happy with your purchases.
Does your 2017 LT model have the ability to remotely turn the AC or HEAT ON with a smartphone? (someone told me they think that feature is not standard across all model years for the LT Trim, but it is available, )
Great eco car. I love my hot hatch but she was born with 3 fixable problems via the Bolt EV forum: 1. Worst is tires in snow or rain, fix with snow tires on OEM rims and get LS contact tires on Chevy Cruze Eco Rims. 2. Heater drains battery, fix is to install efficient PTC heater through inverter or direct 12 V hookup. 3. Front seats get uncomfortable within an hour or sooner depending on body type and health, fix is a seat cushion or sliding some foam under the upholstery.
The Bolt is absolutely the best value EV on the market right now. The amount of range you get for the price is great especially after the battery replacement. I have a 2019 Bolt I bought used for 23k a couple of years ago and I can easily get 270 miles of range using one pedal diving.
@@drdon196 meh sounds about right could be worse you could have got a nissan leaf and got a main battery that was degrading like crazy on you and only had 6 miles of range left in it🤣🤣🤣
Go for the premier if you want the tech. 360 cameras rearview mirror camera with washer, front/rear collision avoidance, leather, rear heated seats with cupholder armrest (not in LT). The heater is a ceramic resistive type that is fairly efficient that gets quite hot.
I've had my 2019 Premier since brand new, including 4 Canadian winters. Love it and plan to keep it for as long as possible. GM has created a masterpiece.
As a owner of a 17 bolt premier and a Ioniq 5 se I can tell you the bolt is a fantastic car for the money. You can absolutely road trip the bolt as we drive it everywhere. Yes it takes awhile to charge but if your not in a hurry it is great! The bolt has things the Ioniq 5 SE does not. Heated steering wheel, leather seats, front camera and 360 view. Home charging is easy and always charges overnight for Pennies.
It’s all about matching use case and budget. My use case is commuting with free charging at work for employees and a 330 mile one way road trip around 4 times a year. That’s 4 DCFC a year, no need to pay more for fast charging when I use it so infrequently. I’m loving the heated seats and steering wheel. If you’ve got more disposable income than the average person, get an ID.4 or Ionic 5 or similarly priced EV. My wife has the XC40 recharge and both of us love that vehicle, even with the reduced range compared to all other EVs. Her use case is fulfilled perfectly with that vehicle.
I had a 2017 bolt and now drive a 2020 Bolt here in the San Francisco Bay Area with pretty mild winters. Range decreases about 20% in the winter when running the heater.
I have 120K on my 2017 Bolt and I love it. Range drops to 180 with winter tires in nw Montana at -30. Just had to do it's first repair, leaking seal on the passenger output, 12 dollar part and my local shop did it in an hour.
I had a 2018 Bolt for 5 years. Fantastic little car. Only went on a couple small road trips but made it without any issues. Round trip to the car to work for 3 years. 150 mi. Just recently upgraded to a 24 rivian r1t but the Bolt will hold a special place
As a Bolt owner, HELL YES. The range is competitive, you get really good cargo space with the seats down, and while the slower DC fast charge isn't great it's still good enough for road trips upstate. I wouldn't take it across country, but intrastate? It's perfectly fine.
Exactly. I had an Accord for 13 years (that I loved - NOTHING broke) and I took it beyond a gas tank ONCE. Admittedly it held 17 gals and got 35 hwy, so a tank was pretty far.
Great overview of the Bolt. I have a Bolt EUV and I love it. A couple of things about charging. You mention that you could go on a 100 mile each way day trip but I would go so far as to say that you can pretty eaily do a 400 mile trip. You do one long charge along the way and you are good. Many of us take longer trips and it is totally doable if not fast. Also, while the charging is very slow, it is a very efficient car so while you are maxing out at 55kw, you are adding more miles per minute you charge than most vehicles. This doesn't fully make up for the charging speed as the charging curve is also pretty bad but in the real world, it does not feel that bad to me. We typcailly drive about 90 minutes to 2 hours and then charge for 30-45 minutes.
A couple corrections 24:22 "DC Fast Charging. Most North American Bolts do" ALL USA 2017-2021 Bolt EV Models (LT or Premier) DC Fast Charging was a $750 Option. 25:46 "This is not Leather Seats because this it's LT" That is a 2017 Premier model WITH Leather Seats.
I plan on getting a 2023 Bolt. I'm not a road tripper but if I do a couple of road trips in the future I have no problem hanging out at the charger for about an hour or so because I love watching movies and TV shows on my phone. So slow charging won't be a problem for me. I'm nearly 💯% sure you'll be getting the Bolt. Gr8 vid as usual. 🚙 🇺🇸
Hey Max as a part of this series, you should go into getting a EVSE or an outlet installed. That would follow the narrative of new owners getting a used car and getting the charger setup at home.
@@wassiswallylokhankin191 Oh, I am very calm. I test drove it and I was gobsmacked how this thing went off from stand. I love that car just from that single test drive I took.
I dont mind the "start/stop" button. In cars without them, if the driver gets out and you still have passengers it will turn off the car. Thats really annoying.
Always drive in "sport" as it just makes it feel quicker, especially at the stop lights. Good tech, heated seats and steering wheel are a must. Change out those original tires for real tires, you'll be amazed at how well it perfoms in the snow.
A big downside with the bolt is the charging curve. It would be a lot better if it held the 55 kw peak rate through 80%+ but it starts throttling pretty significantly before 50%. It's still a really great option though!
While I agree that that sucks, it might actually be a good thing. The charging curve is so gentle on the battery, it might make it such that 10 years later, you’re still getting great range out of it. And for the average driver, who’s only doing 40 miles a day anyway, this isn’t an issue. You charge at home with your level 2 charger and wake up to a charged battery, ready to go. The slow charging speed only affects those who do a lot of long distance driving. If you’re often doing (more than 3 times every month) 300+ miles in a single day, then this car isn’t for you.
@@simonthebroken9691 a chevy dealer told me when I asked. Actually, 2 different dealers told me. The recall hold that had been placed on all bolts is only taken off if the batteries are replaced. Note this only applies to chevy dealers. If a bolt is traded elsewhere or sold privately it may still be waiting for the replacement.
When reviewing the Bolt, please change the Drivers display to the more advanced option. It gives you much more information you desire. You left it on the basic “dumb” option. Best items on the Premier trim are the birds eye view for parking and the Video rear view mirror. And I believe heated seats in the rear as well, in case one has children in cold weather. FYI.
Agreed! Should always used Enhanced configuration!!! Currently it is configured for the middle "Modern" and not the basic "Classic". Note: Classic configuration was removed starting 2022. - Classic configuration displays the speedometer with a simplified battery gauge and efficiency light. - Modern configuration displays the speedometer with a battery gauge and efficiency gauge. - Enhanced configuration displays the speedometer with battery gauge, efficiency ring, and power gauge.
Strong no on energy saver A/S in the winter. You can buy cheap 16 inch steel rims, and mount winter tires on those. The range decrease is noticeable, but the battery is large enough that there is no reason to risk using non winter rated tires.
Totally agree. I think it's funny they have "A/S" in the name. It's like driving on hockey pucks when it's below freezing. They're basically useless in the snow
I love my 2020 Bolt Premier and was looking to upgrade to the Hyundai IONIQ5 as my lease is over in 2 months. I’ve been on waitlists for nearly a year with no phone call. After seeing your video, I think I will just keep the Bolt: I still have not heard from Chevy about the timing of my battery replacement, which will reset the clock on longevity, and exhausted from slimy dealers trying to get $10,000 over MSRP out of me. Thank you for helping me see my car through a clear lens!
Oh, and I also live in Colorado (10,000’ elevation) and with some cheap snow tires, the Bolt stays glued to the ground (much better than my previous GTI). AWD is apparently not the prerequisite I once thought. (Range reduced with cold and studs to 185). With free town charging, I’ve spent less than $100 In energy costs for over 30,000 miles. Unbeatable.
Bolt is the best value for the dollar. It has that fast acceleration that people come to expect from EVs, it has liquid cooling in the pack so it shouldn’t see massive range loss over time like Nissan Leafs and the old Ioniq might and they all have brand new battery packs due to the recall. Even high mileage bolts have the new battery. They are uniquely a better deal than all other cheap EVs unless you need better fast charging.
It's a really fun little car to drive. I have a 2022 bolt ev and I love it. Yes the whole battery issue thing going on sucks. On the other hand it's an affordable ev for those who can't afford a much nicer ev like Tesla. But it gets the job done .
My understanding it's a TAX CREDIT. So you have to have your Federal Taxes at least the amount at least the amount of TAX CREDIT in full. I leased a 2019 Bolt 1LT. Drove it over 25,000 miles. Cost me $30 to $33 per month for 1,000 miles of city and highway driving. ONLY OUTPOINT I observed was windshield wiper arms had too much tension and caused the rubber blades to rapidly bounce (like a machine gun). Tried upgrading to Bosch silicone blades. Did not help. Then GM made me a straight settlement offer on Lemon Law Terms (vs. volunteer buy back) that I could not refuse! 2019 Bolt 1LT was $39,000. Now the 2023 Bolt 1LT is $25,400. However, on Jan 2, 2023 GM increased price by $900. GM currently does not offer price protection for those 'bench ordered' in Aug 2022! Sad for sure. However, dealer may or may not offer price protection. I was alerted by dealer that on May 27, 2023 my 'bench order' from Aug 2022 finally was being 'allocated' by GM for production. Yay! Hope to have a Vin# in 30 days. In any event whether you purchase a used Bolt from 2017-2022 you will be receiving a NEW battery and warranty on new battery. All in all Chevy Bolt be it EV or EUV is the best bang for your buck with 250 mile range as long as you obey the speed limits. Also you will receive a notification your 'pushing it too hard at 92 mph. Hope my comment helps.
DC Fast Charging was great, but at home my JuiceBox 40 was a great addition and after Ubering until 2am, by 7am it was charged to 80% no problem. DC fast charging to 80% was 50 min or so, again not bad. From Thousand Oaks to Vegas was a stop in Hesperia then Baker then Vegas.
Yes, you should continue to explore used EV's for those of us that are EV curious. I'm not going to give up my petroleum powered cars, but I have considered trying an EV for commuting. I'm not all in on the EV thing so I would not be willing to spend $40k+ on something I might never want to drive. An older Leaf or a Bolt might be just the thing for some of us that want to try an EV without a big commitment.
I just bought a 2022 EUV and I love it, great car even if it was more expensive. I am averaging 3.9 miles per kilowatt and I don't drive like a grandma but not like an idiot either. Great comfort, easy to drive, can't ask for much more for half the price of a Tesla.
The asking price is nuts. I bought a Chevy Bolt LT in 2018. With the rebate, the cost was about $26k, brand new. Eventually GM gave me a battery replacement as part of the big recall, so it has more range now than when I bought it.
I guess I'm now officially spoiled: After arriving at an EA 10 station location yesterday afternoon, finding a BMW and a KIA charging there, I pulled in and fueled up. Later, those two left and a Rivian pulled in. Nice. Just as we were leaving, a Bolt drove up. Sad. Now, I'm a former owner of two 2014/15 Nissan LEAFS, so being the 'odd man out' was not uncommon, sitting beside Teslas at most charging stations. But now, for some reason, I see that 'little Bolt', and feel like they have something missing. I drive a Lightning.
I bought a used 2017 Premier for about 18 in 2020, drove it 50K more miles and sold it back to Chevy for 22 with shot tires (due to the recall). As far as maintenance I did have to fill the washer fluid reservoir. I picked up a used 2012 Volt Premier for 7.3 that I can ALMOST get to the free charging at work. I do miss the Bolt because of how much fun it is to drive. Yes I'm a total cheapskate so I'll wait till the market gets back to normal.
Let me add this. I owned a 21 bolt. The seats were awful, the charging speeds limiting. The suspension harsh. The 2022 the suspension was better the seats improved but not enough for my liking.m, the charging speed stayed the same.
@@davidmccarthy6061 the new battery comes with a new battery warranty. My 2017 LT got a new battery & warranty with over 50k miles on it. Almost like it became a new car for free.
Edit: given new prices w/rebate go new imo. Full warranty is nice. Bolt is great low-cost long'ish range ev. For some it could be their only car. For a fun daily driver with less range I'd take the mini cooper ev you mentioned at the beginning instead. More fun to drive and has some character coming in around $25k new after fed+co rebates.
@@king-crane4956 Thanks, you are right, I forgot it no longer qualifies for the EV incentives. I'd still have one as a fun local car, but certainly not in "deal" category.
@@rnodeprot ah ok. I had crossed it off my list when the incentive dropped. If they could bunch the range up that would still be a steal for a city EV.
One thing to consider in the new vs old debate is that for the new cars, Chevrolet includes a level 2 charger installation (or enough money towards one with a simple setup. I believe that if he installation is complicated, you have to pay the difference). So the $26,000 for the new car includes that level 2 charger whereas the used car doesn’t. I don’t know how much a level 2 installation is or how much Chevrolet credits toward it but it’s an additional bargaining chip against a used car that’s only $1,000 or so cheaper than a new one.
Hey Max, How does a 2019 Bolt EV only have a range of 237/238, same as with original chemistry pack. Is that bolt (a 2019!) still on it’s original pack? I would NEVER advocate buying a pre-recall completion Bolt EV, esp 2019. Or is there some regulatory snafu that keeps the ranges for the range upgrade from the recall being attached to the vehicle?
A Brand new Bolt with the $7,500 tax credit costs ~$20-21k with the full warranty and the new 65Kwh battery that will not burn down your garage. Since 5 year old Bolts were selling for $21-22 around here (MN), the choice, she was a clear one.
Loved my 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, but GM screwed me with the Recall and the end of my lease. But would own one again. Drove it from Northern Los Angeles to Vegas, was easy.
Make sure they fixed the recall on the Bolt. I traded my 2021 Bolt in due to the recall and the Jeep dealership sold it without the recall being fixed.
I agree picking up a sub-$25k Bolt is a great idea but aren’t the prices going to go up starting 1/1/23? The dealers are all going to know that the buyers are going to be getting tax credits. Won’t they try to absorb them for themselves? The only Bolts available got sub-$25k will be really high mileage that should be only $20k but they’ll try to sell them for $24k. My prediction.
Though the credit might not have as significant an impact until 2024 - in 2023 it won't be applied at the time of purchase, so won't feel as impactful on the price in the dealership..
Buy it, and it likely won't be a spare car. You might not want to road trip in it, but for daily commuting and errands... it's practical and cheap to operate.
I tried one of these as an Uber rental so I could compare Kia, Volvo, Chevy and Polestar. The "Fast charge" on a 22 model was laughable and not good at all for ride-sharing. I see a 2019 with 20k miles here now for 12k before the tax credit. I am gonna do it for commuting only as I can just plug it into the garage overnight and keep just enough charge to get me through the week.
Hello all! Looking at a 2020 Bolt EV Premier this week and I’m completely new to EVs. Asking price is $20,495. What questions should I ask the dealer? What features or extras should I be looking for. Should I be concerned with the quality of the battery on the 2020? Help!!
I'm going to say this, too: If you are looking to compare a nice 'used' Bolt with a 'brand new ev tax credit' Bolt, you might also be 'assuming' that the ev tax credit is a given: IT IS NOT. Most folks, especially those looking for a lower-priced entry-level EV, are probably also NOT going to have a $7,500 TAX BURDEN to offset the 'credit'(basically, you won't get the credit, or the full value of it, as you might assume), and you won't KNOW this until you file your taxes. Then, it's too late. You'll have to have a LOT of taxable income to create $7,500 worth of 'tax burden', especially considering your first 'married filing deduction' is already $26,000 of Income BEFORE you pay your first penny in any taxes, then the next $22,000 of income is only at 10%(which is $2,200 of taxes, without considering any other credits, deductions, etc), then the next $45,000 is at 12%, etc.) You'd be surprised. Maybe the tax credit will be much easier to 'assume' in coming years, but it seems that right now, the gamble is about like going to Vegas - you're hyped up about the chances of 'winning', so you throw your money on the table with much less regard than when you're at home paying the bills.
Oh my Gosh, too funny, here I am 1 year later on this video again, (completely accidental) and I've since put Bolt ahead of Nissan Leaf as a better value now: ??? But does anyone know if this model year 2019 Chevy Bolt LT has the ability to connect with your smartphone and use the app that allows you start the AC or heat remotely, so the car is more comfortable when you enter it, someone said not all 2019 models do this, so how do you find out? (I don't need the Premier trim)
Buy a Bolt , used premier!!!! They are awesome and more need to see how to properly DCFC, low in the pack, then leave with enough to make it to the Next station with 5-10% buffer. Also, for daily use you always have a full pack over night anyway. New or used the Bolt EV is a blast and the best value in cars. Not just EV, best deal for any small car
Why would you buy that for $26,000 when you can get a new one for almost the same amount of money. By the way I bought a 2017 Chevy Bolt in September of 2021 for $15,200. it was perfect! Great Car and I got the new 66kwh, Battery for free!
Yeah, as far as (actual) commuters that are affordable and can be used for some basic traveling as well, the only other real option would be a Kia soul ev (if you can find one). Leafs and the like have far too little range to be useful outside of entirely urban settings. The fast charge rate and it cliff diving at 50% isn't great but it's still the best option price wise for most, assuming you can keep the dealer from trying to bend you over the hood.
New replacement packs are 65 kWh's for a 259mi range. Last July I drove my 2020 from Anchorage, AK to Austin, TX, the extra DC charge time allowed me rest/sleep to continue driving for 3-3.5hrs. Also since it charges at 53kW I was able to choose free chargers in the area even though there may be an EA station and those were usually 62 or 120 kw. Absolutely 0 issues for the entire 10,979 miles.
This is an amazing story.
Agree completely!
My bolt was a tank in the winter in a few snow belt blizzards in ohio. It takes a little to move but blasts through anything.
Isn’t there a section of the Alaskan highway where there is no dcfc
@@daviidfm923 yes, eastern AK from Wasilla to Tok and on to the border at Beaver Creek. Then again after Watson Lake to Ft. Saint John. The most expensive charging I did during the trip was for level 2 charging in those areas.
The 2023 EV and EUV are 26k and 28k respectively so I can't imagine a scenario where you would want to buy a used 2019 bolt for 26k. Obviously the used market is awful right now and supply of new cars and finding one at msrp is another factor but for anyone looking for a Bolt I'd recommend waiting for a new one unless you find a great price
I recently ordered an EUV with Premier package (ACC with stop N Go) $32k
@@Bubbz2024 I just got a new 2022 Launch Edition EUV a couple weeks ago. With the 6300 Chevy is giving for 2022s and the trade in of my beat up 08 Rav it was also around 33k. It's a great car and hard to beat at the price point
@@XToXiCSQUIERLX sweet deal ! lots of extra goodies in the launch edition
Thinking the same. Not a great time to buy a used period. I am however seeing just recently that most ‘22 bolts in inventory are currently not available. Replacing battery packs maybe?
@@lancastergerard yes. Very insightful of you. My dealership has two used bolts sitting in the lot waiting for a new battery. They can't sell them until it's replaced and since GM is prioritizing existing customers cars first, the cars on the lots will be sitting unsellable for a while.
4:00 - The old battery was 60kWh, the replacement batteries are 65kWh. So any pre-2020 Bolt that had the battery replaced gets the new battery specs.
I got my 2017 Bolt EV in 2020 and now I commute 100 miles a day for work. It saves me a lot in fuel and it's fun enough to drive. I've put 50k miles on my since I purchased it and 30k miles since I got the new battery. I've had no issues with it and I plan on driving it into the ground before replacing it. For the price, it's a hard to pass up if you need a good commuter car. Road trips do suck but it is achievable.
Just picked up sub $10k Fiat 500e with 26k miles on it. Even with short range and slow charging I couldn't be happier.
Great commuter car with plenty of power and cheap to buy. When I need to venture out of town I still have my ICE vehicle on standby.
This is the way to really save $ under 10k ev for local driving
We have two 2017 Chevy Bolts, one is a Premier and one LT. We love both but the LT is actually our favorite. We are satisfied owners and both have their batteries replaced. We have traveled long distances and it actually charges fairly quick with FC. I recommend this car for anyone!!!! LOVE IT!!!!
Can you tell us why the LT is your favorite, as I am thinking of purchasing a Bolt in 2023? Thanks & I am glad to hear you are happy with your purchases.
Does your 2017 LT model have the ability to remotely turn the AC or HEAT ON with a smartphone? (someone told me they think that feature is not standard across all model years for the LT Trim, but it is available, )
Great eco car. I love my hot hatch but she was born with 3 fixable problems via the Bolt EV forum: 1. Worst is tires in snow or rain, fix with snow tires on OEM rims and get LS contact tires on Chevy Cruze Eco Rims. 2. Heater drains battery, fix is to install efficient PTC heater through inverter or direct 12 V hookup. 3. Front seats get uncomfortable within an hour or sooner depending on body type and health, fix is a seat cushion or sliding some foam under the upholstery.
The Bolt is absolutely the best value EV on the market right now. The amount of range you get for the price is great especially after the battery replacement. I have a 2019 Bolt I bought used for 23k a couple of years ago and I can easily get 270 miles of range using one pedal diving.
better then a Nissan leaf for sure
I bought a 2018 unfortunately only 160 mile range with a new main battery pack
@@drdon196 meh sounds about right could be worse you could have got a nissan leaf and got a main battery that was degrading like crazy on you and only had 6 miles of range left in it🤣🤣🤣
Go for the premier if you want the tech. 360 cameras rearview mirror camera with washer, front/rear collision avoidance, leather, rear heated seats with cupholder armrest (not in LT). The heater is a ceramic resistive type that is fairly efficient that gets quite hot.
I've had my 2019 Premier since brand new, including 4 Canadian winters. Love it and plan to keep it for as long as possible. GM has created a masterpiece.
As a owner of a 17 bolt premier and a Ioniq 5 se I can tell you the bolt is a fantastic car for the money. You can absolutely road trip the bolt as we drive it everywhere. Yes it takes awhile to charge but if your not in a hurry it is great! The bolt has things the Ioniq 5 SE does not. Heated steering wheel, leather seats, front camera and 360 view. Home charging is easy and always charges overnight for Pennies.
Still no competition at 30k. And there is a huge difference between isn't a fast road tripper and 150 mile range with dying CHAEDEMO(Leaf).
We have a 2018 boat with a battery pack replacement what a joke it only gets 160 mile of range and overnight charged only up to 65 percent
It’s all about matching use case and budget.
My use case is commuting with free charging at work for employees and a 330 mile one way road trip around 4 times a year. That’s 4 DCFC a year, no need to pay more for fast charging when I use it so infrequently.
I’m loving the heated seats and steering wheel.
If you’ve got more disposable income than the average person, get an ID.4 or Ionic 5 or similarly priced EV. My wife has the XC40 recharge and both of us love that vehicle, even with the reduced range compared to all other EVs. Her use case is fulfilled perfectly with that vehicle.
I had a 2017 bolt and now drive a 2020 Bolt here in the San Francisco Bay Area with pretty mild winters. Range decreases about 20% in the winter when running the heater.
You RUN THE HEATER in CA?!?!?!? Hell, I live in MN and didn't use the Leaf's heater al winter.
I have 120K on my 2017 Bolt and I love it. Range drops to 180 with winter tires in nw Montana at -30. Just had to do it's first repair, leaking seal on the passenger output, 12 dollar part and my local shop did it in an hour.
I had a 2018 Bolt for 5 years. Fantastic little car. Only went on a couple small road trips but made it without any issues. Round trip to the car to work for 3 years. 150 mi. Just recently upgraded to a 24 rivian r1t but the Bolt will hold a special place
As a Bolt owner, HELL YES. The range is competitive, you get really good cargo space with the seats down, and while the slower DC fast charge isn't great it's still good enough for road trips upstate. I wouldn't take it across country, but intrastate? It's perfectly fine.
Exactly. I had an Accord for 13 years (that I loved - NOTHING broke) and I took it beyond a gas tank ONCE. Admittedly it held 17 gals and got 35 hwy, so a tank was pretty far.
Great overview of the Bolt. I have a Bolt EUV and I love it. A couple of things about charging. You mention that you could go on a 100 mile each way day trip but I would go so far as to say that you can pretty eaily do a 400 mile trip. You do one long charge along the way and you are good. Many of us take longer trips and it is totally doable if not fast.
Also, while the charging is very slow, it is a very efficient car so while you are maxing out at 55kw, you are adding more miles per minute you charge than most vehicles. This doesn't fully make up for the charging speed as the charging curve is also pretty bad but in the real world, it does not feel that bad to me. We typcailly drive about 90 minutes to 2 hours and then charge for 30-45 minutes.
A couple corrections
24:22 "DC Fast Charging. Most North American Bolts do" ALL USA 2017-2021 Bolt EV Models (LT or Premier) DC Fast Charging was a $750 Option.
25:46 "This is not Leather Seats because this it's LT" That is a 2017 Premier model WITH Leather Seats.
I plan on getting a 2023 Bolt. I'm not a road tripper but if I do a couple of road trips in the future I have no problem hanging out at the charger for about an hour or so because I love watching movies and TV shows on my phone. So slow charging won't be a problem for me. I'm nearly 💯% sure you'll be getting the Bolt. Gr8 vid as usual. 🚙 🇺🇸
Hey Max as a part of this series, you should go into getting a EVSE or an outlet installed. That would follow the narrative of new owners getting a used car and getting the charger setup at home.
I've had my 2019 Premier since brand new and still love it. It came so natural to me that it's not even a car - it's a set of wings over my shoulders.
It goes like stink, man.
@@manoman0 If stink goes 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, yes.
@@wassiswallylokhankin191 My guts tell me you don't consider that very quick.😃
@@manoman0 Tell your gut to calm down, it's quick enough for me. I love my Bolt.
@@wassiswallylokhankin191 Oh, I am very calm. I test drove it and I was gobsmacked how this thing went off from stand. I love that car just from that single test drive I took.
I've got Blizzaks on my Kia Niro EV (150kw FWD) in Utah and it's unstoppable in snow. It's hopeless without snow tires.
Max mimics Kyle’s mannerisms and it’s pretty funny to see. You’ll find your own style.
I dont mind the "start/stop" button. In cars without them, if the driver gets out and you still have passengers it will turn off the car. Thats really annoying.
Always drive in "sport" as it just makes it feel quicker, especially at the stop lights. Good tech, heated seats and steering wheel are a must. Change out those original tires for real tires, you'll be amazed at how well it perfoms in the snow.
A big downside with the bolt is the charging curve. It would be a lot better if it held the 55 kw peak rate through 80%+ but it starts throttling pretty significantly before 50%. It's still a really great option though!
While I agree that that sucks, it might actually be a good thing. The charging curve is so gentle on the battery, it might make it such that 10 years later, you’re still getting great range out of it. And for the average driver, who’s only doing 40 miles a day anyway, this isn’t an issue. You charge at home with your level 2 charger and wake up to a charged battery, ready to go. The slow charging speed only affects those who do a lot of long distance driving. If you’re often doing (more than 3 times every month) 300+ miles in a single day, then this car isn’t for you.
Please note: if you're buying a used bolt from a chevy dealer the battery will have been replaced. They can't sell them with the old pack.
I didn't know this. How do you know for sure?
@@simonthebroken9691 a chevy dealer told me when I asked. Actually, 2 different dealers told me. The recall hold that had been placed on all bolts is only taken off if the batteries are replaced. Note this only applies to chevy dealers. If a bolt is traded elsewhere or sold privately it may still be waiting for the replacement.
Love seeing you again max I Frist seen you on tfl welcome to out of spec
When reviewing the Bolt, please change the Drivers display to the more advanced option. It gives you much more information you desire. You left it on the basic “dumb” option.
Best items on the Premier trim are the birds eye view for parking and the Video rear view mirror. And I believe heated seats in the rear as well, in case one has children in cold weather. FYI.
Agreed! Should always used Enhanced configuration!!! Currently it is configured for the middle "Modern" and not the basic "Classic".
Note: Classic configuration was removed starting 2022.
- Classic configuration displays the speedometer with a simplified battery gauge and efficiency light.
- Modern configuration displays the speedometer with a battery gauge and efficiency gauge.
- Enhanced configuration displays the speedometer with battery gauge, efficiency ring, and power gauge.
Strong no on energy saver A/S in the winter. You can buy cheap 16 inch steel rims, and mount winter tires on those. The range decrease is noticeable, but the battery is large enough that there is no reason to risk using non winter rated tires.
Yes, I agree, you really need to change those tire to winter tires. I think it actually rides better with the winter tires.
Totally agree. I think it's funny they have "A/S" in the name. It's like driving on hockey pucks when it's below freezing. They're basically useless in the snow
Thank You! Nobody is doing reporting on Used EV’s.
I love my 2020 Bolt Premier and was looking to upgrade to the Hyundai IONIQ5 as my lease is over in 2 months. I’ve been on waitlists for nearly a year with no phone call. After seeing your video, I think I will just keep the Bolt: I still have not heard from Chevy about the timing of my battery replacement, which will reset the clock on longevity, and exhausted from slimy dealers trying to get $10,000 over MSRP out of me. Thank you for helping me see my car through a clear lens!
Oh, and I also live in Colorado (10,000’ elevation) and with some cheap snow tires, the Bolt stays glued to the ground (much better than my previous GTI). AWD is apparently not the prerequisite I once thought. (Range reduced with cold and studs to 185). With free town charging, I’ve spent less than $100 In energy costs for over 30,000 miles. Unbeatable.
Bolt is the best value for the dollar.
It has that fast acceleration that people come to expect from EVs, it has liquid cooling in the pack so it shouldn’t see massive range loss over time like Nissan Leafs and the old Ioniq might and they all have brand new battery packs due to the recall. Even high mileage bolts have the new battery.
They are uniquely a better deal than all other cheap EVs unless you need better fast charging.
It's a really fun little car to drive. I have a 2022 bolt ev and I love it. Yes the whole battery issue thing going on sucks. On the other hand it's an affordable ev for those who can't afford a much nicer ev like Tesla. But it gets the job done .
I'm into the 6th year of owning a Chevy Bolt Premier and do not plan to replace it any time soon. It gives me nothing but joy.
If the battery was replaced in the recall, the battery is larger than the original 60kw battery. I believe it is 66kw, but night be 65kw.
My understanding it's a TAX CREDIT. So you have to have your Federal Taxes at least the amount at least the amount of TAX CREDIT in full. I leased a 2019 Bolt 1LT. Drove it over 25,000 miles. Cost me $30 to $33 per month for 1,000 miles of city and highway driving. ONLY OUTPOINT I observed was windshield wiper arms had too much tension and caused the rubber blades to rapidly bounce (like a machine gun). Tried upgrading to Bosch silicone blades. Did not help. Then GM made me a straight settlement offer on Lemon Law Terms (vs. volunteer buy back) that I could not refuse! 2019 Bolt 1LT was $39,000. Now the 2023 Bolt 1LT is $25,400. However, on Jan 2, 2023 GM increased price by $900. GM currently does not offer price protection for those 'bench ordered' in Aug 2022! Sad for sure. However, dealer may or may not offer price protection. I was alerted by dealer that on May 27, 2023 my 'bench order' from Aug 2022 finally was being 'allocated' by GM for production. Yay! Hope to have a Vin# in 30 days. In any event whether you purchase a used Bolt from 2017-2022 you will be receiving a NEW battery and warranty on new battery. All in all Chevy Bolt be it EV or EUV is the best bang for your buck with 250 mile range as long as you obey the speed limits. Also you will receive a notification your 'pushing it too hard at 92 mph. Hope my comment helps.
DC Fast Charging was great, but at home my JuiceBox 40 was a great addition and after Ubering until 2am, by 7am it was charged to 80% no problem.
DC fast charging to 80% was 50 min or so, again not bad.
From Thousand Oaks to Vegas was a stop in Hesperia then Baker then Vegas.
Paid 17.1k a year ago for my Premier. Got a pack swap a couple months later. Couldn't be happier
Yes, you should continue to explore used EV's for those of us that are EV curious. I'm not going to give up my petroleum powered cars, but I have considered trying an EV for commuting. I'm not all in on the EV thing so I would not be willing to spend $40k+ on something I might never want to drive. An older Leaf or a Bolt might be just the thing for some of us that want to try an EV without a big commitment.
Michelin CrossClimate2 snow tires are a requirement for winter driving. Those tires will have a minimal impact on electric range
Thank you for covering more affordable cars.
Would also be cool to see a first generation Chevrolet Volt and see how the car performs after 10 years of being on the road.
Still have my 2013 Volt, only has 55K miles on it and 2 years left on its extended warranty.
@@evtrekker1317 I love my 2012, can still get over EPA at like 42-45ish miles
@@kalebm9302 I've got a 2011 Volt, gets about 30 miles on battery
I just bought a 2022 EUV and I love it, great car even if it was more expensive. I am averaging 3.9 miles per kilowatt and I don't drive like a grandma but not like an idiot either. Great comfort, easy to drive, can't ask for much more for half the price of a Tesla.
Did you find one that wasn't selling above MSRP? Just curious since it's impossible in the Northwest to find them without markups.
@@KentQuickstad Yes, I actually got it for $6K below sticker price
Great video and looking forward to the other rides. Thinking its a used Bolt after Jan 1st.
The asking price is nuts. I bought a Chevy Bolt LT in 2018. With the rebate, the cost was about $26k, brand new. Eventually GM gave me a battery replacement as part of the big recall, so it has more range now than when I bought it.
This series is so good! Thanks for all the advice and knowledge sharing.
I guess I'm now officially spoiled: After arriving at an EA 10 station location yesterday afternoon, finding a BMW and a KIA charging there, I pulled in and fueled up. Later, those two left and a Rivian pulled in. Nice. Just as we were leaving, a Bolt drove up. Sad.
Now, I'm a former owner of two 2014/15 Nissan LEAFS, so being the 'odd man out' was not uncommon, sitting beside Teslas at most charging stations. But now, for some reason, I see that 'little Bolt', and feel like they have something missing. I drive a Lightning.
was this MY response?
Cool series!
Make sure to do the i3s instead of the regular i3
I bought a used 2017 Premier for about 18 in 2020, drove it 50K more miles and sold it back to Chevy for 22 with shot tires (due to the recall). As far as maintenance I did have to fill the washer fluid reservoir. I picked up a used 2012 Volt Premier for 7.3 that I can ALMOST get to the free charging at work. I do miss the Bolt because of how much fun it is to drive. Yes I'm a total cheapskate so I'll wait till the market gets back to normal.
I just bought a 2020 with 31K miles for $14,500. I love it. I sell Mercedes for a living, and I love the ride and performance of my Bolt.
Something nice is that if you buy even a 2017 Bolt, it will have or could have an almost new battery.
Let me add this. I owned a 21 bolt. The seats were awful, the charging speeds limiting. The suspension harsh. The 2022 the suspension was better the seats improved but not enough for my liking.m, the charging speed stayed the same.
"Absolutely MAGNIFICENT Review, Very Informative. Especially for Individuals Considering a Cost Efficient EV
I got a very lightly used 2023 EUV LT for 17k. Sad to see these go. What a wonderful car.
This should have been the first $10k used EV that’s reasonably good. The market is just a mess.
Right, the early ones cost basically the same as a brand new one! So, go with the warranty.
@@davidmccarthy6061 the new battery comes with a new battery warranty. My 2017 LT got a new battery & warranty with over 50k miles on it. Almost like it became a new car for free.
Edit: given new prices w/rebate go new imo. Full warranty is nice. Bolt is great low-cost long'ish range ev. For some it could be their only car. For a fun daily driver with less range I'd take the mini cooper ev you mentioned at the beginning instead. More fun to drive and has some character coming in around $25k new after fed+co rebates.
The mini is $25k new? I thought it was getting a price increase into the $30k range and not qualifying for incentive being built out of US.
@@king-crane4956 Thanks, you are right, I forgot it no longer qualifies for the EV incentives. I'd still have one as a fun local car, but certainly not in "deal" category.
@@rnodeprot ah ok. I had crossed it off my list when the incentive dropped. If they could bunch the range up that would still be a steal for a city EV.
Thanks for the excellent comprehensive review for a used Chevy Bolt EV. I’ll be sure to watch for what comes next.
2017 bolt, clean title, 35k mile odometer, $15k before the $4k federal used ev rebate. $11k after time of sale rebate.
This is an underrated car! I think Kyle should get it. I'm looking at the bolt euv.
One thing to consider in the new vs old debate is that for the new cars, Chevrolet includes a level 2 charger installation (or enough money towards one with a simple setup. I believe that if he installation is complicated, you have to pay the difference). So the $26,000 for the new car includes that level 2 charger whereas the used car doesn’t. I don’t know how much a level 2 installation is or how much Chevrolet credits toward it but it’s an additional bargaining chip against a used car that’s only $1,000 or so cheaper than a new one.
I think a Maverick XLT hybrid would be my top budget pick, then a Bolt EUV with super cruise
Hey Max, How does a 2019 Bolt EV only have a range of 237/238, same as with original chemistry pack. Is that bolt (a 2019!) still on it’s original pack? I would NEVER advocate buying a pre-recall completion Bolt EV, esp 2019. Or is there some regulatory snafu that keeps the ranges for the range upgrade from the recall being attached to the vehicle?
The problem with the rebate is now ev owners are knowing this you will see used ev prives will be going up
The factory tires are terrible for traction. You have to barely touch the accelerator if the roads are wet to not slip.
For a daily driver to work and level two charger at home will work the best and save you if charge at night while asleep.
How do you know for sure if a used Chevy bolt had its battery changed out during the recall???
its only 26k new, why would you buy used?
A Brand new Bolt with the $7,500 tax credit costs ~$20-21k with the full warranty and the new 65Kwh battery that will not burn down your garage. Since 5 year old Bolts were selling for $21-22 around here (MN), the choice, she was a clear one.
Loved my 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, but GM screwed me with the Recall and the end of my lease. But would own one again.
Drove it from Northern Los Angeles to Vegas, was easy.
Do you have L1 charging at your home? many leaf+bolt owners don't even use L2. ~50 miles/night for a commute is easily recouped by L1
Make sure they fixed the recall on the Bolt. I traded my 2021 Bolt in due to the recall and the Jeep dealership sold it without the recall being fixed.
For 26.5k I'd just buy a new 2023 Bolt EV. I'd need a 10k discount to consider a used one some old lady with a cat farted all over.
Did Max dip from TFL?
I agree picking up a sub-$25k Bolt is a great idea but aren’t the prices going to go up starting 1/1/23? The dealers are all going to know that the buyers are going to be getting tax credits. Won’t they try to absorb them for themselves? The only Bolts available got sub-$25k will be really high mileage that should be only $20k but they’ll try to sell them for $24k. My prediction.
Totally agree - this is the logical market (and greedy dealer) reaction.
Though the credit might not have as significant an impact until 2024 - in 2023 it won't be applied at the time of purchase, so won't feel as impactful on the price in the dealership..
Dc charging was a $850 option you need to let them know 17-2019
What would everyone's opinion be on buying a 2019 bolt ev today(1/1/2024)?
My opinion would be that I’d love to get one how about u
Actually, I bought a 2019 with 11k miles for $18k a week ago. So far, I really enjoy it.
Good job Max! I found myself thinking I should just buy a Bolt for a "spare" family car. Seems like a lot of value for the money.
Buy it, and it likely won't be a spare car. You might not want to road trip in it, but for daily commuting and errands... it's practical and cheap to operate.
Have a 2023 Bolt EUV love it
I tried one of these as an Uber rental so I could compare Kia, Volvo, Chevy and Polestar. The "Fast charge" on a 22 model was laughable and not good at all for ride-sharing. I see a 2019 with 20k miles here now for 12k before the tax credit. I am gonna do it for commuting only as I can just plug it into the garage overnight and keep just enough charge to get me through the week.
If that specific car has the new battery then the capacity is 66kWh with a 259 mile range.
I think you cover one of those Mitsubishi EVs. They are cheap, but I don't know if they are very usable.
Underrated EV!
should look into the original ioniq electric
Hello all! Looking at a 2020 Bolt EV Premier this week and I’m completely new to EVs. Asking price is $20,495. What questions should I ask the dealer? What features or extras should I be looking for. Should I be concerned with the quality of the battery on the 2020? Help!!
I'm going to say this, too: If you are looking to compare a nice 'used' Bolt with a 'brand new ev tax credit' Bolt, you might also be 'assuming' that the ev tax credit is a given: IT IS NOT. Most folks, especially those looking for a lower-priced entry-level EV, are probably also NOT going to have a $7,500 TAX BURDEN to offset the 'credit'(basically, you won't get the credit, or the full value of it, as you might assume), and you won't KNOW this until you file your taxes. Then, it's too late. You'll have to have a LOT of taxable income to create $7,500 worth of 'tax burden', especially considering your first 'married filing deduction' is already $26,000 of Income BEFORE you pay your first penny in any taxes, then the next $22,000 of income is only at 10%(which is $2,200 of taxes, without considering any other credits, deductions, etc), then the next $45,000 is at 12%, etc.) You'd be surprised.
Maybe the tax credit will be much easier to 'assume' in coming years, but it seems that right now, the gamble is about like going to Vegas - you're hyped up about the chances of 'winning', so you throw your money on the table with much less regard than when you're at home paying the bills.
Very good review!❤
A year later and I just bought a 2021 Bolt for $14k with the tax credit with only 10,000 miles.
"because of the battery fires you can get one cheap!". Famous last words!
Only buy it after the battery has been replaced. Still waiting on my '19.
Oh my Gosh, too funny, here I am 1 year later on this video again, (completely accidental) and I've since put Bolt ahead of Nissan Leaf as a better value now: ??? But does anyone know if this model year 2019 Chevy Bolt LT has the ability to connect with your smartphone and use the app that allows you start the AC or heat remotely, so the car is more comfortable
when you enter it, someone said not all 2019 models do this, so how do you find out? (I don't need the Premier trim)
All of them are 259 now...after the battery update.
Try buying a 1997 geo metro and have it Electrified. Less than $6,000 in total price.
Sorry if I missed this but are you going to do a Chevy spark review?
I bought a 2020 for $14,500. GM replaced battery 1 week later.
Aren’t the NEW ones basically that price? Seems the used should be under 20 by now.
Buy a Bolt , used premier!!!! They are awesome and more need to see how to properly DCFC, low in the pack, then leave with enough to make it to the
Next station with 5-10% buffer.
Also, for daily use you always have a full pack over night anyway.
New or used the Bolt EV is a blast and the best value in cars. Not just EV, best deal for any small car
for a high mileage used bolt what would be your max miles you'd consider?
Why would you buy that for $26,000 when you can get a new one for almost the same amount of money. By the way I bought a 2017 Chevy Bolt in September of 2021 for $15,200. it was perfect!
Great Car and I got the new 66kwh, Battery for free!
Yeah, as far as (actual) commuters that are affordable and can be used for some basic traveling as well, the only other real option would be a Kia soul ev (if you can find one). Leafs and the like have far too little range to be useful outside of entirely urban settings.
The fast charge rate and it cliff diving at 50% isn't great but it's still the best option price wise for most, assuming you can keep the dealer from trying to bend you over the hood.