Still have the Volt, but this past week we added to the fleet a '20 Bolt LT. Went down to the local dealership looking at a base LT with just DC fast charge and heated seats. The dealership had a Kinetic Blue LT and a Cayenne Orange LT with just those options for $25k. I really like both those colors. But when we got to the dealership, this Oasis blue one was sitting in the showroom and my wife fell in love:
(https://rbp.f0e.net/attachments/bolt01.jpg)
But the one in the showroom was a base LT with ONLY DC fast charge as an option and heated seats are a must. So we went and test drove the Kinetic Blue LT (same color as my Volt). Came back in and they looked in inventory (they had 22 Bolts on hand in just about every color and option level) and found an Oasis Blue LT with the DC fast charge, heated seats/steering wheel, and the driver confidence packages (auto lane assist, blind spot warnings, auto braking, etc). We didn't really want all that, but they offered it to us for the same price as the one we test drove without those packages and we took it.
So now it sits with the Volt. The garage is full of convertibles for the time being, so yeah, the Bolt ad Volt sit outside at the L2 charger.
(https://rbp.f0e.net/attachments/bolt03.jpg)
(https://rbp.f0e.net/attachments/bolt02.jpg)
The '20 adds this color and longer range (259 miles, up from 238). But people are already getting well over 300 out of them in the summer. This weekend we took at all over the backroads of southern MD by the Chesapeake and spent 4 hours driving around only to use just about half it's charge. It's eye opening just how far 200+ miles really is in real driving. in day to day use, we're just never going to get close to that. And it was surprisingly comfortable for those 4 hours, considering some of the reviews of the seats. Maybe it's the cloth seats of the LT vs the leather of the Premier, but it wasn't bad. Fun car to drive, with 200 hp and 266 lb ft of torque, and a low CG. Instant throttle response means it's fun to power out of low speed corners. It's kind of like a hot hatch in concept, reminding me of the MINI Coopers we had for being fun, agile, and lively.
That is a fun color, I'm getting some cool 90s vibes.
The amount of pull that you can get on this car surprises a lot of people too. You can get ahead at a red light easily, and pass on the freeway easily. My biggest complaint about this car is really the seats. It doesn't get that much worse than this car, I hope the 2020s are better.
The '21s are supposed to get a revised interior, and I'm assuming better seats. But these cloth seats aren't bad. I fit in them fine and I've been in a LOT of base level cars and trucks that have had much worse seats. And yeah, it seems quite quick. I'm still getting used to the regen in L and one pedal driving. It slows pretty rapidly when you let off the throttle.
I also love that it doesn't come with factory nav, but all versions get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, so that means I get Waze on the screen and can use Siri to navigate. Still don't use all the driver's aids. Probably never will.
For me, it's really about the lack of cushion, my back started hurting since I got the car, I had to get a seat cushion and back cushion to make it better. I just have the LT with the DC charger, so far, I've only used the DC charger once, and the only reason I used it was to see what it was like. Never had a need for it in the year + 3 months that I've had the car. Definitely never felt the need for the driver's aid though.
Nice. BoltGang! Almost have as many Bolts as Miatas on this board now.
I think they started adding more padding to the seats after 2018 or whatever. So the seats are still a bit narrow but you don't hit the plastic frame like some of the 2017 and 2018 cars. I had to add my own padding since I bought a used 2017 model (LT with cloth seats).
Does the Volt not have an L mode?
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 28, 2020, 09:50:45 AM
Nice. BoltGang! Almost have as many Bolts as Miatas on this board now.
I think they started adding more padding to the seats after 2018 or whatever. So the seats are still a bit narrow but you don't hit the plastic frame like some of the 2017 and 2018 cars. I had to add my own padding since I bought a used 2017 model (LT with cloth seats).
Does the Volt not have an L mode?
Volt does, however, the deceleration is not as drastic as the Bolt, you're looking at the difference between driving in 3rd gear vs 2nd gear of the Bolt.
Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2020, 09:48:50 AM
I just have the LT with the DC charger, so far, I've only used the DC charger once, and the only reason I used it was to see what it was like. Never had a need for it in the year + 3 months that I've had the car. Definitely never felt the need for the driver's aid though.
We've used DCFC twice. Once was just for fun to try it out and the 2nd time my wife actually needed it. And that was only because I live in an apartment and only charge at work, but that day I needed to take our Mazda6 to the shop so the Bolt didn't have much battery left.
The bird's eye camera thing was neat on the Premier I test drove, but the car has such short overhangs and stuff that it really isn't necessary. It's the easiest car to parallel park that I've driven.
Nice colour!
Pretty interesting how many Bolts that are bought by spinners, also.
This is the fourth, I believe
Quote from: mzziaz on January 28, 2020, 10:40:10 AM
Nice colour!
Pretty interesting how many Bolts that are bought by spinners, also.
This is the fourth, I believe
What color is yours?
Mine is red, Chris's is 90s Blue, I don't know what Nomis has either.
Cool! Congrats on the new car.
If I had charging at work, I would highly consider it. I really like them.
New seats would be welcomed.
Nice looking car.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 28, 2020, 10:42:12 AM
What color is yours?
Mine is red, Chris's is 90s Blue, I don't know what Nomis has either.
Mine's black, I wanted the Blue but this one was cheaper so I went with that.
Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2020, 09:51:52 AM
Volt does, however, the deceleration is not as drastic as the Bolt, you're looking at the difference between driving in 3rd gear vs 2nd gear of the Bolt.
Yeah, the Volt in L will slow like letting off the throttle in a manual trans car. But it won't come to a stop. The Bolt is like shifting down a couple gears and letting off the throttle and will come to a complete stop. The Volt also doesn't light up the brake lights when you get off the throttle, while the Bolt thankfully does.
We're going to use the DCFC on road trips to upstate NY to visit the kids. There are charging points up the Jersey Turnpike and on I-87 N and S in NY. It'll take one 20 minute stop at, say, the Joyce Kilmer rest stop on the NJ TP to get there and then one on 87S to get back.
Congrats! :ohyeah:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 28, 2020, 10:42:12 AM
What color is yours?
Mine is red, Chris's is 90s Blue, I don't know what Nomis has either.
We got the Cajun Red one. Very happy with the colour
Quote from: mzziaz on January 28, 2020, 11:28:56 AM
We got the Cajun Red one. Very happy with the colour
Good choice :ohyeah:
Beautiful. Love the colour. :ohyeah:
Needs some orange Gulf livery. :lol:
Question though... why did you keep the Volt?
Quote from: Rockraven on January 28, 2020, 04:10:41 PM
Question though... why did you keep the Volt?
The Volt is now my daily and will be the long distance car when going in a direction (like down to TN) that has no real charging options. The Bolt is my wife's DD and our errand runner and for day tripping.
Great cars, and I love the color. Congratulations. What all do you have you in your garage these days?
The 'SPIN is going EV.
EarlyAdopterSPIN.
The value proposition extends beyond just warm fuzzies now. PracticalSPIN.
Quote from: CALL_911 on January 28, 2020, 07:02:36 PM
Great cars, and I love the color. Congratulations. What all do you have you in your garage these days?
The Bolt, the Volt, the 330ci ZHP and the Suburban. The ZHP will be going away to free up garage space. As will, I hope, my buddy's Bug and MGB (the Bug has been left in the driveway while he's at work in Virginia, and the MGB is getting finished up and made drivable in the other garage stall).
EV + EV = full commitment - GreenPeace loves you.
EV + PHEV = mostly committed - hedging for long range
EV + Hybrid = getting a bit carbony but sending the right signals (hybrids are so reliable)
EV + Gasser = love of cool gadgetry but you also love your BMW X5 xDrive 5.0i.
I'd replace the Volt with a Fiat 500e right now. But I still want the Suburban for towing the travel trailer.
The Volt got me into the EV world, and I found that 99% of the time, the generator is never used. So a full EV like the Fiat 500e with even just an 85 mile range would do me nicely as a replacement. The Volt is 7 years old at this point. I'm also thinking I just might customize it, like lowering it slightly, putting on some 19" wheels and painting the lowers body color. It's a decent daily driver.
Quote from: Laconian on January 28, 2020, 10:54:56 PM
PracticalSPIN.
This part is definitely true. I don't think anyone here with an EV is doing it for the warm and fuzzy feeling.
Quote from: NomisR on January 29, 2020, 08:38:25 AM
This part is definitely true. I don't think anyone here with an EV is doing it for the warm and fuzzy feeling.
Do it for the torqueeeeee
I think in a lot of places a PHEV, Hybrid, or regular ICE + EV is the way to go. I would say that about once a week or so I do end up places that couldn't be done round trip on one charge of an EV. It would be a PITA to charge and wait, if your destination even has charging capabilities.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 29, 2020, 10:06:27 AM
I think in a lot of places a PHEV, Hybrid, or regular ICE + EV is the way to go. I would say that about once a week or so I do end up places that couldn't be done round trip on one charge of an EV. It would be a PITA to charge and wait, if your destination even has charging capabilities.
Yeah the only way I could justify a Bolt over a Volt is because we also have a Mazda6 (and El Camino) for longer trips if necessary
Quote from: 2o6 on January 29, 2020, 10:06:27 AM
I think in a lot of places a PHEV, Hybrid, or regular ICE + EV is the way to go. I would say that about once a week or so I do end up places that couldn't be done round trip on one charge of an EV. It would be a PITA to charge and wait, if your destination even has charging capabilities.
It's surprising looking at PlugShare how many DC fast charge locations there are. For most of us, there are locations where we can "top off" or even fill up close enough to the destination or along the way that it's not much more hassle that looking around for a diesel station. And those distances are great enough that you'd want to stop for a bathroom break or food anyhow (259 miles in the Bolt is 5 hours of mostly highway driving, so adding a 20 minute stop in there instead of a 5 minute gas stop isn't really a burden). And as I learned from trying to stay within the EV range of the Volt, it's really a long ways in much of the country (yeah, out in Montana it doesn't count as far, but 259 miles here gets you 4-5 states away). For me, I go outside a 250 mile range in a car maybe twice a year. I do spend a ton on gas to go camping with the Suburban and travel trailer outside that range. But I generally stay within my mid-Atlantic region when I'm driving one of the cars and getting around on a full charge from home is easy enough, and there are enough DC fast chargers in the region that I can always top off if I need to.
Living in an apartment/condo or townhouse with an HOA can be problematic if you want an EV, and we have a lot of work to do to make that problem go away. And if your work or family situation makes you drive over the range of an EV regularly, that's an issue. But just like you don't buy a Miata for a family of 5, or a GTI if you have to tow a travel trailer or 4 horse trailer, you just get the best fit for your situation. That may not be an EV. But for most people it very well could be at this point. And it doesn't hurt that these cars are actually fun to drive. ;)
Quote from: 2o6 on January 29, 2020, 10:06:27 AM
I think in a lot of places a PHEV, Hybrid, or regular ICE + EV is the way to go. I would say that about once a week or so I do end up places that couldn't be done round trip on one charge of an EV. It would be a PITA to charge and wait, if your destination even has charging capabilities.
Yep. I already have a sports car. I couldn't have a full EV as my daily driver. I drive outside of their range too often. So now we're talking 3 cars just for me...:mask:
Do any of you have any cold weather range issues? I have a friend with a Bolt and an e-Golf, and they run into issues with freeway commutes in cold weather.
I did notice a drop in range when I have the AC up to 74 in the morning, but since I charge daily at work and my commute is 32 miles one way, it's not really a big enough difference to effect anything.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 29, 2020, 11:02:47 AM
Do any of you have any cold weather range issues? I have a friend with a Bolt and an e-Golf, and they run into issues with freeway commutes in cold weather.
My range drops from 230 miles in the summer to 160 miles in the winter. But my commute is 18 miles total so that's NBD. My wife's commute is like 2 miles total so she could commute for weeks before needing to charge, even in the winter. :lol:
Mine is showing 220 miles of range here in the dead of winter (sub 25 degrees F). it'll be up to the estimated 250+ in spring and summer. One thing is to precondition the car while plugged in, then to only use the heated seats and steering wheel when driving, to reduce how much cabin heat you need to run. Heat uses up a lot more juice than AC. The Volt's range was maximized in summer, even in 100 degree temps with the AC running. While in winter I lose about 30% of it's rated range.
I know of a guy in Chicago that drives his Bolt out to his folks house out in the Illinois flatlands, 120 miles away in the dead of winter on an interstate. He paid the $400 to have an L2 charger installed at his folks house so when he went to visit, he could charge up while he was there to get home on. He also lives in a condo in Chicago and convinced the condo association that it was a good idea to install a charger there.
At anything remotely close to how WtP use cars today, EVs are not a replacement en masse. Some people and/or some times? Sure.
The other issues are few people can legit afford them, no automaker can make money selling them, and EV environmental friendliness is better, but not ginormously so.
I'm predicting a play out akin to hybrids. Hybrids were to change the world, yet ~20 years since their introduction, and the Prius, and to a lesser extent Toyota hybrids, are the only hybrids sold (and in token amounts).
The ICE-powered vehicle is terribly inefficient, which mean there is ginormous room for improvement - higher CR, better materials, more transmission speeds, valve tech, etc.
Yeah I don't have a charger at home so the heat uses a lot of power. And I set the heat at a comfortable level because I'm not a hypermiler and don't have the heated seats/wheel. I also use the AC like a normal car during the summer.
If you want a ridiculously deep dive into the guts of your Volt...
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIn3FrDiB1lzjfZvamYdxYo9uczD2JnTT
And... this is golden: battery thermal management on Bolt/Volt vs Leaf.
Oh dear Nissan. Ceding the field to others...
https://youtu.be/WlxBOJrEKAo
Quote from: 2o6 on January 29, 2020, 10:06:27 AM
I think in a lot of places a PHEV, Hybrid, or regular ICE + EV is the way to go. I would say that about once a week or so I do end up places that couldn't be done round trip on one charge of an EV. It would be a PITA to charge and wait, if your destination even has charging capabilities.
+1
Or have a full garage like Chris. :)
Quote from: GoCougs on January 29, 2020, 11:53:27 AM
The other issues are few people can legit afford them, no automaker can make money selling them,
Umm, did you see how much this car costs? People can definitely afford them, I'm not sure if GM is making any money on them.
I'd consider one if I bought new cars, and had a garage to charge.
So maybe in a few years if I have a garage, I'll consider a used one. Would make a great city car, most of the time wife and I drive 50miles or less for the whole day. I drive about 12miles round trip most days.
$25 K is amazing. Look at the friggin prices up here... :confused:
https://www.autotrader.ca/cars/chevrolet/bolt%20ev/on/carrying%20place/?rcp=15&rcs=0&srt=3&prx=250&prv=Ontario&loc=K0K1L0&hprc=True&wcp=True&sts=New&showcpo=1&inMarket=advancedSearch
Quote from: Rockraven on January 30, 2020, 05:18:07 AM
$25 K is amazing. Look at the friggin prices up here... :confused:
https://www.autotrader.ca/cars/chevrolet/bolt%20ev/on/carrying%20place/?rcp=15&rcs=0&srt=3&prx=250&prv=Ontario&loc=K0K1L0&hprc=True&wcp=True&sts=New&showcpo=1&inMarket=advancedSearch
OUCH.......
Quote from: Rockraven on January 30, 2020, 05:18:07 AM
$25 K is amazing. Look at the friggin prices up here... :confused:
https://www.autotrader.ca/cars/chevrolet/bolt%20ev/on/carrying%20place/?rcp=15&rcs=0&srt=3&prx=250&prv=Ontario&loc=K0K1L0&hprc=True&wcp=True&sts=New&showcpo=1&inMarket=advancedSearch
yeah, look at this one (they have 3 at this price there): https://www.criswellchevrolet.com/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Chevrolet-Bolt_EV-5dr_Wgn_LT-Gaithersburg-MD/3558767123
I've stopped paying attention to Bolt prices because they're all over the place depending on what state you're in. Some people in Colorado can get a brand new one for like $22k after state/federal tax credit. Which is barely more than I paid for my used one. But here in Utah none of the dealers would go under $29k and Utah doesn't have that sweet $4k tax credit that Colorado does.
Quote from: ChrisV on January 30, 2020, 06:39:29 AM
yeah, look at this one (they have 3 at this price there): https://www.criswellchevrolet.com/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Chevrolet-Bolt_EV-5dr_Wgn_LT-Gaithersburg-MD/3558767123
hahahaha Automatic Transmission.
1 spd auto
Quote from: Laconian on January 30, 2020, 06:53:55 PM
1 spd auto
I'm going to start referring to differentials as 1 speed automatics.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 30, 2020, 06:57:19 PM
I'm going to start referring to differentials as 1 speed automatics.
I'd rather have a 1 speed manual.
Just a clutch? Instant enthusiast cred with EV folks.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 30, 2020, 07:17:43 PM
I'd rather have a 1 speed manual.
Quote from: Laconian on January 30, 2020, 07:45:07 PM
Just a clutch? Instant enthusiast cred with EV folks.
The clutch is the component which sends juice to the wire going to the motor. Infinite modulation!
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on January 30, 2020, 07:57:21 PM
The clutch is the component which sends juice to the wire going to the motor. Infinite modulation!
Yesss!!!
Now, what does the skinny pedal do, again?
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on January 30, 2020, 05:56:51 PM
hahahaha Automatic Transmission.
Look at the option list...
Engine: none.
lol
Lol!
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on January 30, 2020, 07:57:21 PM
The clutch is the component which sends juice to the wire going to the motor. Infinite modulation!
I was thinking that the clutch would be a switch that physically disconnects the battery from the drivetrain. :lol:
Feather the clutch too much, and you set the car on fire. Just as good as the real thing!
:lol:
Quote from: Laconian on January 31, 2020, 08:03:02 PM
I was thinking that the clutch would be a switch that physically disconnects the battery from the drivetrain. :lol:
Feather the clutch too much, and you set the car on fire. Just as good as the real thing!
But who can really choose which one smells better?
Clutch smoke, or electricity smoke?
So hard.
The smell symposer, which is a brake pad mounted near the electronics, makes electrical fires smell like clutch fires.
Quote from: Laconian on February 01, 2020, 01:46:11 PM
The smell symposer, which is a brake pad mounted near the electronics, makes electrical fires smell like clutch fires.
:muffin:
This car will feel so familiar to ICE drivers. Even Wimmer would like it.
Quote from: Laconian on February 01, 2020, 02:12:38 PM
This car will feel so familiar to ICE drivers. Even Wimmer would like it.
In order to please ICE enthusiats
and EV tree huggers, rotten eggs can be added to a rear-mounted composting chamber that exhausts its fumes through a "tailpipe" under hard acceleration.
Yes, we must think of our coal rollers. What will they do in the future?
Quote from: Laconian on February 01, 2020, 02:35:32 PM
Yes, we must think of our coal rollers. What will they do in the future?
Replacing all the LEDs with fuck you incandescent lighting.
Quote from: Rockraven on February 01, 2020, 03:07:01 PM
Replacing all the LEDs with fuck you incandescent lighting.
Are you kidding? LED bars are the most fuck you of all lighting. And yes, I think this is the natural migration path for sociopathic coal rollers. I've seen it happen already.
I could build bar of H4701 sealed beam halogen high beams that could be just as blinding as an LED bar, but draw 100x as much power.
Anyways, nice car, Chris. :lol:
My brother (also a Chris!) bought a Bolt when they came out and he loves the hell out of his. They do day trips around the state all the time and range anxiety hasn't held them back. The logistics are a little bit trickier, but he says the daily convenience of never having to fill up outweighs the infrequent occurrence of having to plan a trip leg that's >200mi.
Quote from: Laconian on February 01, 2020, 03:44:53 PM
Anyways, nice car, Chris. :lol:
My brother (also a Chris!) bought a Bolt when they came out and he loves the hell out of his. They do day trips around the state all the time and range anxiety hasn't held them back. The logistics are a little bit trickier, but he says the daily convenience of never having to fill up outweighs the infrequent occurrence of having to plan a trip leg that's >200mi.
And the smugness of being cooler than everyone else makes up for sitting at a charger for 30 min
I have that smugness with my MT Miata already. Everybody else are just stupid sheeples...
Quote from: Laconian on February 01, 2020, 04:11:30 PM
I have that smugness with my MT Miata already. Everybody else are just stupid sheeples...
:lol:
I was next to an NC first in line at a stoplight yesterday on the way to work. I had top down, his was up, I waved, he kinda waved back LOL
ugh, miata guys :wanker:
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 01, 2020, 05:58:37 PM
:lol:
I was next to an NC first in line at a stoplight yesterday on the way to work. I had top down, his was up, I waved, he kinda waved back LOL
It was common way back when, if driving a sports car, especially a British make, that you would discretely raise your hand, typically left hand, about shoulder height when passing. Perhaps give a slight nod as well. German and Italian sports cars did not qualify.
You pop the lights up and down.
Quote from: Laconian on February 01, 2020, 06:35:40 PM
You pop the lights up and down.
Rather impersonal. :hmm:
Fellow Alfa Romeo drivers salute each other, as well.
Quote from: Laconian on February 01, 2020, 06:35:40 PM
You pop the lights up and down.
Quote from: FoMoJo on February 01, 2020, 06:44:24 PM
Rather impersonal. :hmm:
It's quite personal between NA drivers. It's the drivers of lesser Miatas that have to wave back. :lol:
Quote from: mzziaz on February 02, 2020, 06:00:38 AM
Fellow Alfa Romeo drivers salute each other, as well.
Yes, when I had my Spider Veloce, we only acknowledged other Alfas and E Types. :praise:
Quote from: Rockraven on February 02, 2020, 08:26:25 AM
It's quite personal between NA drivers. It's the drivers of lesser Miatas that have to wave back. :lol:
I flick my beams.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on February 01, 2020, 03:52:50 PM
And the smugness of being cooler than everyone else makes up for sitting at a charger for 30 min
I'm not sure how cool you can be with a Bolt but this car definitely surprises a lot people with it's acceleration.. especially those that think they can pull on me to change their lanes in front of me.
Quote from: NomisR on February 03, 2020, 11:41:32 AM
I'm not sure how cool you can be with a Bolt but this car definitely surprises a lot people with it's acceleration.. especially those that think they can pull on me to change their lanes in front of me.
:rockon:
Nice purchase! Congrats!
Quote from: NomisR on February 03, 2020, 11:41:32 AM
I'm not sure how cool you can be with a Bolt but this car definitely surprises a lot people with it's acceleration.. especially those that think they can pull on me to change their lanes in front of me.
Just had that happen to me the other night. Some lady in a Jeep GC was riding my ass while I was doing 40 in a 30 zone and when I cam to a light, she HAD to pull up beside me on the right. Light went green and she punched it, so I did too. Blew by her on my way up to 50 and then let off and let her pass all while giving her the stink eye. Was funny to silently blaze the tires to start with as it scrambled for grip.
Lawlll