So this evening I've been doing a little test of something I'll call camping mode, an idea I got from Bjorn Hyland on YouTube with his Tesla Model S, and the procedure is identical to his early videos. Tesla recently added a user selectable 8 hour duration mode that has this functionality. perhaps inspired by Bjorn's use case. There have been several requests in regard to the Bolt for things like long term WiFi hotspot use, climate control, and also active 12V converter power to make use of various 12V accessories from the car without draining the low voltage battery - all features one might want to make use of while camping.
I've run the test for about 6 hours, and can report that the car ran this test with no indication of shutdown or other undesirable behavior. The one possible exception is the pedestrian warning alert is active and emitting its low volume noise, of course there are work-arounds for this if deemed necessary. The coolant pumps can also be heard circulating lightly in this state, even with cabin climate control turned off.
To initiate a untethered, long duration parking situation with 12V power, climate control, and WiFi available, place the vehicle in neutral, apply the parking brake, and do not exit the vehicle via the driver's door. If you will be taking a rest break in the rear of the vehicle while in uncomfortable hot or cold weather, this will keep you in a nice comfort range inside the vehicle while you rest. Of course, the Bolt only has approximately 68" of space from the back of the front seats (in the extreme forward position) to the rear hatch, so taller customers might not obtain optimal comfort results if reclined in the rear of the vehicle. A solution to bridge the gap between the front seats and the folded rear seat backs might be desirable, and could potentially be supported in part by the center console lid.
The 12V auxiliary system varies between 12.7V and 14.6V, and appears to be quite conservative with its voltage output, staying in the lower voltage area for longer periods of time than you might expect. This is probably to conserve energy losses that would normally occur in the 12V battery. It handled a moderate intermittent test load of 200 to 700 watts with ease.
Enjoy your Stay aboard the USS Bolt, and be sure to appreciate its many fine accommodations! Always be sure to account for expected energy use while planning your next road trip in the all new Chevy Bolt!
I've run the test for about 6 hours, and can report that the car ran this test with no indication of shutdown or other undesirable behavior. The one possible exception is the pedestrian warning alert is active and emitting its low volume noise, of course there are work-arounds for this if deemed necessary. The coolant pumps can also be heard circulating lightly in this state, even with cabin climate control turned off.
To initiate a untethered, long duration parking situation with 12V power, climate control, and WiFi available, place the vehicle in neutral, apply the parking brake, and do not exit the vehicle via the driver's door. If you will be taking a rest break in the rear of the vehicle while in uncomfortable hot or cold weather, this will keep you in a nice comfort range inside the vehicle while you rest. Of course, the Bolt only has approximately 68" of space from the back of the front seats (in the extreme forward position) to the rear hatch, so taller customers might not obtain optimal comfort results if reclined in the rear of the vehicle. A solution to bridge the gap between the front seats and the folded rear seat backs might be desirable, and could potentially be supported in part by the center console lid.
The 12V auxiliary system varies between 12.7V and 14.6V, and appears to be quite conservative with its voltage output, staying in the lower voltage area for longer periods of time than you might expect. This is probably to conserve energy losses that would normally occur in the 12V battery. It handled a moderate intermittent test load of 200 to 700 watts with ease.
Enjoy your Stay aboard the USS Bolt, and be sure to appreciate its many fine accommodations! Always be sure to account for expected energy use while planning your next road trip in the all new Chevy Bolt!