Service Dept's initial response was unimpressive: "There IS a reduced range with cold temps." The earliest this issue can be diagnosed will be next week. When I know more I'll post. Note also: There have been no Bolt EV "recall" notices to me re: potential battery problems.
"Currently, there are no recalls or programs associated with your 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV"
I suggest driving it until it stops, preferably in the middle of a multi-lane highway. I would then a call a lawyer and sue GM.
You were much more eloquent than what I was thinking.
I would experiment a bit. I don't think I'd put it on the freeway, but if I did I would stay in the right lane for sure .... might even be with one of those I D 10 T's who go below the posted limit on the freeway. But yes, I would drive it conservatively. I am not lawsuit happy like someone I won't mention. But I would take city streets and take it home. That's what I would do. Other's might escalate with management, call GM, call their local news affiliate and get a loaner and leave it there. But yes, I would drive it carefully, not race with it, not go to the #1 lane on the freeway and be somewhat responsible in my driving. I think both solutions are fine. The problem here is that this highlights the hidden secrets of dealership service that no one will talk about or acknowledge, here's some of the highlights:
The simplest test.
GJETSON: THIS is the type of useful feedback I was hoping for on a forum such as this. The Service Dept's initial pathetic response not withstanding, current mileage range numbers do not bode especially well for this particular Bolt EV. At 40 degrees, this morning the vehicle's "Fully Charged" milage was down to 66 miles, which jumped all the way up to 70 after its electronics were fully energized. Another reply in this forum wondered about this Bolt EV's energy efficiency number. The average I usually see is around 4 mi/kWh, but today the average for a 24 mile drive was 3.6. My plan, if the entire battery pack doesn't self-destruct before I drop the vehicle off on Monday for their Tuesday "diagnosis," is to use the Bolt EV, sparingly while watching its energy numbers much closer than I ever needed to. As long as it shows a at least a 30 mile range it ought to easily make the trip to the dealership. Any range less than that and the dealer will need to decide how they want to transport it. The larger moment of truth arrives if the dealer claims this is just "normal" winter-related battery degradation. And given the vast amount of experience represented by this forum, do any among you seriously doubt that remains a possibility?
Thank you for THAT excellent recommendation! The reset efficiency is still a quite reasonable 3.9 mi/kWh, while this Bolt EV's "Fully Charged" range remains an abysmal 69 miles, down from the scary 86 that launched this thread. I wish the dealership could have made time for the "diagnose" element of this exercise inside of a week, but it is what it is. To be honest, for the first time as if I've run into the EV v ICE aspect of automobile sales at a large dealership. I don't think, as an EV driver, I'm somehow expecting better treatment than an ICE driver. I'm just surprised to feel I may be getting worse...
I drive my car in sub zero weather. I find with using the amenities that we paid for, I get between 2.5 mi/kWh and 2.8 when the temperature is close to or below freezing. I also drive half my commute on the Interstate and the other half on county highways. I have a comfortable range in the Bolt under these conditions around 150 miles. I see numbers all over the place with the GOM, never anywhere near your numbers, usually it is overly optimistic and close to 200 when I know 150 is the most I could get out of it. In the summer, I have frequently driven 240 miles with comfortable range to spare. The GOM always, in the summer tells me I am good for over 300 miles ..... also optimistic. YOUR car is broken. If you are comfortable driving it, enjoy it. It's under warranty and beyond adding stress to your life or stranding you on the road your plan of action is the same one I would use. I would drive it up as needed within the limitations it has presented itself. Since the GOM always lies, ALWAYS, it's pretty hard to know what your range really is. But the GOM should not be that far off.
Thank you for taking the time to weigh in. For the record, I've been loving this Bolt EV since Day One and sharing my positive experiences with anyone who will listen. This vehicle has ALWAYS performed exactly as advertised. The dealership, not so much. To have my relationship with the Bolt EV/dealership feel like it is going South, and fast, kind of rattles me. Best case scenario: the Bolt EV goes in, the techs diagnose what is a seriously-failed battery/charging issue, the dealership treats me like someone whose continued business they care about and makes the proper repair under the Bolt EV's warrantee. But so far the "gatekeeper" between me and the service techs has coming off as someone who needs to consider an attitude adjustment or other career options, and the entire situation is seriously harshing my EV mellow.
