[James Alfred]

Going on our first out of the city trek yesterday was a breeze. We wondered how the battery in our new 2020 Bolt Premier would perform climbing up the mountains as we left Phoenix and headed towards Flagstaff Az. There are no Electrify America charging stations once you leave the valley.

Our anxiety got the best of us so we added a little bit of charge from 85-94% in Anthem which is the northern most part of the valley before you begin the 6,000 ft climb to Flagstaff. We are cautious newbies at this but found our anxieties diminish as we got closer to our destination.

The Electrify America station was easily within reach as we pulled in to Flagstaff. Our remaining charge was 30% upon arrival. Looks like the stop in Anthem was not necessary at all.

We did run the comfort controls the whole way but I also drove 5 mph under the posted speed limit (which is 75 mph) as a precaution. It will be interesting to see what going back to Phoenix will be as we descend 6,000 ft.

Gotta say we’re loving this Bolt.

 

[The Other Tom]

Congrats. Nice to see you had a great time.

 

[XJ12]

It's like EVs were designed specifically for climbing and descending mountains. No downshifting going up and no braking going down (just all regen goodness). Makes all my previous ICE powered vehicles seem so last century. Oh wait, most of them were.

 

[Paul Gipe]

Nice report and a good outcome.

Paul

 

[ZoomZoom]

5 under? OMG

 

[James Alfred]

5 under? OMG

We often drive a bit slower and find it more relaxing ?

 

[ZoomZoom]

We often drive a bit slower and find it more relaxing ?

Before you got the EV, did you also drive 5 under in your ICE or would you say that you drove a little slower as a result of the EV?

 

[James Alfred]

We often drove our Chevrolet Volt a bit under the speed limit too even while it was in the gas burning mode.

 

[AZEVFan]

I too live in Phoenix. I leased my 2019 Bolt in September. The farthest I've taken it in one trip is from my home in the North Valley to Casa Grande and back, all without charging. Because that is mostly a flat trip with little elevation changes, I was confident that I could make the roundtrip without charging. Similarly, although I haven't gone to Tucson in the Bolt yet, I wouldn't have any qualms doing so (as long as there are chargers in Tucson). However, I've had great doubts as to whether the Bolt could make it "up the hill" to Flagstaff. Glad to see you were able to do it. Can't wait to hear how your return trip goes!

 

[James Alfred]

I too live in Phoenix. I leased my 2019 Bolt in September. The farthest I've taken it in one trip is from my home in the North Valley to Casa Grande and back, all without charging. Because that is mostly a flat trip with little elevation changes, I was confident that I could make the roundtrip without charging. Similarly, although I haven't gone to Tucson in the Bolt yet, I wouldn't have any qualms doing so (as long as there are chargers in Tucson). However, I've had great doubts as to whether the Bolt could make it "up the hill" to Flagstaff. Glad to see you were able to do it. Can't wait to hear how your return trip goes!

There are chargers in Tucson for sure. I’ll post a picture as to their location.

 

[James Alfred]

the app Electrify America is a good one

 

[James Alfred]

Humm I tried posting a pic let me try again

 

[James Alfred]

well I guess I have a pic up maybe it’s just slow to post?

 

[AZEVFan]

the app Electrify America is a good one View attachment 28355

Nice! Thank you.