[De Clarke]

I had a test drive and a chat with local dealer -- not that he had to work hard, the car kind of sells itself -- and I'm close to making the decision to purchase.

Gonna do some reading here before taking that big expensive step

I had a couple of basic questions for people who have actually owned and driven them:

1) is there any way to tone down the "big white circle" graphic on the main dashboard screen? I find it distracting even in daylight.
2) how hard is it to integrate an iPad or Android GPS app like Google Maps with the "infotainment" screen on the centre console? dealer said "just use Bluetooth" but other than that he knew no details.

I live in a remote and rural place so most of the "networked" features are irrelevant. I just want a working GPS nav map.

I have to say it is a very attractive vehicle, handles nicely, fun to drive. Longevity is a bit worrying (it hasn't been out long enough to know anything about its durability, service life etc) but the technology is impressive. I am old enough to find some of it a bit silly (I'm used to manual window winders, plain old key locks, and 5-on-the-floor manual shift) but hey, most modern cars are high tech, I guess I'll have to adjust to the new world. What's most impressively useful is the close tracking of performance, battery pack status, and range remaining. It makes driving into a video game with pack voltage and ultimate range as the scoring system.

Anyway, still dithering over whether to spend such big bucks on a new car. Has anyone had any buyer's remorse?

 

[sparks]

no remorse and no problems - learn the rest by using and doing - and might get used to the circle

 

[Pike Bishop]

No regrets after 35,000 miles; Going back to an ICE vehicle is very hard...

1. There are some different formats for the circle with some color options. You still get a circle. (I sort of like it with all of wattage, trend, regen brake limit, being displayed at once.)
2. Android Auto and Apple Car Play both work great. You need a USB cable, it wont work by bluetooth.

Longevity? Open the hood and look down at a silver box over the axles--way down, well below the top inverter and other electrical housings. It's the motor. It has seven moving pieces. It generates up to 200 HP. It does not heat up because it is at least 97% efficient over the entire 0-9000 RPM range. The transmission is a one-speed. There is no clutch. GM recommends the first service to replace transmission lubricant is at 150,000 miles. All the stress factors in mechanical operation seem to have disappeared by going electric.



You soon get the feeling that the drive train is an 'appliance' that will last the life of the vehicle. The wear-and-tear will come from the body work, seats and interior, just like a normal car.


Have fun, the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

 

[Enzeder]

If you connect a phone to the USB ports on the console between the front seats, then you can use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and use the screen as GPS.
While it would be nice not to have to plug in to use these features I don't mind too much because it also keeps the phone charged.
I bought a 1ft charging cable for my phone so I didn't have to seal with a tangle of cables.

PS: It's not perfect, but I have no remorse.

 

[Cataract2]

I had a test drive and a chat with local dealer -- not that he had to work hard, the car kind of sells itself -- and I'm close to making the decision to purchase.

Gonna do some reading here before taking that big expensive step

I had a couple of basic questions for people who have actually owned and driven them:

1) is there any way to tone down the "big white circle" graphic on the main dashboard screen? I find it distracting even in daylight.
2) how hard is it to integrate an iPad or Android GPS app like Google Maps with the "infotainment" screen on the centre console? dealer said "just use Bluetooth" but other than that he knew no details.

I live in a remote and rural place so most of the "networked" features are irrelevant. I just want a working GPS nav map.

I have to say it is a very attractive vehicle, handles nicely, fun to drive. Longevity is a bit worrying (it hasn't been out long enough to know anything about its durability, service life etc) but the technology is impressive. I am old enough to find some of it a bit silly (I'm used to manual window winders, plain old key locks, and 5-on-the-floor manual shift) but hey, most modern cars are high tech, I guess I'll have to adjust to the new world. What's most impressively useful is the close tracking of performance, battery pack status, and range remaining. It makes driving into a video game with pack voltage and ultimate range as the scoring system.

Anyway, still dithering over whether to spend such big bucks on a new car. Has anyone had any buyer's remorse?

I've only had my 19 Bolt for 2 weeks now and love it.

1. The big white circle can be toned down. You can set it to night mode where there will still be the ring that goes green or yellow, but the background is black. I have no problems seeing anything with the black background even with polarized sun glasses on. Here's a picture of what it looks like.

2. Getting Google maps on the infotainment or even Apple's stuff is as easy as plugging your phone into a usb cable. I have Android, but all I had to do was download Android Auto to my phone, do a little config for my tastes and plug it into the car. Comes right up. Compatible apps with AA can be pulled up in the app. Waze and Google Maps for mapping. Poweramp V3 for music. NPR One or Podbean for podcasts. Etc.

The longevity is mostly a question on the batteries. That one will be answered, we have a few here who have high millage and fast charge a lot which is the hardest on the batteries, but they are still driving them. Other than the batteries, the motor itself has only 11 moving parts. Weber school has a video on the motor break down. Compared to ICE vehicles, there really isn't much to break on this vehicle. Less moving parts helps with reliability as well as less heat which wears things out.

I recommend for you to install a 50A outlet and get a good Level 2 charger. That makes the ownership of this car 10x better and more convenient. Myself, I have a 120 mile round trip and am doing it in this car in the winter here in New England and I only charge at home with my charge stop point at 85% full. Arrive home with ~25% left in the battery. So, it meets my needs. I look forward to taking some longer trips in it.

 

[djhodny]

You sound a lot like me. I remember the "good ole days" with crank up windows and the like. I've had my Bolt here in TN since August 2017 and haven't had any regrets or the slightest negative thoughts about it since. I have around 18k miles on it and it has so far, far exceeded my highest expectations. Like you said, it is pure FUN to drive! Even beyond the electric drive - which is far far superior to the "archaic" Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) - the Bolt is a very fine driving vehicle. I have viewed the hours of (youtube) video that John Kelly of Weber Auto has done where he has removed and taken apart the battery, then reassembled and reinstalled it. He has also removed and reinstalled the drive motor. Those videos should give you a real appreciation for how well GM (and LG) has designed that whole system, and it should give you a real sense of confidence if the system's longevity. I think us Bolt owners are not much worried that the battery & drive system won't last. I think the only "negative" we might have is continued advances in the BEV technology might depress resale value of our current Bolts. On the flip side the Bolt - with over 200 mile range and lots of power - is already at a very good point meeting so many driving needs. And there's a real sense of freedom not having to stop at a gas station to fill up but rather just plug in when you get home. Since getting our Bolt we use our nice SUV much less - only on long trips or when we both are going somewhere - and then we have to "negotiate" who gets the Bolt and who's stuck with the other vehicle. Go ahead and get the Bolt - you won't regret it. Just get ready to thoroughly enjoy driving again.

 

[LooseBolt]

I had my Bolt about 14Months/20000mi. I love it. It's my daily commuter. My other car is a Volt, which is also great when in all electric mode, but I just don't like driving ICEs any more.

I'm an Apple guy so can't really talk to Android Auto. Apps on the phone (for both AA and CarPlay) must be written to take advantage of the interface with the car. Some popular one do, many don't. In my experience Apple own Apps work great, but I've some issues with others. You will find, at least for CP, that app UIs will be pretty consistent in the car, but the UI's won't look anything like they do on the phone.

As for maps, if you are in an internet free (LTE free) zone, you will need a mapping app that downloads maps to your phone while still in range of wifi. By default both Google maps and Apple maps don't do this. I think Google maps has the option, and Apple is supposed to be working on it, but it's not there yet. There are some 3rd parting mapping programs that will do this but they my not car integration. There are Google and Waze for iPhone so you can use those with CP if desired.

Get the Bolt, you will love it!

 

[wonderbolt]

As for maps, if you are in an internet free (LTE free) zone, you will need a mapping app that downloads maps to your phone while still in range of wifi. By default both Google maps and Apple maps don't do this. I think Google maps has the option, and Apple is supposed to be working on it, but it's not there yet.

Google maps does a great job downloading the maps, but as you say "not by default" While on wi-fi you open google maps, search for your destination. It will then popup an option "download for offline navigation?" you simply click "yes" and the maps required for your travel are downloaded and ready to go...

And yes, no regrets, 16k miles, 24 months and we enjoy our Bolt tremendously. When trying to decide on getting it, to make it work for our 2 vehicle household, I travel for work frequently and wanted my wife to test drive it to be sure she would be comfortable with it when I took her car for longer trips. After she drove it she said "I love it, if you don't get it I will" so now the only problem we have is who gets to drive it ;-)

And now with EA building out DCFC in our area we have started driving it on some of our longer trips too...

 

[TimBolt]

No regrets after 35,000 miles; Going back to an ICE vehicle is very hard...

1. There are some different formats for the circle with some color options. You still get a circle. (I sort of like it with all of wattage, trend, regen brake limit, being displayed at once.)
2. Android Auto and Apple Car Play both work great. You need a USB cable, it wont work by bluetooth.

Longevity? Open the hood and look down at a silver box over the axles--way down, well below the top inverter and other electrical housings. It's the motor. It has seven moving pieces. It generates up to 200 HP. It does not heat up because it is at least 97% efficient over the entire 0-9000 RPM range. The transmission is a one-speed. There is no clutch. GM recommends the first service to replace transmission lubricant is at 150,000 miles. All the stress factors in mechanical operation seem to have disappeared by going electric.



You soon get the feeling that the drive train is an 'appliance' that will last the life of the vehicle. The wear-and-tear will come from the body work, seats and interior, just like a normal car.


Have fun, the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

There is no transmission service needed at 150,000 miles, or at any other interval, as it’s a lifetime lubricated system.

At 150,000 miles the coolant needs to be replaced, there are three separate coolant systems, one for the battery, one for the drivetrain and electronics, and one for cabin heating. The Bolt uses standard GM antifreeze.

The motor does heat up, which is why the drivetrain-electronics coolant loop includes the motor.

 

[BruceA1923]

no remorse and no problems - learn the rest by using and doing - and might get used to the circle

Ditto....same for me. LOVE IT!

 

[discodanman45]

The only negative I have is the comfort of the front seats. That is it. I have driven my car 49,000 miles and have spent under $30 in maintenance. I bring my car to my tire shop to rotate tires for free. Replace your own cabin filters for $12 and add windshield wiper fluid. That is all that is needed. However, the front seats are a pain in the neck, literally! I have had upper back problems since I have driven the Bolt and it is the only negative for me.

 

[gern_blanston]

I was all set to buy a 2017 Volt, and my wife made me drive the "cute little electric transportation pod". I got a nice 30-minute test drive in the Bolt and was sold after about 4 minutes. I have my display set permanently to "Night Mode", like Cataract2, so it has a darker background, which i like. I use Android Auto and it integrates flawlessly. I've had my car for, let's see, 18 months and 22,000 miles and the only issue I've had is having to reboot the infotainment system every once in a while, which takes 12 seconds. I LOVE this car.

 

[Vertiformed]

The motor does heat up, which is why the drivetrain-electronics coolant loop includes the motor.

Indeed. The Bolt's motor peaks at 96.75% efficient, which is pretty good. At 45 mph drawing 9 kW, that's only about 300W.

Generating maximum torque at low speed, however, it's only about 85% efficient. For brief periods the motor will be generating 22.5 kW of heat.

Based on the efficiency map of the motor, anything that's not really stomping the go pedal is pretty efficient.

 

[De Clarke]

Thanks all, for the useful information!

I wondered a bit about the seats myself -- they felt a little hard and unforgiving, but the shape seems OK for my height and back comfort.

The price tag is pretty "shocking" (ahem) but it seems like there is nothing at all comparable at the moment, so Chevy can charge whatever they want

The decision point for me is whether to go on being a happy bottom feeder (picking up older used vehicles for cheap and keeping them on the road as long as I can) or to completely break a lifetime's habit and splurge on a brand new vehicle. I have enough in the bank to do that; but I drive fairly few miles per year so there is no way I would ever get even ten percent of the purchase price back in the form of fuel savings.

Maintenance costs on my quarter-ton pickup are nearly nil also... so I can't pretend it's an economic decision. It's really about conscience money -- wanting a ZEV even for my relatively few miles per year -- not wanting to invest any more dollars in the gas/diesel sector, wanting a clean divorce from the gas pump. Even if it's an expensive divorce. I looked hard at hybrids and was not impressed; crazy complexity to achieve fuel economies that frankly could be outdone by a small diesel.

In a way, buying a new Bolt feels like nothing more than costly virtue-signaling but then on the other hand, I'm gonna have to get another car sometime soon... and why invest more money in a dying technology? With a little luck, the Bolt could last me the rest of my life (I'm over 60 now).

I only use Google Maps when I'm within range of 4G cell service, i.e. "in the city" (nearest town). The island where I live has no cell service, or so marginal as to be useless. But when in town, I can fire up the cell phone and use it for Google Maps navigation. It's an Android phone, so hoping Android Auto will work for me.

The other thing that concerns me a bit is temperature -- I have only a carport, not a heated garage, so the car would have to take its chances on ambient temperature. Where I live, temps rarely get much below 0 C, and that only for a few days out of the year. 5-10C is more common in winter. We don't get a lot of snow as a rule, maybe a couple of weeks in early Spring. Lots of rain -- definitely a very wet environment. Anyway, I suspect that the battery pack would be a bit colder than it likes to be for most of my driving season, which could limit my range.

Another concern is that the car would sit unused for long periods of time when I'm away from the island (on a boat, that is). I'd be nervous about leaving it plugged in, but OTOH would it be bad for it to sit for up to 90 days unattended, uncharged, just parked? Should I get a friend to drop by and plug it in every so many weeks?

My average daily round trip is about 20km, and I don't even do that every single day -- so I think a normal 15a household circuit would work OK for me. Out in the bigger world, I can probably find a charging station for fast-charge.

 

[Jim Fallston Md.]

I wondered a bit about the seats myself -- they felt a little hard and unforgiving, but the shape seems OK for my height and back comfort.

The price tag is pretty "shocking" (ahem) but it seems like there is nothing at all comparable at the moment, so Chevy can charge whatever they want

The decision point for me is whether to go on being a happy bottom feeder (picking up older used vehicles for cheap and keeping them on the road as long as I can) or to completely break a lifetime's habit and splurge on a brand new vehicle. I have enough in the bank to do that; but I drive fairly few miles per year so there is no way I would ever get even ten percent of the purchase price back in the form of fuel savings.

Maintenance costs on my quarter-ton pickup are nearly nil also... so I can't pretend it's an economic decision. It's really about conscience money -- wanting a ZEV even for my relatively few miles per year -- not wanting to invest any more dollars in the gas/diesel sector, wanting a clean divorce from the gas pump. Even if it's an expensive divorce. I looked hard at hybrids and was not impressed; crazy complexity to achieve fuel economies that frankly could be outdone by a small diesel.

In a way, buying a new Bolt feels like nothing more than costly virtue-signaling but then on the other hand, I'm gonna have to get another car sometime soon... and why invest more money in a dying technology? With a little luck, the Bolt could last me the rest of my life (I'm over 60 now).

I only use Google Maps when I'm within range of 4G cell service, i.e. "in the city" (nearest town). The island where I live has no cell service, or so marginal as to be useless. But when in town, I can fire up the cell phone and use it for Google Maps navigation. It's an Android phone, so hoping Android Auto will work for me.

The other thing that concerns me a bit is temperature -- I have only a carport, not a heated garage, so the car would have to take its chances on ambient temperature. Where I live, temps rarely get much below 0 C, and that only for a few days out of the year. 5-10C is more common in winter. We don't get a lot of snow as a rule, maybe a couple of weeks in early Spring. Lots of rain -- definitely a very wet environment. Anyway, I suspect that the battery pack would be a bit colder than it likes to be for most of my driving season, which could limit my range.

Another concern is that the car would sit unused for long periods of time when I'm away from the island (on a boat, that is). I'd be nervous about leaving it plugged in, but OTOH would it be bad for it to sit for up to 90 days unattended, uncharged, just parked? Should I get a friend to drop by and plug it in every so many weeks?

My average daily round trip is about 20km, and I don't even do that every single day -- so I think a normal 15a household circuit would work OK for me. Out in the bigger world, I can probably find a charging station for fast-charge.

What part of the world do you live in and will you be able to get the $7,500.00 fed tax credit or local tax relief ? I had $10,500.00 in combined credits and about a $4,000.00 dealer discount, so not as expensive as the sticker appears. In the Baltimore area there is one dealer who has 25 in stock and is offering $9,000.00 discounts.

 

[Packard V8]

completely break a lifetime's habit and splurge on a brand new vehicle. I have enough in the bank to do that; but I drive fairly few miles per year so there is no way I would ever get even ten percent of the purchase price back in the form of fuel savings.

Same here, but the Bolt's virtues are so many and so obvious and the fun-to-drive being the lagniappe, we bought it because it was the right thing to do.

jack vines

 

[cwerdna]

As others have pointed out, the car has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. I've used CarPlay only and haven't tried Android Auto (I carry both an iPhone and Android phone, but Android's for work only). Hopefully, someone has confirmed that downloading offline maps with Google Maps plays well with using using Android Auto.

Longevity? Open the hood and look down at a silver box over the axles--way down, well below the top inverter and other electrical housings. It's the motor. It has seven moving pieces.
...
The transmission is a one-speed. There is no clutch....
All the stress factors in mechanical operation seem to have disappeared by going electric.

You soon get the feeling that the drive train is an 'appliance' that will last the life of the vehicle. The wear-and-tear will come from the body work, seats and interior, just like a normal car.

Keep in mind I've heard these same types of rationalizations for Teslas at Teslamotorsclub. Doesn't necessarily pan out. Some folks have been thru as many as 7+ drive units on their Model S. I can point to a ton of people who needed DU replacements and after the noise problems w/them seemed to have been solved, numerous folks still have them fail.

And, numerous Model X folks have had half-shafts replaced multiple times under warranty to solve acceleration shudder problems. I've seen some videos of Model S also w/shudder problems.

Fortunately, Bolt's drive unit is covered by an 8 year/100K warranty. Teslas also have long DU warranties.

 

[neutrondrip]

The island where I live has no cell service, or so marginal as to be useless. But when in town, I can fire up the cell phone and use it for Google Maps navigation. It's an Android phone, so hoping Android Auto will work for me.

If you don't get good cell service at or near your home, be prepared for spotty or no response from the OnStar / MyChevrolet app. If you end up paying for anything more than the free trial, you might want to ask to test the service coverage at your home before you purchase.

 

[Pike Bishop]

There is no transmission service needed at 150,000 miles, or at any other interval, as it’s a lifetime lubricated system.

At 150,000 miles the coolant needs to be replaced, there are three separate coolant systems, one for the battery, one for the drivetrain and electronics, and one for cabin heating. The Bolt uses standard GM antifreeze.

The motor does heat up, which is why the drivetrain-electronics coolant loop includes the motor.

Please check the Weber Automotive Video "Chevrolet Bolt EV Traction Motor -- Deep Dive" between 3:30 and about 10:00. Professor Weber reads 'recommended fluid change interval for the transmission fluid' several times from the shop manual. True, no specified lifetime, but an indication of a change interval.



It's probably better to say that there is, as of yet, no manufacturer specified interval. (I also note the provisions for fill, test, and drain plugs on the 1ET25 drive train. It seems too complex to be a true 'sealed for life' module.)



My guess is that will evolve similar to the Mercedes E-series transmissions. Our family's first E-series was sold as a 'sealed transmission'. At about 40k miles, our dealer informed us of a MB service bulletin that suggested a transmission fluid check and possible replacement. When we sold the vehicle at 85k miles, the transmission was still sealed but the service interval was dependent on 'dealer and user requirements'.



Note: There has been a GM dealer communication, PIC6240D, on transmission parts restrictions for the Chevrolet Bolt EV. The bulletin is in response to NHTSA driver complaints. Again, its a bit cryptic but something is going on...

 

[jim0266]

The Weber videos really sold me on the car. I had to get over it being a "Chevy," but it's really more an LG Chem car. I test drove several 17 Bolts and hated the seats. Tested two 19's when I heard they were better padded. I still wound up adding more padding to the driver Bolt seat. It's now much more comfy. Took a few hours since I was following howto's I found online.

My wife is the test subject. The Bolt replaces her Prius (2007 w/126k). A used Leaf replaced my Camry a few years ago, which sent me down the EV rabbit hole. The Leaf driving experience made me want to go all EV. My intention was to run the Prius a few more years and and pick up a used 200-mile EV at fire sales prices I paid for the Leaf. Used Bolt prices are ridiculous compared to a new Bolt purchase. When I realized that was not going to pan out, I jumped on the Bolt to secure the federal tax credit. I'm now wondering if I should get a Bolt for myself before the tax credits expire on 3/30. The problem is my daily commute needs are, to say the least, modest and we still have the Prius as our "beater" car. I'll never see Kona or Niro where I live and and still somewhat leery of Tesla, mostly for long-term non battery costs.