[shepdave]

Okay, I took the plunge yesterday. I bought a new (2019) Bolt LT with “Convenience package,” “Driver Confidence,” and “Driver Confidence II,” plus DCFC. I’ll be in the 110 volt club for awhile. I’ll be going to the dealer tomorrow to pick it up. (It had to be driven to my dealer from one about 50 miles away for me to get it equipped the way I wanted.)

I’m excited, and only very slightly nervous. I’ve been driving Priuses for the past 15 years, and I remember how, back in 2004, a hybrid car was still a bit exotic.

But earlier this week I filled my Prius with gas for the last time I’ll fill a car with gas FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. That is mega-cool.

I’ve been surfing this forum for a couple of days to learn things about my new car. Thanks for al y’all’s helpful info.

 

[thetodd]

Welcome to the club. Love my Bolt. I've had it almost a month now. Coming from a Prius you will definitely love the Bolt's acceleration.

 

[shepdave]

I now have it in my driveway! Super cool! It's charging on my outdoor 110 VAC outlet right now. I've got a lot to learn, but I was able to hook up my iPhone through Apple CarPlay, get directions somewhere on my Apple Maps app, and drive to an appointment this afternoon.

I'm trying to figure out what happens when my OnStar trial runs out. Doubt that I'll cough up for a monthly paid subscription, but I do hope I'll be able to check state of charge and such through my iPhone.

Anyway, I look forward to both the car and this forum!

 

[Packard V8]

Welcome to the forum.

Stick with the 110-volt charger for a while and learn what your use and needs are. We installed a 220-volt EVSE, but found we could have gotten enough juice from the OEM unit.

jack vines

 

[p7wang]

Agreed, 220v is a luxury item for most. Overnight charging on 110v should give you enough range each day... if not, there is always weekend or even paying for use of commercial DCFC to catch up.

Though, it probably is a very good idea to get installed if you plan to sell your house in the future. In a few years when EVs become common place, a prospective buyer may prefer your house if it already comes with a NEMA 14-50 in the garage.

 

[surgeonFWW]

Welcome to the family of Bolt EV ownership and to the Forum. I will put in a vote for the home 240VAC EVSE. Depending on where you live (or travel), having a plugged EVSE which you can remove from the wall bracket and take with you may be VERY helpful. Here in WV, we have many areas with rare AC Level 2 EVSE (and NO DC Level 1 or 2 SAE/CCS Combo plug DCFC in the entire state) but many NEMA 14-50 outlets (every RV park, every KoA Kampground). If you buy a 30-40 amp EVSE with a NEMA 14-50 plug, you are golden! Also, I like charging once a week for my usual daily commuting. And for that unexpected, next day, hundred mile trip, I am able to put 25 RMPCH (range miles per charging hour) in the battery. Lastly, the ability to charge more quickly means less dependence on charging to 100% to maintain a suitable "buffer".

 

[hickman55]

So rule #1 - do not charge to 100% unless leaving on a trip where you will need to recharge to return home. Keep it below 90% and your battery should last longer. I only charge to 75-80%. I also try to keep the battery above 20%.