Chevy Bolt EV - 238 Mile Range $30K after incentives

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by UFO

It's been 2 years since I logged in here, still driving my diesel VW. I am really looking towards switching to an EV this year, and the Bolt seems like a really good option, especially that range. It would be really nice to hear a software update that could give more coasting, or the option to tailor it.

Like neutral? I neutral cost in my volt all the time, it's awesome with such good aero and being a heavy car.

[UFO]

Originally Posted by ksa8907

Like neutral? I neutral cost in my volt all the time, it's awesome with such good aero and being a heavy car.

I've never driven anything electric, I didn't know N was an option, lol.

I agree it would be nice to get a used one and not have to pay the depreciation. I've heard buying an EV new can be very inexpensive when all the tax credits are factored in. Who knows what the future credits will be with the all the nonsense going on at the federal level, but currently $7500 federal, $5000 in Colorado, and a special rate with the electric utility might make buying new an option -- I've never bought new before.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by UFO

I've never driven anything electric, I didn't know N was an option, lol.

I agree it would be nice to get a used one and not have to pay the depreciation. I've heard buying an EV new can be very inexpensive when all the tax credits are factored in. Who knows what the future credits will be with the all the nonsense going on at the federal level, but currently $7500 federal, $5000 in Colorado, and a special rate with the electric utility might make buying new an option -- I've never bought new before.

Sounds like the best opportunity to buy new with all those subsidies then. Just know you need to have $7,500 in federal tax liability to get the full credit amount. It is non-refundable, meaning only the relatively wealthy can take full advantage.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by UFO

I've never driven anything electric, I didn't know N was an option, lol.

I agree it would be nice to get a used one and not have to pay the depreciation. I've heard buying an EV new can be very inexpensive when all the tax credits are factored in. Who knows what the future credits will be with the all the nonsense going on at the federal level, but currently $7500 federal, $5000 in Colorado, and a special rate with the electric utility might make buying new an option -- I've never bought new before.

If you are interested in a new Bolt this is the year to buy one. Each automaker only gets 200,000 Federal EV tax credits. After they hit 200K the credit drops to $3750 for 6 months and then $1825 for 6 months, then to $0. GM has sold roughly 170,000 EVs to date so they only have 30,000 credits before the phase out period starts. GM has been selling about 40K EVs per year so they should start the phase out in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2018.

As Redpoint5 said, you need to pay $7500 in Federal income taxes in 1 year to get the full credit. If you don't pay that much you can look at leasing the vehicle. The leasing company will collect the full $7500 and you should insist that they discount the price of the car by $7500. Then you can buy out the lease if you want or wait and see. It is more expensive than buying outright but cheaper than not getting the credit. It all comes down to your tax obligation as which method is better.

[NeilBlanchard]

The best way to coast in the Bolt EV is to put it in N - just push the lever forward and hold it in N for a brief moment. To put it back into D, just pull the lever back into D.

When in N - you don't have any regen available on the brake pedal; or the paddle on the back left of the steering wheel.

I really hope that Chevy gives us the option to have free wheel coasting in D - and to toggle off creep in D, as well.

The Bolt EV coasts quite well; the stock Michelin tires are pretty darn good at coasting. It is close to as good as the Leaf S we used to have. The Leaf had to be put into N to coast; though it either took 2 seconds holding the puck in N, or you just put it into R - while going faster than 7MPH. If you put in in R below 7MPH - you actually went into reverse! Which could be exciting ...

[easythereturbo]

I also wish there was a better coasting setting available. I will say this.. Bolt lets you do a pretty good imitation of neutral with some steady foot pressure. Kind of a pain in the neck (ankle?) but this is the method I use. Its kind of hairy going N in traffic, and I'm always in traffic.

Its a great little hatchback. Not just great for an EV, but as a car period. Not a one trick pony. 0-60 it will put a lot of sporty looking cars to shame. Seats folded its a pretty good mini pickup. Towards the end of my car shopping I was back and forth between an Egolf and a used gas commuter, but one test drive in the Bolt and I knew what my next car was.

[NeilBlanchard]

The i3 has a much easier "detent" on the accelerator pedal, for "coasting", but even then, it is not as good as just putting the Leaf / Bolt EV in neutral. Popping it back into D is very quick; if you form the habit.

As an avid manual shift driver (when I had an ICE), shifting into neutral is simple. But, I will miss our e-Golf, when we turn it in (which is very soon!); and the Hyundai IONIQ also has coasting in D, by default.

[easythereturbo]

Just stomp that accel pedal and you be like "e-what?"

[NeilBlanchard]

We now have almost 14K miles on our 2017 Chevy Bolt EV. We got it mid-September of last year, so that is about 1750 miles a month. The biggest issue we have had so far, is the carpet on the front passenger's wheel well is pulling down. I will have to look closely at it to see if there is a good way to secure it better.

We have updated the software twice. The most recent time, the dealer updated both the battery management software (which was required by GM) and the main interface software was updated for a second time.

So far, so good!

Who else is driving a Bolt EV?

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

We now have almost 14K miles on our 2017 Chevy Bolt EV. We got it mid-September of last year, so that is about 1750 miles a month. ...

You don't have a fueling log here on EM. Not interested anymore? EM allows MPGe, no? Do you have one elsewhere we can see? I am curious.