What do you guys think of electric cars (like the bolt)?

[jcp123]

They're for somebody, but not for me. Whatever my personal feelings, there is zero possibility of an EV fitting into my commute in any way.

A lot of people, though would be well-served by an EV most of the time. It's at the margins where they still fade a little bit.

[NeilBlanchard]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I know THREE people locally who have bought Bolts. (I socialize above my pay grade )

And they're supply-limited around here. People are complaining they can't get them.

One bought a low kms trade-in; the other bought the first one an out-of-town dealer got without even driving it; the most recent buyer ordered his and had to wait 6 months for it to arrive.

I got a chance to drive one of them:




We went out for an eco-driving lesson. (Estimated remaining range increased during my demonstration drive. )

My thoughts on the car: I understand why people are interested: the incentives are hard to resist (around $10k in Ontario, I think); tons of range; the body style offers good utility; the performance is eye-opening. (You can hear the tires breaking grip when you mat the accelerator at 25 mph.)

I'll get a chance to drive one again in a few weeks - the 3rd buyer wants an eco-driving lesson too.

Keep in mind, you can put the Bolt EV into neutral by pushing the "shifter" forward and holding it there for about half a second. You can feel the regen go away. You have to put it back into D in order to get any regen, even on the brake pedal.

My family is averaging 5.3 miles / kWh over the last 1700 miles.

[NeilBlanchard]

Originally Posted by ProDigit

The bolt (or just about any EV) doesn't really work for me, just because:

1. I don't have a clear path from my home to where my car is parked, to charge; and,
2. I mainly drive highway miles. That means, half a battery a day, is quite taxing on such a car.

Highway speed range is about 175-190 miles. Is that not enough for you?

Charging at home - or at least within walking distance, is key. Cables can be buried, and the EVSE installed on a post, though.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

You have to put it back into D in order to get any regen, even on the brake pedal.

I was told by multiple people that there is zero regen with brake pedal use. Is this not the case?

I was shocked to learn Tesla has zero regen with brake pedal use, which basically forces use of 1-pedal mode to recapture as much of that kinetic energy as possible when slowing.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Highway speed range is about 175-190 miles. Is that not enough for you?

Charging at home - or at least within walking distance, is key. Cables can be buried, and the EVSE installed on a post, though.

Can't speak for him, but it definitely isn't for me. 100 miles (almost on the dot) to work, park for weeks (charging? Ha!), 100 miles back home.

[oil pan 4]

Spending $50 to $100 a week on gasoline isn't for me.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by jcp123

Can't speak for him, but it definitely isn't for me. 100 miles (almost on the dot) to work, park for weeks (charging? Ha!), 100 miles back home.

The Bolt would accomplish that trip all year given your TX weather. Not saying it's the right vehicle for you, just saying it can be done, and electricity is cheap.

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I was told by multiple people that there is zero regen with brake pedal use. Is this not the case?

I was shocked to learn Tesla has zero regen with brake pedal use, which basically forces use of 1-pedal mode to recapture as much of that kinetic energy as possible when slowing.

Assuming the bolt is similar to the volt, braking in neutral provides no regen, must be in drive or low. If you are regen braking in drive and shift to neutral, the car will give a very apparent lurch as the mechanical brakes engage quickly to make up for the lost regen braking force.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by ksa8907

Assuming the bolt is similar to the volt, braking in neutral provides no regen, must be in drive or low. If you are regen braking in drive and shift to neutral, the car will give a very apparent lurch as the mechanical brakes engage quickly to make up for the lost regen braking force.

I was asking in reference to the quoted text:

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

You have to put it back into D in order to get any regen, even on the brake pedal.

This quoted text implies there is regen on the brake pedal for the Bolt.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

The Bolt would accomplish that trip all year given your TX weather. Not saying it's the right vehicle for you, just saying it can be done, and electricity is cheap.

Maybe? If the above post is correct and freeway range is under 200 miles...it really leaves very little in the margins if anything at all. Also, I don't know what kind of draw the systems have when the car is off and parked. I disconnect my 12v for that reason. Doable? Maybe. Practical? I'd say no in the case of the Bolt, let alone Leaf, MiEV, etc. Tesla, maybe. 300 miles would make me feel pretty confident about it; even better would be roof solar to recharge the pack. I'd come back to a full battery every time!