2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV: 3-Year Review at 33k Miles - Buy Used or Upgrade to a 2020?

[@Icayn]

This car is a MUST buy used car. You will spend literally nothing on maintenance, nothing on gas, and little to nothing on repairs due to the simplicity of the electric design. The electric motor will likely do 500,000 miles easily, and the battery degradation is proving to be less than 10 percent after well over 100,000 miles. Used car buyers should be sprinting to dealerships to get these off lease. They are bullet proof and the exact same tech is costing Tesla owners a fortune, albeit with a lot less reliability from the Teslas.

[@plugandplayEV]

100%. It will be exciting to see just how many miles the early drivers can put on these cars before they see anything approaching significant loss of range.

[@davidmccarthy6061]

@@plugandplayEV Thanks for this update! I got my 2017 used and still at 24K miles but of course really no miles put on this year with working from home. I love the zero maintenance and run around local errands. I do love the buttons/knobs that I can hand the keys to anyone and not need to give them a 15 minute lesson (Tesla). The front seats don't bother me much but I haven't done more than an hour drive at a time. The battery should outlast the car really. I just wish the new model had faster charging rate but that will come with new battery chemistry. All in all a great car since I never expected an Audi interior.

[@StormyDog]

No, the tech doesn't even begin to touch that of any Tesla and the reliability of the Bolt is also somewhat less. I've considered the Bolt a few times because of the huge discounts but the negatives always stop me. There are good reasons for the discounts. That said, a very nice video on the Bolt.

[@pablopicaro7649]

@@StormyDog Very true the Bolt is not as technically advanced, and lacks the sophisticated integrated engineering. However, its simpler design (less likely to fail and cheaper to repair) and better support network (GM is in every medium and up size town) still make it quite appealing. Styling is a big fail for the Bolt to me,

[@Pierorocks]

This is the car I'm eyeing after a few more of my current car. Tired of high gas prices and mechanical issues.

[@mcamodell]

I definitely consider it a daily driver doing local delivery in the evening and commuting to school during the day. I make it through my 85-160 mile day with no issues, definitely not just a "city car". I do have a small list of gripes about it though. The fact that the radio switches back to FM and yells at you every time you start the car is a Dislike. I find the headrests forcing you into a kyphotic neck stressing position if you attempt to put your seat anything close to upright a Dislike. I hate that Chevy has decided that we will no longer be able to upgrade stereos in OUR cars anymore...no BT 5.0 or newer USB ports as the years go by for us. I personally also find it absurd that my Bolt came with 17" rims and 50 series tires resulting in a terrible ride and extraordinarily expensive tires with increased install costs to boot. This, being an economy car with an expensive battery, should have been configured with 15s and the same tire size as a Prius. The suspension is no where near up to the task of mitigating pot holes and speed bumps on 50 series rubber bands. And do not even get me started on the stupidity of implementing a 5x105 bolt pattern! . Thankfully I was able to locate a reasonably priced set of Chevy Sonic 15" alloy wheels which fit perfect with 205/65-15 tires fitted, straightened out the legs of the headrests with a vice and got an AUX BT adapter to bypass the terrible stereo all together. I am much happier with the car for now, but the intentional lack of options to upgrade the infotainment system in future is very disappointing.

[@jamescorrigan7999]

5.0 miles/Kwh ! I am impressed. I picked up my 2020 Bolt Premier at the end of March. I have never gotten above 4.0 miles/Kwh. I have not taken any long trips, I did lend it to my brother for a 4 day trip to western Pennsylvania. He noted a range of only about 215 miles, but this was driving on the PA Turnpike at about 75 mph. The high speeds, and the terrain, especially on the PA Turnpike, west of Harrisburg, PA, diminish range. Also, DC fast chargers are few and far between in western Pennsylvania. Grteat review.

[@dennislyon5412]

James Corrigan - not so efficient at freeway speeds, but the Bolt will deliver more than 5 mi/kwh if your average speed is more urban than freeway. A steady low 60 mph cruise with little ac requirement can approach 5.0.

[@jamescorrigan7999]

Thanks, Dennis . So, I guess 215 miles of range @ 75 mph is not too bad. I do not like driving with the windows open at high sppeds, and I really like to use the AC, as soon as it gets warm.

[@plugandplayEV]

Yeah, the best we ever see from high speed travel (70mph+) is also 4 mi/kWh, and even that's at the height of summer. Right now we're closer to 3.8 mi/kWh and I typically planned 200 miles max for the first leg of a long trip, which works out about 3.5 mi/kWh required. Around town in dry conditions above 50F, we're always close to 5 mi/kWh or above. One of our toughest early trips in the 2017 was down to see relatives near Somerset, PA for Thanksgiving. This was pre-Electrify America, so the run from Harrisburg onwards was no joke in (almost) winter conditions! Made it with 10 miles or so to spare and the car spent the holiday trickle charging at a hotel in Donegal 😬

[@jamescorrigan7999]

@@plugandplayEV Western Pennsylvania, between Harrisburg and Pittsburg is still a bit of an EV fast charging desert. My brother was able to charge up my 2020 Bolt at the Electrify America fast charger; just off of the PA Turnpike, at the Bedford exit. On the way back, he wanted to charge up in Altoona, and then take I-99 to US 322, through State College PA, before re-joining the PA Turnpike near Harrisburg. But the fast charger near Altoona, PA would not work. ( It is scheduled to be taken out of service on July 2, 2020 ). And he was surprised when I told him that there are no fast chargers near State College, PA.. So, he had to return, the same way he came, stopping at the fast charger near Bedford, PA, to juice up before getting back on to the PA Turnpike. There are still gaps in the system, even with the extra 6 Kwh on the 2020 Bolt.

[@plugandplayEV]

We've had luck with Stocker Chevrolet in State College before EA was around, but 25kW isn't how you want to charge nowadays. Experiences like your brother's make it all the more frustrating that PA is (so far) spending its state-level funds from Dieselgate on DCFC where it's not needed (suburbs of Philly and Pittsburgh) and "clean diesel" vehicles, rather than 150kW stations in the places you mentioned. Maine is a great example of spending that money well, as they identified several key gaps and moved quickly to install DCFC equipment there. Same is happening in North Dakota right now.

[@danabbott2965]

I'll add my thanks to this collection. I had a Nissan Leaf for three years that I loved, but the range in the winter in Maine was sometimes problematic and the battery replacement for the Bolts made a used 2017 appealing. I found several of them at non-Chevy dealerships, but had a specific preferred Chevy dealer in mind. They had a 2017 LT loaded with 28,000 miles for under $21,000 but because of the stop order, they couldn't allow it to be driven or delivered to a customer. Thanks to many reviews and several KZbin videos -- primarily yours -- I decided to buy the car without a test drive, and without being able to take possession until the new battery was installed, thinking it would have to be happening soon since the car was a 2017, but still waiting for the "solution unavailable" to be changed. In the meantime, the Nissan dealer where I bought the Leaf contacted me with an offer to buy it back that was generous and eliminated the need to sell privately or do a trade-in, so I took them up on it. I am confident that being without an electric car (I have a F150 5.4L truck, so I'm not walking to work, but I bought to Leaf so I could reserve it for things only a truck can do) will have been worth it when I can take delivery of the Bolt -- hopefully before too many more months pass now that they've announced the plan to resume production in April. So, thanks once again. I answered the question posed by you two years ago with "buy used" for sure, and now with a new longer range battery.

[@plugandplayEV]

Thanks so much for the story and support, Dan. Bolts are coming out the other side of this recall more "like new" than "used", so I'm confident you'll be pleased with your decision. Keep us updated and, when you get the green light, happy Bolting!

[@danabbott2965]

@@plugandplayEV The RECALL status on the VIN for the Bolt that I have been waiting for changed to "open" yesterday morning, one month after I made the non-refundable deposit. So I am expecting to have in within weeks, not months. And I agree that will will be pleased with it.

[@keithmcdonnell4485]

The whole "it isn't soft touch" thing drives me nuts... how often do you touch your dash? If the parts I touch on a regular basis are soft touch, and they saved me money on parts that I never touch then the interior materials are perfect!

[@plugandplayEV]

Yeah, no-one has ever got in our Bolt and started knocking all over the place... that's strictly for reviewers and nitpickers! On the other hand, the area I mentioned on the driver side door is definitely somewhere I rest my arm a lot and would benefit from a more forgiving material. When all's said and done, though, it's an affordable style of car for which the buyer pays a bit more to enjoy the electric drive train. And the interior as a whole is pretty well put together, at least in our model.

[@krisalcordo7842]

I like to caress my cars okay?

[@tommckinney1489]

You pretty much nailed it. The only drawback for me is the overall charging speed, but to be fair, 55kW was pretty good when the Bolt was designed. IMO, the Bolt still is the best bang for the buck for any of the current EV's. The new VW's may change that, though. So now you have 2 Bolts? I thought the 2017 was leased and you were going to turn it in, but maybe that was an assumption on my part.

[@plugandplayEV]

No, you're correct and the leased 2017 just went back this week. It's interesting that initial hands-on reports of the ID.3 mention excellent tech but not such a great interior as we've come to expect from Volkswagen. Makes me wonder if their battery costs are still too high and driving cost-cutting measures on cabin materials, not unlike the Bolt a few years back. We'll find out with the ID.4, I guess.

[@mcamodell]

Even the Newest Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona EV only charge at 50kW, which is sad considering My Ex's 2015 Kia Soul DC Fast charges at 100kW(tested)

[@derylhunt4494]

Just got the 2022 bolt and love it Wondering about 55 dcfc rate do you think it is a software issue or hardware? Maybe they will upgrade the dcfc?

[@tommckinney1489]

@@derylhunt4494 I think if Chevy could have made a software change they would have, so it's most likely a hardware issue (battery design, cooling system, etc). IMO they will increase the charge rate when they start using the Ultium batteries. I think the Lyric (maybe Hummer?) will be the first with Ultium batteries so it'll be interesting to see what the charge rate is.

[@plugandplayEV]

@@derylhunt4494 It's all on the hardware, specifically the wiring and charge port capabilities. The pack should be capable of taking at least what the Kona Electric and Niro EV can do (~75kW peak), but GM hasn't seen fit to upgrade the Bolt's DCFC in any way. As Tom pointed out, faster charging is likely to be reserved for the Ultium batteries, which have been designed for the future of GM's range. The Bolt is likely to remain in the budget category and DCFC capability will be one of the trade-offs to keep the price down.

[@wassiswallylokhankin191]

I have a 2019 Premier, and the only thing I wouldn't mind having in it is built-in navigation. Too lazy to reach for my phone every time I need directions. Otherwise, I am perfectly happy with my Bolt EV and would recommend it to anybody.

[@plugandplayEV]

That request does come up from time to time, but I've never really missed it myself. Most OEM nav systems are nowhere near Google or Apple in terms of either UI or being up to date, so plugging in a device to get far better navigation always seems like a worthwhile effort. That said, it can certainly be nice to have a back up if the phone loses connectivity or has other issues, though I rarely run into that where we are.

[@MsPokey1234]

Hi Guys, Hope "WALMART" soon sees the advantage of having say 6x EV Charge Stations near front door of every USA Store! It is perfect blend~ Shopper now has a hour or more to shop inside!

[@plugandplayEV]

Very true. I've never spent as much in Walmart (time and money) as we have this last year or two!

[@Illswyn]

Spaces will be full of diesel trucks, or shopping carts. It's Walmart, afterall.

[@plugandplayEV]

Honestly, after visiting around 20 of these EA Walmart/Sam's locations, they're rarely blocked. Most are out to the side of the massive lot, some all the way in the back. Only the one in Albany, NY has been a bit busier.

[@bradburnett7576]

saw one for $7k, 150k miles.. test drove it and fell in love. had to wait for my tax return and someone got it the day before. devastating. then we saw one in cali for 7.7k and I sent them all my stuff to get a purchase agreement and they said someone bought it online an hour before me.. :'( crushed.. i'm not even sure if the actually had the car or if they were just generating a sales lead but they tried to offer some of the 2020 models but they are like 9-10k and out of my budget for now. i've sold one of my two cars now in preparation for when the next deal comes along and trying to save the difference in the meantime but it will pay for itself in a year doordashing vs gas.

[@adithyaramachandran7427]

I woud get the 2020. Cold weather charging improvement and cameras are a big plus.

[@plugandplayEV]

I didn't think I'd care much about the cameras but they do add to the otherwise excellent safety features and bird's eye view/360° visibility when parking. It generally adds to the feeling of a wrll-presented package in the tech. It will be interesting to see how the cold weather updates for the 2017-2019 help in deeper winter. GM is showing they're willing and able to tweak the charging profile of older models, so I think they should take it a step further and replace the steps down with the 2020's taper. Not likely, perhaps, but it would help keep people in their corner when it comes to EVs.

[@mowcowbell]

It boils down to whether cold weather charging improvement and cameras are worth $15K. I can buy a used 2017 Bolt for $14K, cheapest I can find a 2020 is around $28-29K. Many of us have driven for years without any cameras and somehow managed just fine.

[@Lynyrd_Evnyrd]

Having ridden in the Bolt, the first thing I noticed is it’s surprisingly quick. I like the infotainment and as a big guy I surprisingly don’t mind the seats. For the money it’s a truly great deal especially with the range numbers it puts up. My main cons for it are the charging speed (come on GM), and I have to be honest, the styling.

[@plugandplayEV]

Ha, it's telling that I failed to mention that in the whole vid... I just take it for granted now that most EVs deliver rapid acceleration and a smooth ride, but I should always remember to note it. The charging is the main Achilles heel but there are certainly owners who never fast charge (second car, only local driving, elongated long trips with destination charging instead of DCFC etc.), so in some cases it's just not a factor. The styling is always subjective but certainly a portion of buyers just won't like it. Compacts in general aren't that popular, and there's a certain rounded aesthetic to the Bolt that doesn't sit well with more modern, aggressive styling. Thanks for the thoughts and experience 👍

[@wassiswallylokhankin191]

@@plugandplayEV "The styling is always subjective but certainly a portion of buyers just won't like it." Yet another portion of buyers - and a big one, too - loves the Bolt's styling and unequivocally prefers it over the "more modern, aggressive" styling that makes cars look like lumps of crumpled paper. All it takes is an observant eye to see the beauty of the Bolt.

[@lowlifeangler]

@@wassiswallylokhankin191 Fastest car I ever rode in is a Tesla S

[@wassiswallylokhankin191]

@@lowlifeangler Fastest car I ever rode in is a Boeing 747. So?

[@Bob-x2u9b]

​@@plugandplayEVA Ronald McDonald clown shoe that doesn't need gas= I'll take it.

[@jeffreykeeran654]

Of all the these reviews, yours is exemplary. Makes it easy to purchase in dec 2021 a 2017 premier with less than 40,000 miles but close - for $21,000 tax title etal with new battery.

[@plugandplayEV]

Thank you Jeffrey, it's great to know that these reviews remain helpful over time. Wishing you many miles of happy Bolting in your like-new 2017!

[@mosfet500]

Leased the 2017, great car. Got into a 2020 Premier lease for ~$31.5k out the door last January, couldn't pass it up!

[@plugandplayEV]

Niiiice. Ours (2020) will be around $27.5k all-in if we decide to buy it out. The residual on the 2017 alone was $26k, so that was never going to happen. Watching the VIN now to see if it surfaces for under $20k.

[@tony_25or6to4]

That wear on the driver's seat is from getting in and out. Happens with every car.

[@plugandplayEV]

Well, that certainly makes me feel better about not having a destructive arse 👍

[@mcamodell]

Yes, but my 20 year old VW has slightly less wear than that ;)

[@ARAR148]

When I sold the car, someone asked me if the seat was damaged or the steering wheel, just because I kept covers on them to keep them in perfect shape, but I did just pick up a 2014 Chevrolet Spark

[@magic1010d]

2017 owner. Biggest complaint is people think the car is a short range EV, I have never driven it all the way down without stopping to go to the bathroom.

[@plugandplayEV]

I think opinion has shifted a little, as I hear "regional vehicle" in relation to the Bolt now more than "city car". But yes, 200-220 miles driving at highway speeds is good for three hours driving on a first leg of any journey. We usually push it to that to maximize the speed of the first leg and charge at 50-55kW for longer on the first charge stop, but I'm usually busting for a bio break at around 175 miles, so bladder anxiety is definitely the real challenge!

[@magic1010d]

@@plugandplayEV in your 33,000 mi have you run run out of energy to the point where the car wouldn't drive.

[@plugandplayEV]

No, never. Closest we've been was 2 or 3%, if I recall, but we always have a charger waiting at the destination.

[@EverhardVideos]

Good job! Thank you, exactly what I needed to know.

[@plugandplayEV]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@EverhardVideos]

@@plugandplayEV Bought one this morning.....

[@plugandplayEV]

Great to hear. What did you go for?

[@EverhardVideos]

@@plugandplayEV just under $19,000 for the car, Kentucky sales tax, and Kentucky license. It had 30,800 miles on it. Two minor scratches on it's back bumper. Rubbing compound made them go away. I am very happy with it. My wife loves it also. She out in it right now.

[@plugandplayEV]

@@EverhardVideos Great to hear, congratulations!

[@reecemartin4354]

Very interesting to hear about the downward pressure on prices!

[@plugandplayEV]

Yeah, the market in the US (and probably Canada too) is very distorted by the changing credits and rebates for EVs, as well as the wildly varied availability of certain models depending on location. Even so, the Bolt EV is probably the most affordable mid-range electric car on the market right now, new or used.

[@franko8606]

@@plugandplayEV In the south, we don't have any :) I had to get one from Carmax and have it transferred to Atlanta. $21K for a loaded 2017 Bolt Premium with 29k miles (excellent condition). A 2020 loaded Bolt is still up around $30k.

[@plugandplayEV]

Rough. Hope you got a good deal on the 2017 though... not hugely different and a very capable EV in its own right. Glad you were able to find one!

[@damianbiggs3131]

I was able to just buy a 2020 Premier (MSRP $43,765) at just over $28k (this includes the $3800 trade-in on a 2013 Ford Fusion...$8500 in incentives and an additional $2K supplier discount from a friend who is a GM employee and swears by these cars...was on me for a year to test drive one). I would also suggest negotiating additional accessories (all weather floor mats, cargo netting, and bowtie emblem swap to the black emblems if your get the car in black as well as the touch up kit.) I mention the extra accessories because the dealership I bought from gives the 1st 2 oil changes free and as a Bolt owner we don't need an oil change...the extra accessories are completely justified.

[@darchocla]

@@damianbiggs3131 How many miles on your fusion? I sold my 2013 crv for 14500 a few days ago...

[@myphonyaccount]

All electronics come from the factory 50% charged for battery storage stability during transit, warehousing, etc. Same should be maintained at home between a 30-70% range and it will last much longer than expected.

[@plugandplayEV]

A key topic that everyone asks about. It will be good to see EVs that have been on the road after 5 years or more and how their batteries have handled different charging habits of various users.

[@JoeRussellProductions]

Great video! Thank you. Looking at a 2017 Premiere right now... this video helped. My main concern was the seats, did they improve them any in the 2018 or above models compared to the 2017s?

[@plugandplayEV]

Thanks! The seats were rumored to get a little more padding by the 2019 model year, but most people don't feel there's a difference until the 2022 refresh. Even then, it's more the narrowness that causes some people discomfort. Padding or cushioning can be added easily enough, but if the seat feels too narrow when you take a test drive, that could be a deal breaker. I would say that at 6'2" and medium build, though, I've never had a problem over hundreds of miles road tripping on any given day. Hope it works out for you!

[@Bob-x2u9b]

May I ask your opinion on value. There is a 2017 Bolt Premier with 98,000 on the odometer, this Bolt does have the optional fast/rapid charging capability. The owner is asking $15,500 with a set of brand new snow tires included. @ the nearing end of 2023- do you think that is a fair asking price? P.S. new recall battery pack is installed.

[@plugandplayEV]

I'm assuming this is in the U.S., so the only caveat I would add is that if the sale isn't through a dealership, you're missing out on the $4,000 used EV tax credit. That might not be a benefit for a 2023 purchase, depending on your tax situation, but that will all change next month when it becomes available as a transferable credit at the point of sale. But again, only if you buy through a dealership. Other than that, this seems to be in line with prices for a used 2017 Bolt EV. The fact that it has had the pack swapped makes the mileage much less relevant, as long as the chassis and interior materials are still in good shape. With the snow tires and it being a Premier, I think the price is pretty good. You'll typically see them at $17K and above in our area, but again that's before the used credit.

[@dennislyon5412]

No mention about how fun this car is? A 200 hp motor makes this a fairly brisk ride, almost as good as a hot hatch!

[@plugandplayEV]

I fell into the trap of taking the performance for granted! I focused too much on the durability and how everything held up (battery, wear and tear, etc.) Thankfully, we have the comments for everyone to fill in my blanks 👍👍

[@mikeg7845]

I ended up leasing a 202 Bolt premier with all the options. Above and beyond the GM discounts, the dealer took another $5k+ off the price. If I had purchased it, it would have been $30k. The only reason I went with lease was the outdated DC fast charging speed. If they had a 100 kWh max rate with a slow curve, I would have bought the car at that $30k price point. I really wanted a Model 3, but the extra $10k on the purchase price and the les than attractive lease price killed the value proposition for me. Sadly, GM bases the 50%/$22k residual price of the lease on the inflated MSRP of $44k, instead of the $30k actual price. I doubt this car will be worth any where near that in 3 years with way EVs are evolving. With $25 Tesla on the horizon in the next 3 years, I doubt I would find any compelling reason to buy out the lease at that price point.

[@plugandplayEV]

Right, we can see the used 2017's struggling to break $20k right now, even with minimal competition, so $22k isn't going to happen on a 2020 model in three years time. The low lease prices make it a great deal to keep driving electric until the next wave of the technology arrives (300+ miles / 100+ kW charging / Plug&Charge standard / $30-40k price point).

[@neomilee366]

I have u drive to New York City on one Single charge ? I wasn’t sure if you said you needed to stop or not to recharge

[@plugandplayEV]

Sort of, as we usually stay a little north of NYC and then get the train in. So it's about 200 miles from Boston to the upper suburbs of the city, which is doable on a single charge.

[@jen1sur]

I'm planning to buy my first EV this year or early next. I struggle with that question- new or used. New- I feel it's a smart move since I'm new to EVs, I wouldn't have to worry about prior use and potential issues. But used makes sense because the cost is high and I could ease in to the EV world with less investment. Also I'm in the midwest so my preference for local dealerships to perform service and updates really brings it down to the Bolt as the only option.

[@plugandplayEV]

It is still tough... the used market is still lagging a bit in some areas as the Bolt EV wasn't available nationwide until the latter half of 2017. Even then, there probably weren't that many sold initially in areas like the midwest, so the used inventory won't be as plentiful as California, PNW, or many of the East coast markets. If the option comes up though, a used Bolt with only 30-40,000 miles gives you a good chunk of the warranty left to address any issues. I'll think on some checks for folks to make before buying a used Bolt and try to get a video together if there are enough of them.

[@jen1sur]

@@plugandplayEV a video would be great. I am probably too indecisive, but between new and used, new 2020 vs what might be coming 2021, lease vs purchase, etc, I'm struggling. The cost is high enough that I want to get it right. I appreciate the feedback as always.

[@jen1sur]

I jumped in - bought my beautiful new 2020 Bolt yesterday! I took a test drive, only planning to see how it felt, and absolutely fell in love. I didn't want anyone else to buy it, so I had to. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I got in the car, and 100% felt comfortable and knew where everything was because of videos from you and other Bolt people. Thank you!

[@SSMARKK]

You may buy used for ~$17K or new one for $39K. Currently, it is heavily discounted, so you may get it for ~$28K. Q: why would you pay $11K more? There is no justification for buying new one if you have a 3-years old one. BTW: in 3 years, Chevy Bolt lost ~$22K in value ($39K-$17K = $22K), that is 56% of its original cost. You might consider different brand with much lower depreciation rate.

[@plugandplayEV]

At the time the video was made, used 2017s were only just coming back from lease and sold for around $20k. A new 2020 could be obtained for around $24k (ours will end up being $23.5k, if we bought out the lease). So the difference back then was $4,000 or so, for which you'd get a new battery pack (6 kWh more storage), HD cameras, and slightly better charging. In the current climate, I completely agree with buying used. Bolts are actually closer to $12,000 in some markets for a low mileage LT right now, which is an absolute steal (recall question marks notwithstanding). The extra range is nice, but not five-figure $ difference nice!

[@futbol1972]

Iam confused some dealers are telling me they have all the bolts from 2017 to 2022 on hold do to battery issues ., but other dealers are still selling them? Should I buy used one right now? If I buy one right now will gm replace my battery?? To prevent a fire do I charge battery to a certain percentage? Or should I just buy a used Nissan leaf?

[@plugandplayEV]

Hey Marco. It's far from a clear situation, so you're right to be puzzled! In terms of selling the car, there is an indefinite stop-sale on new Bolt EVs and EUVs from GM due to the expanded recall from late August. So you shouldn't be able to buy a new one. Dealers like to get people in the door, though, so it's possible that individual locations are playing games. In terms of battery replacement, if GM eventually found whatever you buy to have defective modules, yes they should then replace those modules and give you the updated 8 yr/100k miles warranty. If the vehicle eventually gets the all-clear, though, you'll be left with whatever you bought into. The concern is that no-one knows right now when they'll be able to inspect the car, let alone how long it will take to get any replacement battery components you need, so that's a big question mark hanging over the models. In the meantime, you would have to abide by the recommended limitations to charge only to 90% and try not to fall below 70 miles, which is a significant restriction in some use cases. Important to note that these steps don't prevent fires per see, they just reduce the likelihood and mitigate the risk. You would also have to move the vehicle when it finishes charging and preferably park in an outside location. Given the current situation and restrictions mentioned above, I wouldn't be buying into the Bolt family right now, even if you find one available. Once they clarify timelines for inspection/replacement it will be a different story, but for now there are too many question marks over the car. There are great offers on the Nissan Leaf in some areas if you don't need the car for long trips, or you could consider something like a Kona Electric if Hyundai has decent deals and they're available in your area.

[@amenhotepavoskin1307]

Why whine about the seats? A $7 gel cushion solves the problem in a snap. Why fuss about the "hard plastic"? Do you bash your head against the dashboard while driving? The Bolt EV is an exceptional vehicle. I have driven my Premier for almost 4 years now and have never been happier with my car. Would recommend it to any reasonable and mature person.

[@plugandplayEV]

Some people hate the seats and the hard plastics can be in areas that rub against the skin, in some cases (e.g. driver side left arm rest on the door), so they're items to be mentioned. It should be abundantly clear that we've loved the Bolt for years as well, but the point of a review is to try to add balance, so here we are.

[@amenhotepavoskin1307]

@@plugandplayEV Well, I guess every masterpiece needs to have a stroke of brown substance on it, in order not to make the viewers sick with perfection. And yet... if it's just seats and plastic, then, like my beloved mother-in-law says, "Let this be the worst problem in your life!" 😀

[@plugandplayEV]

@@amenhotepavoskin1307 For sure! A $25K price point covers plenty of quibbles and the Bolt only has a few minor ones... I'll take that any time!

[@fjqtaxch9]

Very Helpful!

[@plugandplayEV]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@bjacot182]

Have you had any issues with the brakes? I test drove a used 2017 for the first time a few days ago and the first thing i noticed was grinding and pulsating of the brakes - like the rotors were warped. I was expecting a nice quiet ride and that's the only thing i could hear :( I wondered if it was from having the car sit on the lot a while? I assume brake pad and rotor wear should be minimal - this car had less than 30k miles on it. But i really did like the ride, acceleration. I think it might have got me hooked on a bolt :)

[@plugandplayEV]

No, we didn't experience anything like that. But I make a point of using the physical brakes now and again, as well as holding the brake pedal at stop lights to keep the brake lights on for safety, so they do get a small workout on most drives. Sounds like a problem with the individual vehicle you tested to me, as the only other brake issue I've heard from owners is that they feel a bit more spongey than the ICE cars they drive. That's more an EV thing than a Bolt issue though. FWIW, GM learned a lot about protecting the brakes in electric vehicles from the Volt and applied a rust-resistant coating to the Bolt EV's brakes as a result. I noticed only minor discoloration on our 2017 after three years, so it seemed to be working.

[@robertbarry1792]

My 2018 Volt has another 11 months to go. What's your opinion on the Tesla model 3 vs the Bolt Premium if the prices are close?

[@plugandplayEV]

The Model 3 is a very different option to the Bolt EV, even the higher trim Premier. On price alone, I'd be suspicious of any Bolt Premier above $30k, while a comparable Model 3 will be $38k or more. That being said, if you want to take a lot of quick, easy road trips, want the sedan style, or like a lot of current tech, the Model 3 is the better option. For a more practical, accessible car that still offers most of the benefits of all-electric driving, the Bolt EV is the way to go.

[@TrainsFerriesFeet]

I got a 2020 Bolt yesterday and I can't figure out how to get the stereo to start out on bluetooth (my music). That's about the only bothersome thing, so far.

[@plugandplayEV]

Right, I don't think anyone's got a solution for auto-starting on Bluetooth specifically, as the devices can change and take time to connect. If you have regular tunes that you want to start up with, a workaround is to download them to a USB stick and keep that inserted in one of the front ports. That way the Bolt will always start up from there, rather than defaulting to the radio. You can also set up a maximum start volume so that it's not as loud, if you tend to leave the volume higher for an external device. Anyway, congrats on the Bolt and enjoy!

[@pablopicaro7649]

Bolt is not as technically advanced as Tesla, and lacks the sophisticated integrated engineering. However, its simpler design (less likely to fail and cheaper to repair) and better support network (GM is in every medium and up size town) still make it quite appealing. Styling is a big fail for the Bolt to me,

[@plugandplayEV]

I do understand why the two get compared, given that both Model 3 and Bolt EV were the only two intended to hit ~250 miles at $35k back in 2017, but they've gone in completely opposite directions ever since. So it's really no surprise that Tesla has much more tech and performance in a car that's essentially $40k+, while the real-world price of the more basic Bolt is $25k or less in some markets. They match the very different markets for which they were intended... Tesla hasn't yet got the economies of scale to build an entry-level electric car without the bells and whistles, while GM was never going to deliver a premium product under the Chevy umbrella. Hopefully the styling and other consistent complaints about the Bolt will be addressed by the mid-cycle refresh and GM will finally bring the MSRP down to a level that reflects where the car sits in a constantly evolving EV marketplace.

[@ARAR148]

Currently in my area I can get a 2017 Chevy bolt for around 11 grand At A dealership

[@plugandplayEV]

Amazing really, when you consider a degraded first gen Nissan Leaf is only a few thousand dollars less than that.

[@keithmcdonnell4485]

I was surprised by the asymmetrical wear you are showing on the front drivers seat. I have almost 60,000 miles on my 2017 with very little wear at all to the drivers seat. I wonder if the people who hate the front seats sit off center and thus hit the side frame, where I sit in the center and do not? I have always found the Bolt seats very comfortable.

[@plugandplayEV]

I don't know... I find the seats fine as well, even on our longer journeys, so I think it's just a very personal comfort issue. Some people need them to be wider, others want more padding, some might be off-center and rubbing up against the hard bolsters over time... I always liken it to a mattress, where you'll rarely find one that's suitable for everyone.

[@dennislyon5412]

Plug and Play EV - Steve - since the Bolt seat is a bit elevated (and reclined) you must tend to slide through the side bolster to get in?

[@plugandplayEV]

I'll have to pay more attention next time I get into the 2020, Dennis, but my sense is that the wear was more pushing from the inside out than the other way around. Thanks for the thought.

[@dennislyon5412]

@@plugandplayEV I know my wife has left a similar pattern on the passenger side of my Bolt. She's 5' 4" so it's a bigger step up for her.

[@civicsr2cool]

There are a bunch of these local to me for ~$13k.. I’m really wanting to jump on one

[@plugandplayEV]

We've seen a few new owners on Reddit posting lines of 2020 Bolts at their local dealer. Deals on used 2017s are excellent at $13k, but also worth looking at the end of year deals available on the new ones as they clear inventory for 2021. Best wishes for whichever way you go 👍

[@robertpryor7225]

You bolt owners are spoiled, complaining about the slow charging. I would pass on fast charging if it would save me $500 on price. There are many more l2 chargers & they're usually cheaper. That range is huge!

[@plugandplayEV]

That works for local use, but heading away from home makes the fast charging option a must... best of both worlds (but you're right, we do like a good charging-related moan :-)

[@harrisfogel1697]

Does anyone know if there are any differences between the 2017 and 2018 models. Someone mentioned that they improved the seats, but I can't seem to confirm. We are looking at a 2017-2018 model. First EV!

[@plugandplayEV]

There's nothing substantially different between the two. The heated steering wheel is supposed to have an auto setting in the 2018 while the '17 was manual only, but any seat changes seem to be down to personal experience. Like the narrow seats in general, some are fine with them, others can't stand them. Just make sure to have a decent length test drive in any specific Bolt you're considering to make sure you're not in the latter camp!

[@harrisfogel1697]

@@plugandplayEV Thanks. Yes, I've heard that lots of folks are praising the 2022 models, specifically because of the seats! But, someone told me that they improved the seats between 2017-2018, but are you saying that's not true?

[@plugandplayEV]

Seat improvements were a rumor on both the 2018 and 2019, but never officially confirmed as an upgrade by GM. Having sat in all three, I can't say I noticed any better comfort than in our old 2017.

[@harrisfogel1697]

@@plugandplayEV Thanks for this. I kinda thought so. I couldn't find any changes between the years. The problem now is that on the East Coast, used Bolts are going for upwards of 20 grand.. a few grand too much. Ugh...

[@johnkhalil9831]

how much of less range have you noticed when you're weighed down on road trips with your family?

[@plugandplayEV]

It's not something we've actively been able to test, so the only observation I can make is that we've never had to change our plans based on who or what is in the car. It was very lightly loaded with just me and the dog on the last trip from Boston to Ohio but we only managed 3.5 mi/kWh (70-75mph, minimal A/C), which is similar to what we see with four people and luggage. Temperature, elevation, and driving conditions play a much greater role in range loss/gain, from what we've seen.

[@johnkhalil9831]

@@plugandplayEV Thank you for the information. I currently own a 2018 Nissan Leaf SV and I've been thinking of switching to eitehr a used Bolt or a 2020 Bolt, and wanted to see if you noticed a significant difference when road tripping with one over the other? Going with a used bolt would save me about $10k but going new, I would have the extra range, which based on a cross country road trip I would love to make in an EV, is a difference of 2 hours and 40 minutes more in the 2017 bolt versus the 2020 bolt over 1800 miles.

[@plugandplayEV]

I made a 4,000+ mile trip from Boston to Texas and back last January and honestly wasn't impressed with the 2020's extra range in colder temperatures. It helped that the car charges a bit quicker than the 2017 in the upper half of the battery (55-95%), but the 2020 seems to deliver similar range to the 2017 in winter (180-200 miles per charge). Now that it's summer, however, we're seeing the extra 6 kWh make a bigger difference. Where as we could only comfortably use 54-55kWh in the 2017, I just got 251 miles out of 64kWh on a single charge in the 2020. Combined with the better charging profile, I do think it would save time on trips over 300 miles compared to the 2017, especially when the temperature rises above 60°F. Whether that's worth the price difference is another matter, but I would certainly take the 2020 if the final savings aren't more than $3-4k.

[@MrPAULONEAL]

How difficult is it to find charging stations on the road?

[@plugandplayEV]

If we're talking actually finding them while on the move, it's getting better all the time. We use Google Maps and it's updated regularly enough that you're now seeing the latest Electrify America locations, as well as actual status (available/in use) of sites on networks like ChargePoint and EVgo. While stopped, the Plugshare app is a better bet as it gives site ratings real world feedback from users about how the location is performing. If we're talking about how many options you'll have to charge, it depends entirely on the location. Again, Plugshare is your friend! 👍

[@donraptor6156]

Real world? VERY DIFFICULT!

[@plugandplayEV]

@@donraptor6156 Still some gaps to fill in (Dakotas, Wyoming, West Virginia), but beyond that if you can use a smartphone, you can find a charge station.

[@rsdwall466]

@paul. You can use plugshare or ABetterRoutePlanner apps. These will tell the charging stations and also plan your route.

[@lw216316]

My local dealer has a 2017 Bolt for $17 with 25k miles. Is that too much?

[@plugandplayEV]

Depends a lot on your location. In some ZEV states (and out west in general), 2017 LTs are available closer to $13-14k because many came back off lease this year in those areas. Check your local Carvana and myev.com listings to sense check the deals where you are, but $17k is still not a bad price.

[@lw216316]

@@plugandplayEV in Nashville tn area - the 2017 is 1 owner with carfax

[@samusaran7317]

Not bad for a city car. Thank you for convincing me to get a kona. Thanks!

[@plugandplayEV]

Well, a mile more on the 2020 Bolt EV's range than the Kona Electric but the latter is a very efficient EV if you can find one. As long as you're driving electric, it's a win 👍

[@mcamodell]

There are no Konas, They make just enough to get in the good graces of California and that's it, if you do find one, the dealer will charge you an extra $10k just for the privilege of owning one. No one should pay $50k for a Kona, I paid $14k for my 23k mile Bolt ;)

[@samusaran7317]

@@mcamodell I need a faster charging car... The bolts charging speed is a deal breaker for me.

[@wch2186]

I have tuxmat love it

[@plugandplayEV]

I've never met an owner with Tuxmats who doesn't love them. Should probably take my own advice and get them for the 2020!

[@jordanbass9167]

Is there a 2023 model confirmed

[@plugandplayEV]

Not yet. The Michigan plant where the Bolt EV has been built for the past six years is to be repurposed for the Silverado EV and other Ultium platform models, but that won't start until 2024. It seems likely that 2022 production will resume at a trickle over the next few months and transition to a 2023 Bolt EV and EUV model year that will be much the same as the refreshed models unveiled last year.

[@JackBurfordChevrolet]

We have a bunch of brand new 2020 Chevy Bolts! Check em out. We're gonna do a video tomorrow on them! We're getting about 10-12 of them total. Game changer for commuters?

[@plugandplayEV]

Happy to hear it! We'll watch for your vid 👍

[@JackBurfordChevrolet]

@@plugandplayEV Now it's Wednesday morning! hahahaha

[@frankroper3274]

They make seat covers.

[@plugandplayEV]

Hopefully the next owner found some to suit the car. Our 2020 is holding up better in the seat department.

[@Yachtzeee]

How come I only have 230kms total range on my 17 Bolt?

[@plugandplayEV]

I assume we're talking Canada here? If so, the cold weather, heater use, and possibly your driving speed are all likely a factor. 140-150 miles is on the lower side of the range we see for 2017-2019 Bolts, but it works out as 2.3 miles per kWh, which isn't unheard of. TL;DR: Range should get much better when it warms up.

[@Yachtzeee]

@@plugandplayEV Most of the winter I saw 185kms (115 miles) total range. It was until very recent since it warmed up I am now seeing 230kms range. I also charge indoor. So the car sits inside all day while charging. In Canada we had a recall where they program it to only accept 90% charge.

[@plugandplayEV]

That seems very low, even for 90%. When you head in for the eventual fix for 100% (expected next month), I'd ask them to check cell voltage as well to make sure everything looks normal. And log your full charge sessions at home, if possible, to show how much energy is going into the car.

[@pioneer7777777]

What do you think about a Premier with 18k miles for $23.5K? Has all the options from what I can tell. Tempted to do it to replace my 6 year old gas car and have it alongside our 2013 LEAF for an all electric fleet.

[@plugandplayEV]

I'd be tempted at that mileage/price combination, as long as it has DCFC and you can confirm everything looks good with the pack. There are Premiers around for under $20k, but they typically have closer to 60k miles on the clock. The only caveat I'd add is that COVID might have delayed some lease returns, so you might see a glut of low mileage 2017 Bolts coming back in the next few months, which could eventually force prices down.

[@happyhsu140]

12k 6 month. Found a free charging station.

[@plugandplayEV]

Nice!

[@auctionwheels]

14k for a 2017 LT

[@plugandplayEV]

It's a deal. It's a steal. It's sale of the flippin' century 😎

[@mosfet500]

@@plugandplayEV I agree, hard to beat. A fully electric with very few issues, low maintenance. Make sure to check the front sway bar recall, especiall if you hear a slight knock when you hit pumps.

[@eltzrothm1]

Why wouldn't you just get a camry? I'm watching self-flagellation and asking why.

[@plugandplayEV]

Well, let's see... 1. Because there's no instant torque from a Camry...or any ICE that isn't tuned perfectly for performance. 2. Because it's inefficient compared to an electric drivetrain. 3. Because idling at school pick ups would pump noxious fumes into the faces of the kids I care about. 4. Because I couldn't fill it up in my driveway overnight. 5. Because the fuel I put in a Camry won't get any cleaner over time. 6. Because I'd never pull the pump out of a Camry and have it read $0. 7. Because I can't go back to punching the accelerator and waiting interminably for combustion to occur. 8. Because I don't want to visit car dealerships for fluids I don't need or to replace one of the hundreds of extra parts an electric car doesn't need. 9. Because I don't want to experience loss of performance just because I drive up a hill. 10. Because I want to regenerate energy on the way back down that hill, rather than add wear to my brakes on that same descent. 11. Because having the center of gravity spread across the base of the car makes for a better driving experience than having all the weight up front. 12. Because I like the idea of supporting multiple sources of domestic energy and the stability that brings, rather than hoping some cartel in the Middle East won't spike my fuel prices next week. ... that'll do for now, but I can list many more reasons the thought of getting in a Camry - or any bog standard gasser - makes me shudder, if it would help. And what "self-flagellation" are you referring to here? Every car has pros and cons, this is a brief digest of mine... did you miss the part where I said we loved driving it?

[@kevinkaaz7720]

Plug and Play EV 13 .Here in CA, don’t have to take the car in every 2 years for a smog check. 14. Maintenance costs are minimal, including no oil changes every 5000 - 7500 miles, compared to any ICE vehicle. Glad I went electric with our Bolt in January 2019 and I am actively looking for another EV to replace our other car, a 2007 ICE.

[@pioneer7777777]

Lol troll...

[@eltzrothm1]

Plug and Play EV Was that built up and I was the first guy that you unleashed it upon? I personally ignore those who don't use paragraphs because they look like morons.

[@plugandplayEV]

@@eltzrothm1 I have to ask, are you genuinely interested in EVs or are you simply seeking conflict in the comments section of a tiny channel? If you have constructive criticism, believe me I'm willing to listen. If it's the latter, with the best will in the world, I don't think there's much more for you here.