Can We Re-Energize A 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV? Welcome To Project Re-Energize!

[@robfelts8076]

This is a great example of sustainability, taking an efficient vehicle and putting new life into it. Great job!

[@salibaba]

@@markplott4820 good god, would you love your family to have the same idea for you when you hit 60? If the car still operates, why not keep it fresh? it still does car stuff, goes A to B like cars have principally doing for over 100 years.

[@salibaba]

@@markplott4820 but it STILL goes SHOUTY A to B. And still does that WITHOUT having to spend another PENNY. 12v doesn’t magically stop working, and castings is more about reducing COST and TIME of MANUFACTURE than safety!11!!

[@sforoushani1]

@@markplott4820 Not really making a coherent point that I can make out beyond "cars should be disposable" .... which sounds insane to me. I can't tell if you're coming from a place of extreme privilege, ignorance, or cult-of-brand-marketting (some people seem obsessed with promoting TESLA for the sake of it, and the more ALL CAPS they can use, the better...I guess?). Either way, it doesn't read pursuasive so much as fervent.

[@cali-electro-dad]

SQUIRREL!!!

[@transportevolved]

Nobody noticed until the edit…

[@cali-electro-dad]

@@transportevolved I am easily distracted... 🙋‍♂️

[@ElectraFlarefire]

Yes! So bouncy and cute!

[@FoamyDave]

This is fantastic! We don't throw away our houses when they get old and worn; we redecorate and rehab them. I have typically gotten 8 to 10 years out of my ICE cars and the only reason I give up on them is that the engine tends to shake itself apart due to continuous mico-explosions that go on in the cylinders. My plan for my 2020 Model Y is to find a way to rehab the interior as it ages since the motor and battery appear to have a very long life (based on high milage Model Ss). I'm also confident that the suspension will hold up better too because of the better balance and less vibration from the motor (only road roughness will beat it up). I think EV rehabs will become a thing over the next few years. Sort of a Pimp My Ride but more practical.

[@TomRuss625]

So dam cool! Here's hoping all the improvements to the Bolt go smoothly and operate exactly as you want them to. As always the very best to you, your staff and all your families.

[@anothercasualobserver8764]

Thank you, Nikki. I was at the Ford dealership last week having my annual inspection and a/c service done on my '99 F250 and while there looked at the few new cars they actually had. I'm telling you to illustrate the value of your intention to keep, maintain and update a vehicle. They had an F150 for $62k, an Expedition for $80k and a Mustang Mach E GT for $72k. My understanding is that the average monthly payment on a new car is closing in on $1,000 per month. The service and minor repairs on my truck this year were $611. I can handle $50 and change a month for a 2nd reliable vehicle!. My other car is a 2022 Bolt that I go0t on a low mileage lease for $298 a month, with an option to buy-out for $22k. I understand they stopped offering buy-outs right after we signed the lease on the 2022 Bolt. We started with a 2014 Volt, went to a 2020 Bolt lease and traded it for the 2022 during the recall debacle...to our advantage. It is a terrific car and we will likely take the buy-out when it comes up...unless the Equinox tickles our fancy.

[@RyanWilliams222]

Me: *feels proud that I know how to check the tire pressure* Nikki: “We made our car semi-autonomous.” 🤯

[@salibaba]

As long as it doesn’t end up like Mr.Bean’s Mini

[@netgnostic1627]

Great project! So glad you're allowing comments again. I hope people are respectful from now on.

[@ronkirk5099]

I'm retired on a fixed income so my first EV will be a used one which still has at least 100 mile battery life. I stay pretty close to home so that's all the range I really need.

[@mmdaviesmcintosh]

As a fellow Brit. But still living here in Blighty, and also part of the community. I absolutely love yours and the teams content. Keep up the good work. You all do us so proud. Try and remember that everyday when the going gets tough.

[@asartalo]

Giving used cars a new lease on life is always great in my book. Keep going!

[@MrChris20912]

Love this idea! Yes, definitely would love to see more about upgrades/renewals. Just the fact that $20k is currently the base price for a week used EV is making me more than a little crazy!

[@shanefiddle]

looking forward to these videos very much!

[@sforoushani1]

I'm really looking forward to this series. We're buying an EV this year, and want to do what I've always done, which is buy a used car and save myself that depreciation. My top choice atm (in our budget) is a Kona, and part of the decision making process is if I find one that is affected by the recall, I can see that as effectively resetting the age of the car when it's done, so this series is right up my alley. I'm interested in seeing how the process of modding the car to get features you're looking for goes, and if you run into any weird problems with computers and sensors along the way.

[@jacksonbangs6603]

Excellent video, I appreciate your talking points. I am currently driving a used 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier. I purchased it outright on Black Friday in November of 2022. I am still waiting for a battery replacement but it is preforming just fine. The range I must say is much better than my previous 2015 Nissan Leaf.

[@joeyvinzo4531]

I look forward to watching this series. I love the Bolt. Their only negative is charging speed.

[@marcrleclerc]

This is exactly what I was looking to do myself with my own 2017 Bolt. Looking forward to this series with great anticipation!

[@benbrown8258]

I can't wait until this become common. Looking forward to following the progression.

[@DanielKunz-d5x]

Looking forward to seeing more!

[@chrisalmy1]

Cool that you too went to Fresh Start Detailing in Beaverton, OR. They were the same place I took my Tesla Model 3 to get the ceramic coating done before you then reviewed it for this channel. That was over 5 years ago (how time flies) and it still looks great!

[@TKevinBlanc]

Great content in a world with a completely out of whack auto market.

[@AdrianoCasemiro]

Oh, I'm back in the comments section! And yes, I would love to see the team tackle with some DIY projects. I'm a bit of a tinkerer myself and can always learn a trick or two. As you always say gotta "keep evolving".

[@johnmarriott9151]

I love this idea. We just bought a 2019 Bolt premiere and I’m excited beyond reason to see how your project goes and we will follow suit. This is exactly what the world needs to make car ownership more sustainable and get us off the “latest model” syndrome.

[@kRaCkrrjAcK]

That is amazing. This is the new world of modding. I can't wait to see the results.

[@LV_CRAZY]

Good job! Nice series that should help many of us. Thank you for the work you all do!

[@aatheus]

Sounds like a great project. Revitalizing a used vehicle and keeping it on the road for longer is a very green thing vs getting a new car

[@Ryukachoo]

DONT FORGET; those fancy 360 around view camera systems on modern cars that make parallel parking a joke? There's aftermarket versions of that now, I think the good ones are like $500, and you need to drill in the front bumper/side mirrors, but it's WELLLLL worth it Really hope Kate sees this

[@lutherp40]

2020 BoltEV Premier here trying to complete the Comma 3 install, so following along with baited breath.:) So tyvm!!!

[@rikibruner2126]

Having been owned by a 2015 Fiat 500e, I am fascinated by this project and hope that something can be done for the Fiat platform. My ultimate desire is to have a vehicle that I can drive to the party and let it drive me back home, much like the horse drawn carriages of the 1890's (Open Pilot to the rescue.) Figet, my 2015 Fiat 500e, is going on 7 years in my possession and it seems to be retaining about 60% of charge compared to when I first acquired it it march of 2017 with 15,000 miles. The current millage is about 65,000 miles. She is still a delight to drive and my 3 Kw solar PV array keeps my home powered and car charged with a modest 500KWH per year excess power returned to the grid in Silicon Vally. However my daily range is creeping down to less that 60 miles of usable range and this is starting to be a handicap in my current lifestyle, (I retired from Aerospace to beekeeping i recently.) During the intervening 9 years EV's have advanced significantly and I am looking to capitalize on that accumulated knowledge base and upgrade my Fiat 500e with newer technology while I await the anticipated production of the 600 to 1000 mile Aptera (that is round two for those keeping track.) I have heard rumors that battery technology has advanced by 150% in the intervening years and that a 36 KwH battery might be available as a replacement for the existing 24 KwH battery (a blessing to #BMW the source of this Fiat electric drive train.) This channel is the first I have found to address EV update issues and I intend to follow this thread, avidly! Thank you as well for "Fox in Leaves," that Tee shirt was quite distracting and cemented a place for this channel in my Y-T viewing lineup. 🦊Riki2Tails @ FoxLanding Chilloquin, OR.

[@rp9674]

I have a 2015 Fiat 500e, great car, but I don't think there's much that can be done for it in the near future. No Lane keep assist, so autonomous seems unlikely unlikely. Maybe if you can keep it long enough there will be aftermarket shops that can put on next-gen battery in its affordably someday. I think the best hope is a next gen battery pack in the trunk or back seat that can give you 40% charge through a cable at 200 lbs carefully strapped down.

[@JosephWall117]

As someone who just bought a used 2020 Bolt EV in the same color as that one, I'm super interested in this series. I'll be hanging on along with you and seeing what I can do with it. Personally I love it overall, I'm just hoping the battery replacement process will be smooth. I've already been wanting the wireless Android Auto addon, but I've had lots of little problems with the infotainment screen anyway so idk if it'd be worth it. I'm not interested in the autonomous driving capabilities at all, but I'm excited to see the rest.

[@ChiefMac70]

Excellent video. I shall certainly be following this series, as I have a 2017 original Ioniq Electric and want to keep it going for as long as possible, but do love the latest technology...

[@AaronHuffmanPerson]

I'm excited for this series! I hope it inspires many new owners of used EVs!

[@ElectraFlarefire]

I find it insane that a 2017 car is considered so 'old' as to be undesirable while the drivetrain is still in good shape.(And that 8k /left/ on a lease is a good thing!) But I suspect being somewhere that a motorbike is a daily driver may play part of it. If this keeps people driving their older EV's longer then this can't be a bad thing however

[@nlpnt]

I grew up in northern New England, in the '80s and '90s 10 years was about the lifespan of a car because of rust. The PNW is far gentler on cars, they don't salt the roads in Oregon, Washington or (at least urban lowland parts of) BC.

[@Asterngeisha]

​@@nlpntThey do salt the roads in Washington during snow, at least in Vancouver. They have begun salting roads in Oregon but it's usually restricted to more vital roads.

[@ElectraFlarefire]

@@nlpnt Australia here, my current car is over 20 years old and apart from being crazy fuel thirsty(being a H6) and needing a trick to put into reverse, is a reliable machine with not a spot of rust It'll only be replaced if I ever get around to building my EV. (It's out 'move lots of things' machine) My last car was from 83, that was mostly rust due to spending the first 10 years of it's life as a rental car in one of the surf towns, so yeah, salt really does eat cars.

[@TreborStiefel]

this is an awesome idea, and I am looking forward to the rest of the videos.

[@Jcewazhere]

I got my 2017 Bolt in late 2019 for $15,000. Had ~42,000 miles on it. Glad comments are back on even if you're not reading them. Sucks about the haters though.

[@JediLeba]

Love it. I've got a 2017 Premier, so I'm very interested in this process. I don't know how much I actually want to do, but the possibilities are intriguing!

[@grantlouw3182]

Great to see you evolving the Bolt. This is way to a more sustainable future.

[@skytrash1]

Watch you guys every time a new video pops up! LOVE LOVE LOVE you guys. Lots of good feelings your way today!!!

[@nathandingman6846]

That is the exact car i just purchased used 3 months ago. I paid $20,000. New battery was replaced and igot 4 winter tire with it that were only used 1 season. So far i love it!

[@gasdorficmuncher9943]

bought fiat 500e for $12000 used had 5,000 miles on it nobody wanted it ..fast forward i have 19000 miles on it no maintenance i have 12 $180 payments left . ive seen hundreds of these for sale yet people buy $40,000 suv to go to work and home its crazy

[@gene4390]

I have a Bolt 2017 Premier I bought it at $16k with 35k miles in 2020 here in rural PA. Been the best car I ever owned! I plan to keep this car till the wheels fall off I like it so much. If rust is not bad, I may even pay for a new battery around 500k miles (we'll see). Looking forward to trying some of these upgrades on your upcoming videos!

[@johnfilce9236]

Excellect upgrades on the car! This is in keeping with the philosophy of the car you have is almost always cheaper than the car you don't have.

[@sarabystam9270]

It’s going to be interesting to follow this series. ❤

[@zackarybrown6752]

This sounds like fun. As new as the car is I think this will be a great idea. You will likely have part support for many years to come which I would argue is the biggest show stopper for long term ownership.

[@MrChris20912]

Hhhmmm one thing I'm hoping starts to become a trend as EVs become more common, is physical control knobs. Wishing for standard, but would love to see DIY retrofits as well.

[@kevinwhited984]

Ohhh, that’s why the charger doesn’t work. I learned something new today, thank you.

[@ArtiePenguin1]

I'm really looking forward to your video about installing the Comma AI Comma 3. I have a new Kia EV6 but I'll be adding a Comma 3 soon because the stock lane keep assist function leaves a lot to be desired. I know you previously did a review of the Comma 3, but not an install video.

[@curtismmichaels]

I hope to become an EV DIYer in years to come, when I have money to do so. Meanwhile here I sit, happily learning from you.

[@korneliusthegrey4923]

Good stuff. Great information.

[@salibaba]

You’re going to have to start each opening episode with “Hi, I’m Nikki, and today we’re continuing upgrading Orion, let’s get started” 😊 just to make Dala extra jealous.

[@ncvidman]

Good luck on this project. Looking forward to seeing how it goes.

[@mikelieber1]

Awesome video, look forward to the series! Keep up the great work.

[@evevangelist5910]

I’m very excited to follow this series! I also have a 2017 Chevy Bolt Premier trim level and would love to have some of the features on it that my partner has on her Model 3. I’m wondering if it’s possible to create Adaptive Cruise Control? So much safer and relaxing when on the highway.

[@Mr-eGolf]

I like this a lot! I might do it to my e-golf rather than getting a new EV

[@scilamaccagno2206]

Congratulations on the refresh! I am still in a GM holding pattern for my battery replacement for my Bolt. Be well.

[@tfloyd6651]

I love everything about this, and look forward to each chapter. These are all great ideas!

[@danwat1234]

Good ole' Platt Auto! Heard of them first thru an HP Engineer. Haven't used them yet. Got to love that battery recall. Getting a used Bolt is a no brainer.

[@zacharyeversole]

You can buy a used model 3 around me (metro Detroit area) for about $30,000. Still pricey, but coming down sharply.

[@BrandEver117]

Ooohhh I really want openpilot in my 2020 Bolt

[@fredricgrethel1717]

Super excited! Thank you!

[@jamesmccormack3229]

I love this! Really looking forward to watching this series. ❤

[@pranay220]

Its a great financial decision too... the new car feeling is terrible thing for your finances... good accessories too.

[@BrandEver117]

You guys should install an aftermarket power liftgate!

[@transportevolved]

If there’s one we’d consider it - Nikki

[@stanislavjaracz]

Awesome! I want to look into the Open Pilot upgrade. My 2017 Bolt EV has nearly 90k miles and now also modified thermal management to improve Winter experience.

[@transportevolved]

Modified?

[@stanislavjaracz]

@@transportevolved Yes, I have interconnected the power train cooling loop with battery to reclaim some heat to warm up the battery.

[@dennislyon5412]

@@stanislavjaracz- share some pics of your upgrade, and experiences since? Bolt DC charging in winter is a miserable experience.

[@miodice3]

Can’t wait to see the comma integration I looked at that a few years ago and the pedal thing was a hang up, such a cool little car.

[@airplanenut6242]

TE team, this was a great video. I'm really curious about the pedal interceptor, particularly what happens if it fails. So I recognize that it reads the voltage from the pedal and then retransmits it to the car's ECU (or sends the Openpilot pedal instruction instead). Do you have any sense of what would happen to the car if the module stopped working? Would it be a loss of acceleration? Is there any circumstance where you could have unintended acceleration as a result of a failing module? I know it's a very "do at your own risk" type mod, but I'm really curious what the worst case here is if it stops working.

[@judebrown4103]

Squirrel 🐿️!😮 Yes please, love a bit of tinkering 🧑‍🔧🔧⚙️🔩

[@FredSEd-x9d]

Love the Bolt. We added wireless charging to our 2022 LT2 with a $20 pad purchased off Amazon. It fits right where the built on one would have been if we had gotten the package that included it.

[@drewsmith7726]

Best of luck with the project, I hope it works according to plan!

[@joedilellio3627]

Squirrel! And very cool, looking forward to this. I've been thinking of wireless AA and this pushed me over the edge. So far charging is fine, although I'm upgrading my phone soon so we'll see. Most interested in the Comma stuff, a very big "Hmm!" forthcoming as the story unfolds. Thanks!

[@johnsamsungs7570]

I would be satisfied with Level 2. I look forward to seeing this project as it happens. Cheers

[@boxster1970]

Love my 2019 Chevy Bolt EV. Thanks for this info on upgrades.

[@The1979gregor]

Looking forward to watching this!

[@robfelts8076]

Dang! That car paint looks like glass!

[@Garyola]

Very worthy project!!

[@ericapelz260]

I just got a Comma 3 for my 2018 LEAF. I'm loving it so far. Adding wireless charging and wireless Android auto would be great, but so far, the dongles don't have the best reviews.

[@ferkeap]

Aerodynamic upgrades. Did TE think about what upgrades to the aero or mechanical part can de done to increase the range. Under the car and the wheels for example.

[@Any_key404]

Sorry to hear about the return to office order. I know you don’t read these anymore, otherwise I’d offer my network to help her find a remote position.

[@SteveRowe]

If I were to choose one thing to change on my 2017 Bolt Premier, it would be to upgrade the onboard BMS to allow for faster charging. That would almost certainly void my new battery warrantee though.

[@mooneclipsedragon]

@7:45 I don't suppose there's an affiliate link you use so I can buy this thru your channel? I didn't even know this kind of tech exists!! Thanks, I plan to get the exact model since I too have a BoltEV, and I don't wanna kill my phone's battery even more from overcharging.

[@TeslaDo_d]

I am looking forward to the project. Of particular interest to me, is the self driving functionality. I have Tesla FSD and I don't believe there is anything close to it in capabilities on a 'consumer' cost basis. A Chevy Volt was the car that I credit with my introduction into the EV world. I loved the car, but I hated all the buttons and the 'On-Star' pricing structure. I would like to see a project to integrate the car into the IoT world, much like Tesla allows through their API. Voice commands through Alexa and Siri are the future. Right now, Alexa can control about 70% of the functions available through the Tesla App, but Siri is more limited. I would be very interested to see what can achieved on a legacy OEM via some hacking and 3rd party devices. Maybe when this project is completed?

[@JP-sw5ho]

I love this project

[@wesb217]

How about quieting down the cabin noise with some sound deadening material

[@cshcats]

Cool, I also have a 2017 Bolt EV. I look forward to seeing the results of your retrofit. I drive so little the Comma AI is overkill but might be a fun project nonetheless depending on how it turns out!

[@deltavee2]

This should be interesting, Nikki. I've never owned an electric and won't at age 76 but the tech is interesting to me and I'm going to watch a different kind of "build." Now a little time for an "idiot run" through the comments. Edit: Read them all and there's just the one wise guy at the end dancing around naming. I replied "Of course." Cheers from Ottawa, ON

[@RonRattie]

Awesome video! I’m in the market for a 2017 Bolt for our 3rd car for our kids to drive or to drive when we go into town ( old narrow streets ). I’ll be watching to see this goes.

[@TheKruizr]

Sounds like a great project! Looking forward to seeing it progress! 🙂👍

[@tjsean0308]

which coating are you using and did you get it professionally installed or DIY?

[@OrdynskyiVladyslav]

Keep up) I believe in you 😊

[@stophdoggy6625]

Great idea… How about going up a level with V2H 😊

[@Dretje]

I would suggest to do separate replacement videos. That way you might also get new viewers who are looking for information how to replace their screen or charger

[@rifterzc]

Nice, can't wait to see how openpilot works out!

[@ZanethMedia]

10:06 I think it’s better to have those as separate videos. Makes for easier reference in the future!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I wouldn't have any idea how to fix all those screens and charging components. You impress me.

[@cesarbenavidez610]

I’m late to this video, great job! I have a Corolla hybrid but I got a major crush on the bolt

[@jackcoats4146]

I would love to do the same for my 2015 Smart fortwo ED. But saddly, it doesn't seem to be in the comma eco system... Also, personally I am glad you have left on comments. ... Thanks.

[@andrewuk]

Looking forward to this. ❤🎉

[@kevtheobald]

This is an interesting challenge. The EV used vehicle tax rebate of $2500 does help make used more appealing, but I also consider the EVs before 2021 all early adopter level vehicles. Not saying we have truly achieved mainstream level in 2021 on average, but it seems like with every six months another EV with mainstream appeal hits the market. When Tesla refreshes the Model 3, it will move to a 48 volt system. I believe the Cybertruck will have that as well. It will be interesting to see if this move by Tesla will be enough to get the industry to change. From what I recall Mercedes has a 48 volt system on their new EVs already. Maybe for fun, when this project is basically done, do a comparison with vehicles like the new Kona EV coming out soon. Just do not used the full $7500 EV government rebate as a factor. I say that because in my case I would only get $4,000. I do not think as many people will get the $7,500 rebate as some media outlets and manufacturers act like will. I am guessing the Kona will struggle to qualify for most of the rebate if any of it, but the way political winds shift, it will be hard to say. If the Tesla compact reaches market in late 2024, that might transform the buying landscape for EVs. It might take the wind out of used EV sales or at least push prices down more. The ramp up will take a year, so more likely to see the impact in late 2025. Some of the Chinese brands, which GM has a stake in a couple, could bring ultra cheap EVs here if GM tries building them in Mexico. Since GM is already building some of their EVs down there, they may try to do some of the city car EVs built in China to be built in Mexico to get some of the US government rebate money. Looking forward to the series. Keep up the good work.

[@timconder4909]

I love this channel! Great idea🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@toddreimer1158]

Great video! Sounds like Open Pilot doesn't work on 21 Bolt Premier?

[@jackstrange6360]

Ever since they said that the Aptera is going to be using the CommAI for it’s level 2 solution I’ve been interested in installing it into my 2018 bolt premier.I’m really interested in your installation video for your vehicle.