How To Teach A 2017 Bolt EV To Drive Itself (With Comma 3 and OPGM!)

It's time for the third video in our series on re-energizing your old EV - specifically our 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premiere (which rolled over 114,000 miles the other day!)
In the first part of this series - which you can see here: - • Can We Re-Energize A 2... - we outlined the project and explained some of the things we're planning for this daily-driver.
In the second, ( • Re-Energize Your Old E... ) we ceramic coated our Bolt EV - and today, we're adding the technology needed to make it capable of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving akin to Tesla's Autopilot/ Autopilot FSD Beta
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00:00 - Introduction
03:01 - Basics of Open Pilot
05:17 - How we installed our Comma 3 into a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
14:36 - Installing Software
17:25 - Thoughts on Driving with Open Pilot (OPGM)
21:12 - Closing Thoughts
23:24 - Thanks, and Goodbye!
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Fresh Start Detail - www.freshstartdetail.com
Platt Auto - www.plattauto.com/
BearTech Workshop - (Nikki incorrectly named them in the video) - www.etsy.com/listing/952895642/
Comma Ai - www.comma.ai
OPGM - github.com/opgm/openpilot
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Script, Presenter: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Editor, Colorist: Michael Horton
Art and Animation: Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
© Transport Evolved LLC, 2023
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[@grantlouw3182]

So good to see this project keeping an older car updated so it doesn’t have to be unnecessarily replaced to have the same features a newer car does.

[@93keifer]

Thanks for the video. Just bought kit for my 2019 Bolt. Any chance you can do a step by step OPGM software install video?

[@PocketBrain]

This is why I discarded the idea of buying a Leaf and went right for the (2013) Volt. The leaf couldn't get me to my Mom's house. The volt battery easily covers my daily commute and gets hybrid-class fuel economy when on gas. I would love to upgrade to something like this!

[@garydmercer]

You continue to impress me with your diy projects. This install is so cool! You rock!

[@keithremelts36]

Having had an EUV aith super cruise and now one with a Comma ai i could never go back to a standard car without some form of auto pilot. Great video!

[@ericapelz260]

The ability to install and upgrade the user convenience features like lane keep, head unit (wifi car play/android auto, etc.) lets a car stay in use so much longer. I love my Comma 3 in my 40KWH LEAF.

[@KayvonJavid]

I love OpenPilot! I have it in my 2020 sonata limited and can’t live without it! It saves so much stress

[@johnrussell4788]

Nice job installing Comma 3 et al. A big well done from Australia!

[@bioniccrouton]

This was educational for those wanting after market add ons for their Chevy Bolt. This was appreciated. Should have been sponsored

[@telerye]

Interesting to see how Openpilot gets installed. I think this is the system that Aptera is supposed to use.

[@robertkirchner7981]

Presumably if you opt for their assisted driving option, the hardware, or at least the wiring, will be pre-installed. Most likely the owner will be required to download the free software themselves, for liability reasons.

[@TalismanPHX]

Excellent video. Loved the in-depth installation tutorial. Thanks to the entire team 😊

[@shanefiddle]

Suuuuper interesting!!! I have been looking forward to seeing this video for a while, awesome work!

[@Julesybabes70]

Superbly narrated video with clear explanations of both the functionality and the installation of the unit. Excellent job.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

Great video Nikki. I intend to use a Comma unit when I get a car with ADAS.

[@daves1646]

Thanks for another great installment in the Updating an Older EV (to Feel New!ish) Great content.

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

Interesting! Good to see you upgrading the older Bolt. Pity we didn't get these Downunder, they look like a great value EV.

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

It's sad GM is discontinuing it this year. It is/was by far the best value EV on the market.

[@DaleWheeler]

I like your diy spirit and abilities! Good video!

[@billrocks47]

Thanks for this video. I have now decided to buy a comma ai for my 2020 Bolt premier.

[@lorenzoventura7701]

Very impressive, Nikki

[@tjenkens]

Now I want to try this on my self converted transit van RV! Thx

[@normt430]

Rated best of them all by Consumer Reports!

[@Nabeelco]

Nice to see fellow Comma users!

[@danielmadar9938]

Thank you

[@judebrown4103]

Ha ha I definitely come under the "not in the demographic" group! Didnt understand most of what you said but find any sort of tinkering fascinating even if its too far beyond the mechanical for me to attempt. Really enjoying this little series Nikki, cheers.👍👏

[@PeteLenz]

Nice! Very comprehensive video. I applaud the approach of updating and keeping the car. What are the potential liability issues with installing a system like this? If there’s a crash - are you at all worried that insurance won’t give coverage due to the “experimental” and “DIY” nature of this product?

[@dandeppen9343]

I’d suggest if you got in a crash pull it off the mount and hide it. Even if it wasn’t on.

[@johntrotter8678]

I am certainly hoping my Aptera will have this system installed at launch, or shortly thereafter.

[@garydmercer]

Me too

[@johnrussell4788]

Would have been good to see navigating round a few turns. Thanks.

[@thesoundsmith]

That was a lot of work, I'm curious how you'll like it after a few months. But a very cool project, Nikki. And a great beta for Open Pilot.

[@transportevolved]

We find it’s a great asset. My wife drives with it and loves using it - Nikki

[@cashewABCD]

Clips and snaps. Did mine, I would say it was 3 out of 10 in difficulty. The camera can unclip to get to the wire harness easier.

[@UCBerkleyab540]

@@cashewABCDwhat kind of clips and snaps. Did u use them instead of the harness?

[@cashewABCD]

@@UCBerkleyab540 I was referring to popping off the mirror housing, then unclip the camera to get more access then retaining clip on the harness.

[@williamclark6466]

Some close-up views of small parts and features would be very helpful.

[@rockmeamadeus6105]

Great video! Very informative. I have a 2021 Kia Forte with a Comma 3 running Sunnypilot. I’ve logged 20k+ miles. Love it!! I’ve considered trading in my Kia for a the bolt euv premier just to be able to get stop and go functionality. Do you think a comma pedal could work with Kia?

[@wesb217]

Will it use the friction breaks if it needs to or does it only work with one pedal driving ?

[@Paradigmfusion]

makes me wish I had a premier model, I have a 19 LT. adaptive cruise control is the max of my cars autodriving features

[@cadude145]

Well, I have not EV yet as pretty expensive here in the states. Wish they had something like this for my 2013 escape. Really hoping Aptera works with something like this as that is where my reservation is.

[@normt430]

You'll need a more modern car with adaptive cruise control in most cases.

[@stevewausa]

This is very interesting tech. Note that the LT trim would be a no-go for the install as it lacked lane keeping assist…

[@transportevolved]

It was available with LKA, but that was as an added extra

[@travelingniro988]

@@transportevolved My 2020 has LKA package but not ACC. Do you know if the Comma Pedal would work on my LT?

[@cashewABCD]

I am sure the Pedal Interceptor would work.

[@Jcewazhere]

My Bolt got beat up in a bad hailstorm, is there a good source for cheap replacement panels? Especially the hood. I'm in CO. Insurance gave me some money for paintless dent repair, but it's probably not enough with how much that storm jacked up local prices.

[@SweetBearCub]

Can you please give a close up on how to route the ethernet cable under the trim in that specific Bolt? For example, while I could shove the cable under the trim, I'm not sure if I'm interfering with the side airbag. Thanks!

[@dandeppen9343]

Nope all clear

[@jjdm-rz8ek]

Any tips on getting the cable out? I have the white part pulled out all the way but I can’t pull the cable off still. TIA.

[@jamesyoung9450]

I have a 2020 Bolt, but my car doesn’t steer (the lane keep assist doesn’t really work…) can I use the Comma 3 like yours?

[@LucRepentigny]

Nice video ! I happen to drive a Premier 2017 Bolt as well, and I also have an order in for a Lightning Pro edition (hard to find in Canada, long waiting lists). It would be nice to have a short list of what exactly needs to be purchased, as long with the sources. Comma 3 (is 3x better?) Y cable for the LKA camera (is it the same cable as the 2022 ?) Pedal cable (source?) Thanks for the nice detailed video !

[@LucRepentigny]

Ok I see BearTech sells both cables, shipped from Canada, that's fantastic. Now I have to decide myself to shell out that 1250$ for the main unit.

[@transportevolved]

Totally worth it - Nikki ;)

[@boomerjrtv1268]

I used openpilot on my bolt euv premier before I traded it in for lightning. We have model y and lightning

[@JamesAllgoodOAK]

When you bought the comma.ai unit, which harness did you get with it? The 2022 Bolt EV (GM) harness?

[@barrywygel8969]

following!

[@UCBerkleyab540]

Did you end up trying the 2022 harness James?

[@JamesAllgoodOAK]

@@UCBerkleyab540 Yes, it worked great!

[@yili9725]

excellent vieo! love it a lot. will comma 3 drive in the night? what about long term safety? i mean when the camera lenses gets dirty, for example, it would potentially affect how it drives... another example would be temperature, not sure if the unit can handle extreme hot or cold temperature. i am also surprised it can handle changing lanes, because it doesn't connect to other camera in the bolt, how does it know if there is another car int he blind spot?

[@dandeppen9343]

Well 1. Yes it drives at night with infrared cameras. 2. Dirty lens doesn’t seem to be an issue. I’ve never cleaned mine in over a year. 3. Cold no issue but yes extremely hot temps can shut it down. But you will gets lots of warnings over a few mins before it does. 4. You need to make sure there are no cars before changing lanes as it won’t. If you put your blinker on it won’t do anything. You need to nudge the wheel before it changes lanes. But it don’t care if there’s a car there and will turn right into it. So make sure it’s clear before nudging the wheel to change lanes

[@yili9725]

@@dandeppen9343 thanks! i know you are not obligated to tell using this to insurance. what if there is an accident and they happen to find you use comma?

[@dandeppen9343]

@@yili9725 well if you don’t tell them how would they know?

[@dandeppen9343]

@@yili9725 right after an accident just pull it off the mount and put it in your glove box

[@yili9725]

@@dandeppen9343 the other party may have dashcam or just take pictures.

[@TobyNguyenMusic]

Hey, Nikki! Thank you for this video. I want to do this with my 2017 Bolt Premier, too. The comma three device comes with the harness (it says 22-23 Bolts, but it works for the 2017, right?), a USB-C cable, an RJ-45 cable, and the mount. Where did you get the pedal interceptor, and are those all of the physical items needed? EDIT: I found the link in the description. Thank you for your video again!

[@gavinmccullouch2602]

We're you able to get yours up and going?

[@cashewABCD]

Working with my 2018 Bolt Premier. Bought the GM Harness from Comma. Works great, not difficult to install.

[@gavinmccullouch2602]

@@cashewABCD are you saying you're still working on it, or are you saying it IS working on yours? I have the 2017 ev premier also. Any suggestions? Did you install yourself?

[@dudeman9155]

I just bought a 2017 Bolt Premier and I do not understand the OPGM install process, as she talks about the "tech side" of the install and enabling fast boot mode and boot loader. Have you gotten your comma3 to work with your bolt yet and can you explain it step by step how to get the software installed. Going to GitHub does not break it down enough for my pea sized brain. Thanks for your help.

[@landonreidmiller4974]

@cashewABCD I'm looking to do this but want some feedback from users with older bolts, like myself. Are there any limitations or negatives doing this mod? Like, does it have difficulty making turns, does it ping-pong between road lines, etc? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[@lessard2020]

You impress me with your knowledge! I have a Fusion 2020 which is useless for an upgrade in the form of a Comma 3x from my research, the steering locks out every 10 seconds. But I just bought a 2023 F-150 Lariat brand new in 2024 (0 % financing baby, they can't sell them anymore with the high percentage rates). I searched for something better than an ankle weight as this thing in only lane centering and adaptive cruise, it is very good but annoying as every ten seconds it's nagging to hold the steering wheel to yank it a little for no reason as that is more dangerous to just be holding it, it should have sensors that detect human body voltage like a thread mill, and not force over the steering wheel to make it happy, which I find stupid. Also why is it that 289+ cars are recognized by Comma, even thought America's best seller truck is the F-150? I live in Canada and the thing is sold with the American flags on both sides of the console, here too (don't get me wrong, I would live in the states if you guys would let me, I love Florida and you guys), so I bought myself plenty of Canadian flags to plant on the truck with my Mickey Mouse aluminum sticker haha. Cheerio Pip Pip as my father in-law would say! He was in the British navy. Ahoy o maty!😀Thanks for the video!

[@lukem2954]

did you have to use a OBDII harness connector at the OBDII port? or just run the RJ45 cable from the pedal to the harness box behind the mirror?

[@transportevolved]

In the Bolt, there’s enough power to run the whole system from the mirror harness box! -Nikki

[@dandeppen9343]

No Obd needed. Go from box to pedal is correct

[@Hyfly13]

What's happening with Kate's Moggy conversion?

[@jervin2]

So far I take the Bolt into the Chevy place to get it serviced. Will this upgrade confuse their techs?

[@transportevolved]

Nope- at least not for us.

[@jonathanallen985]

If anyone is doing this for the MG4 EV's please post - looking to do the same but do not know which harness to get - Thanks

[@brianpletcher8055]

Curious to know why and where you sourced the components from instead of direct from comma. Was it more affordable?

[@transportevolved]

The comma unit came from comma. The harness had to come from a third party.

[@travelingniro988]

@@transportevolved When I checked Comma link, they only showed 22-23 model harness available. Where did your 2017 come from?

[@vidznstuff1]

GM Harness seems to work

[@jakekiene62]

Does it ever use the friction brakes or is that not a tool that it can access, only the regen braking? Just bought my 3x going to be installing soon on my 17

[@transportevolved]

Not at this time - But Nikki is planning an update on how the system works on this channel very shortly! :)

[@jakekiene62]

@@transportevolved beautiful can't wait to see it! I'm sure I will learn as I go but interested in what to expect

[@stevedutcher3875]

I was wondering if Comma Ai would work on a 2017 LT Bolt without lane assist?

[@transportevolved]

Sadly not. - Nikki

[@jamestompkins8617]

Do they make this product for the newest Gen leaf this would be a dream in my 2023 leaf

[@transportevolved]

2023 LEAF is supported AFAIK - Nikki OpenPilot.ai

[@BrianLambert]

Did you ever install the new wireless charger? Don't see a video for it

[@transportevolved]

We haven’t yet! It got late on the year so we need to still film! - Nikki

[@BrianLambert]

@@transportevolved Cool! Love you all and always look forward to your uploads 🏳️‍🌈

[@lutherp40]

you didn't explain where the far end of the ethernet cable. I assume this plugs into the pedal device??? Is that a correct assumption?

[@transportevolved]

Correct. - Nikki

[@travelingniro988]

Can I still get an answer for a question about this video?

[@rzee4331]

Can you specify which trim level of 2017 Bolt EV this is? You said "LT Premier" but it should be either LT or Premier -- it looks like Premier based on seats but I'm not sure. Thanks for video I thought only 2022 was supported until this vid.

[@transportevolved]

Sorry- Premiere. - Nikki

[@dandeppen9343]

It can work on the LT as well. If you have lane keep assist then it will work.

[@josephquadros5290]

Cost?

[@vidznstuff1]

almost 2 grand

[@steffenfrkjr1424]

Bummer, my LEAF is to old..

[@Salanan]

Have you tried plugging this into your lightning? I was just reading some forums and theres a guy here on youtube thats got it on his ice f150? I'd watch that content if you made it

[@kevinpolito1529]

There are now 12-step groups for people addicted to the Bolt EV.

[@transportevolved]

Pardon?

[@jorgemanzanares6444]

Comprense un Tesla... tanto que se quejan...

[@transportevolved]

Except not everyone can afford or wants one. So stop forcing your choice on others. k Thanks, bye - Nikki

[@jimmykelly2809]

Nobody is going to talk about the cars wizzing by on the hiway? Your doing 55 lady

[@transportevolved]

The speed limit was 55…

[@Jcewazhere]

Awesomesaucesumpossum.