My Bolt EUV: An Update for December 2024

[@jimsEVadventures]

Here are a few of the accessories that I mention in this video: A2Z Adapter: a2zevshop.com/products/nacs-ccs1 Floor Mats (MaxPider): a.co/d/8cQaAHW Floor Mats (BestEVMod): a.co/d/gRzlBVL VIOFO Camera: a.co/d/dUMRMpn VIOFO Lens: a.co/d/dUMRMpn Veepeak OBD2 Reader: a.co/d/gm21TAo Tires: Nexen N5000 Platinum 215 /50 R17 95W XL BSW (purchased at Discount Tire) Screen Protector: a.co/d/8UEMweY If there are others, I will add them here in the future. Just leave a comment if I missed something.

[@smithtechsea]

Love how much rear leg room the car has! The flat flooring is much appreciated as well. That’s coming from a standard bolt owner :)

[@jimsEVadventures]

If it were 5-6 inches wider, it would be almost perfect. 🤣

[@MikeRadioNY]

It’s a great car

[@smithtechsea]

@@MikeRadioNY absolutely

[@Longsnowsm]

Wow Jim, you really have put some miles on your EV! I really like the Bolt. I had the Bolt EV and for most of what I do it was great. Where it fell short for me was no battery preconditioning, and the slow charging speed for road trips. Most of my road trips land during the holidays when it is cold and miserable where range and charging speeds are terrible. After one winter with my Bolt and the struggle with winter range and charging for those road trips I knew I had to make a change. So I took a financial beating to get out of it. If GM will fix those deficiencies they should sell a lot of Bolt's. However like you I did have a couple of things that I needed dealer attention for. The dealer was awesome for me, but GM doesn't have parts in the supply chain for these vehicles. I see the same thing reported for all the EVs out there. Parts are in short supply which probably adds to the reasons why insurance companies jack up the rates and end up totaling so many cars. I hope GM gets you sorted out with your Bolt. I have already had my similar experience with Tesla so no brands have a good report card at the moment it appears once you need something.

[@flolou8496]

Can I ask your opinion on something? It has to do with the need for battery pre-conditiong in area's of the SouthWest that only get to say 45 degrees for night time driving: I'm sort of confused, I really thought the feature of heat pumps and battery preconditiong isn't something people who live in the warmer Southwest parts of the country have to worry about? (what do you think?)

[@Longsnowsm]

@@flolou8496 It is of less value for people who live in warmer climates, but if you find that you will be road trips and relying on DCFC then the ability to get the battery up to the proper temp does make an impact. Most of my driving it is local and I don't need to charge. However I still schedule my departure and precondition the battery and cabin temp before I leave and I see that the car maintains a much better efficiency when driving, but does it really matter for local travel? Probably not. There is more than enough range and battery for most peoples local commutes to not matter. You also can get a leg up on this to some degree if you keep your vehicle in a climate controlled space so that the battery temp is already relatively warm. If you find that you are road tripping that efficiency drop is very noticeable and when you have to make those DCFC charging stops you will end up cold gating and waiting for the battery to warm up. It can add a substantial amount of time to the charge time if the battery is too cold or too hot. Preconditioning and heat pumps can save you time and efficiency for those situations. Batteries like to be in the 70-75F degrees temperature range and above for the best charging speeds. If it is below that the car will initially spend time dumping heat into the battery and throttling the charging session until it gets warm enough. Each manufacturer and model has their own nuances on how they handle that and manage it.

[@flolou8496]

​@@Longsnowsm Thank you for the detaled reply, what really has me confused is when I've read others post or commented in forums on how they benefit from pre-conditioning and it's not even below 45 degrees outdoors. I always thought that pre-conditioning was something only beneficial when it's like under 30 degrees, but here in Las Vegas it never gets that cold. The coldest environment I'll be DCFC like 1X a day would be at 45 degrees, but it seems that would still benefit, whichis making me question if I should spend more for the 2023 KIA NERO EV. model year which came standard with the heat pump VS the 2022 model year which did not Something else you said was very helpful, however, you said in terms of helping with efficiency later, you pre-condition before starting out on even local driving? (I did not know that is something you can even do, I thought it was something you only do when trying to get the fastest Level 3 charging speed, which for me with a 2022 or 2023 KIA NERO is not that quick, it's estimate is like 45 minutes from 10 to 80% on a 135 KW charging speed and above if I'm learning all this correctly: For me my biggest concern is this: I have to Level 2 charge overnight at apx 40 to 45 degrees worst case from December to February outdoors (before any wind factor) because I don't have a garage. I do however really need that 10 to 80% range (which is effectively just 175 miles of range) every single day when first starting out, as I plan on doing delivery's part-time with a mixture of local streets and highway everyday, so in summary, it seems I should splurge the extra 1500 to 2K more for the 2023 models with the heat pump right ???

[@jimsEVadventures]

They will. The problem is the module I need is used across multiple models (good for design) but has a higher than normal failure rate and isn’t stocked in sufficient quantities to cover replacement needs (bad for customers). This is a direct result of the JIT (Just In Time) manufacturing processes that plague modern manufacturing. I could go on for hours talking about KanBan, Lean Manufacturing, and other TQM strategies, but it is of no benefit when your car is on life support waiting on an organ transplant. Thankfully, my car is hanging in there and is drivable. Irritating but drivable.

[@Longsnowsm]

@@flolou8496 I would say yes, I would spring for the preconditioning and heat pump options for your heavy use case. Since you will be driving so much you will see a benefit to having those features. I know this time of the year everyone is talking about heating batteries, but your bigger challenge is those Vegas summers and the incredible heat. Absolutely get the fastest charging car, longest range, and get it with a heat pump and preconditioning if you can swing it.

[@milesfong3901]

My '23 black EUV Redline looks as clean as yours, with the plastic still on the mirror, info screen and front mats. Love the room in the back, I have a rear facing car seat for my grandson and there are still plenty of room for two slim adults.

[@jimsEVadventures]

Am still impressed with the car. GM service, no so much.

[@georgeherman8826]

you don't worry about not having a spare tire ? I bought one for peace of mind. i bought my 2023 redline EUV in JAN 2024 and have less than 900 miles on it. i really don't go anywhere just grocery shopping occasionally but most of the time I get home delivery from Walmart. I love the car especially android auto and the BOSE sound system.

[@jimsEVadventures]

I don’t worry about the tire. If needed, I get free towing. I would never try to change a tire on I-4 anyway. 🤣

[@EuvCharging]

@georgeherman8826 where did u get the spare tire?

[@ziploc2000]

Have you ever needed to change a tire at the roadside? I never have. We've had punctures, but they've always been discovered when the vehicle was already parked on our driveway. Like Jim, we have roadside assistance if we do get a puncture or other breakdown.

[@georgeherman8826]

@@EuvCharging Amazon

[@georgeherman8826]

@@ziploc2000 Sure have on ICE vehicles in the past. I have roadside assistance also. But just wanted to get a spare. I seen reviews of several roadside assistance providers and they can be a bit unreliable and aggravating at times.

[@CanadianOptionsTrader]

I have the same brand of tires as you! I just bought Nexen snow tires (on Chevy rims) and I swapped the tires myself. But now, I've lost the ability to monitor the tire pressure, since those TPMS sensors stayed on my summer tires. But the new tires seem to be working great in very snowy conditions.

[@jimsEVadventures]

No sensors in the new rims?

[@CanadianOptionsTrader]

@jimsEVadventures No, they wanted to charge me $50 per tire for new sensors, so I passed.

[@ronallen6460]

Hi Jim, I would like to thank you for all your information on the bolt. I bought a 2021 equinox Lt after our other car got rear ended an totaled. I'm. Like you and like my car clean inside and out. That includes the engine. My car looks like it just came off the showroom floor. So my question to you I heard you say that you vacuum you engine to keep it clean. How do you do that, with all that high voltage there. The reason I'm asking is I'm waiting for the new 2025 bolt to hit the market. If I can't clean the engine compartment this could be a change maker. Can you do a video on this at some point. Thank you so much for listening and your great videos. RA

[@jimsEVadventures]

I vacuum with a duster head and a plastic wand. Very carefully. 😬 The wires are pretty benign and safe as long as you don’t try to disconnect and they are not frayed. 👍

[@rp9674]

My under hood is crusted with cayenne pepper to repel rats, an unfortunate trade-off

[@jimsEVadventures]

Oh...wow! Maybe a cat is in order? :)

[@garyclack3807]

Good show….how is your range and at what percentage do you charge your battery on a daily basis…thanks

[@jimsEVadventures]

I’ll be providing ALL of that and more in the 50,000 mile video. As a preview, I use more than 50 percent of my battery 4 days a week. I’ve lost 2-3 percent of my range. That’s normal for 50,000 miles. More details coming soon.

[@stevendunn264]

That fuse box under the hood is also double sided. Fuses on both sides.

[@jimsEVadventures]

If so, it’s not on the schematics?

[@danielberning1240]

Jim, would you suggest charging the 12V battery ever? I have a very slow trickle charger that I use on my two older Cadillac's to keep their batteries charged. So I am curious if that would be smart to put on my Bolt EV once every 5 or 6 months. Thanks.

[@randyfitz8310]

Since Jim has yet to respond to you I’ll give my answer. If you drive your Chevrolet Bolt EUV more than twice monthly there’s no reason to charge your 12 volt battery separately from charging the EV itself. I keep my ‘73 Eldorado on a battery maintainer as I sold on drive it.

[@jimsEVadventures]

If you’re not driving the car often enough to keep it charged-1-2 times per week OR if you’re not adding any third-party accessories (camera systems or monitoring devices) that drain your battery while the car is parked, you should be good. The AGM battery type is a lead acid battery. Heat, cold, and cycles. These three things weaken your battery over time…the key is to minimize all three. Trickle only if you leave the car sitting more than 30 days at a time on a regular basis. Then use only a tender charger.

[@danielberning1240]

@@jimsEVadventures Got it. I drive my Bolt EV every day, 7 days per week and never let the high voltage battery get below 25% ever. I also live in southern California where the weather is not extreme for temps. Thanks.

[@danielberning1240]

@@randyfitz8310 Thanks. You can see my full response to Jim's. So you have a 73 Eldo? Nice. I love my old Caddy's. I have a 1986 mint condition Seville and I'm the second owner with 23,800 miles. I also have a 1988 Cimarron in near mind condition with 62,000 miles. I put the trickle charger on each car about every 35 days. If either of my older Caddy's ever end up needing major engine/trans work, I will be looking to convert them to EV. I would LOVE to have those "cars" and be EV as well.

[@randyfitz8310]

@@danielberning1240 The average of the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and old Cadillac makes for a moderate environmental effect.

[@MrHockey1720-G]

Any word on when your order for the new component will arrive?

[@jimsEVadventures]

Maybe next week. I’ll update after I talk to the dealership on Monday/Tuesday.

[@MrHockey172000]

Just so you know, there is a open thread on the Chevy bolt EUV forum about Jim’s EV adventures associated with the troublesome electronic component and the challenges with the general motors dealerships in your area

[@jimsEVadventures]

I made an update on that thread. I have also started a thread on OnStar. But that was more to let GM know that I don't appreciate their lackadaisical approach! LOL

[@MrHockey1720-G]

Do you have a list of the accessories together with the source vendor that you used? I can't locate one.

[@jimsEVadventures]

I will add it to a pinned comment. Check back in a few minutes.

[@randyschiffer3265]

How old was the battery when you replaced it?

[@jimsEVadventures]

I replace the 12V battery at 21 months. But it was 100 percent my fault! I was taking too much phantom power cycling it too low. Lead Acid (AGM) batteries don’t like wild cycling. It weakens them very quickly.

[@JosephPatrickQuinn-rj1tg]

@@jimsEVadventures Jim: Do you know if "phantom power cycling" of the 12v battery occurs while the car is plugged into the home charger or while on and being driven, or just when the Bolt is not connected and is sitting, turned off? Thanks, P.Q.

[@guycoletta6466]

@@jimsEVadventures what is phantom power cycling?

[@jimsEVadventures]

Running things off the 12v battery when the car is not running or plugged in…the power comes directly out of the battery. Draining it…

[@JosephPatrickQuinn-rj1tg]

@@jimsEVadventures Thought so, but wanted assurance. Thanks Jim! Currently, have a sonic rodent repeller wired into the 12v battery but keep the car connected when not in use. I very much appreciate and enjoy your pod casts, almost as much as I enjoy our '23 Bolt 2LT EV! Your calls for civility are most appropriate, these days. All the best, P.Q.

[@rp9674]

Looks like your car is has a nostalgia issue, born in Orion, wants to be in Detroit. I want a lifepo 12v for my when it gets off warranty, lighter, longer life, easier to fit in that tight spot

[@jimsEVadventures]

I was curious about the Lithium 12V battery, but the reviews I have seen on them are not promising.

[@rp9674]

I think it's worth a try if the warranty is good, but I'm worried about violating my vehicle warranty

[@jimsEVadventures]

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act -- the only thing they can void your warranty over is going in to the car, cutting wires, and moving components. They can TRY, but there is already case law.

[@rp9674]

Nice! Thanks!