Three weeks ago, I took ownership of my new Chevy Bolt, and like any electric vehicle (EV) owner, the first thing on my mind was the range. The dashboard greeted me with a promising 241 miles on a full charge, displaying both maximum and minimum estimates, though I initially didn’t dwell much on those figures.
Driving it home, a 120-mile journey, the Bolt’s prediction proved remarkably accurate, showing 120 miles remaining upon arrival. To truly understand the Bolt Range Chevy offers, and to quell any potential range anxiety, I decided to put it to the test across various driving conditions.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the Chevy Bolt boasts impressive efficiency figures of 131 MPGe in the city and 109 MPGe on the highway. This is calculated based on the energy equivalent of gasoline, where 33.7 kWh is considered equal to one gallon of gas. However, my local electricity rates paint an even brighter picture. Paying just $0.15/kWh for home charging, compared to $6 per gallon of gasoline, means my energy cost equivalent is significantly better. For the price of a gallon of gas, I can purchase 40 kWh of electricity, effectively boosting my MPGe to 155 in the city and 129 on the highway. Prospective EV owners should definitely calculate these numbers based on their local energy costs to understand the true savings.
For my initial tests, I conducted several short trips around town. Before each drive, I diligently noted the estimated bolt range chevy displayed and the odometer reading. Upon returning, a quick calculation revealed a pleasant and somewhat anticipated outcome.
The range displayed is indeed an average, factoring in a mix of driving styles. However, in pure city driving conditions, where regenerative braking becomes a significant factor, the Bolt truly shines. I observed that for every 20 miles of actual distance covered, the estimated range decreased by approximately 30 miles. This aligns with the dashboard’s “max” range figure, often exceeding 300 miles when fully charged, suggesting that in city environments, this higher range is realistically achievable.
To evaluate highway performance and the bolt range chevy delivers on longer journeys, I undertook two round trips of about 250 miles each. For charging on the go, I utilized both EVgo and ChargePoint stations. In both instances, a 30-minute charging session, costing around $12, added between 70 to 80 miles of range. This charging speed was notably faster than the factory estimate of 100 miles added per hour. Impressively, the estimated range proved to be almost exactly in sync with the actual driving distance covered, mile for mile. For the majority of these highway stretches, I engaged Super Cruise and maintained a speed of 65 mph.
The factory-estimated range for the Bolt is 259 miles. Interestingly, after several full charge cycles, my Bolt now consistently displays 266 miles as the estimated range at 100% charge. One particular 33-mile trip, with approximately 25 miles on the highway, further highlighted the Bolt’s efficiency. On the outbound leg, driving at a faster 75 mph to keep pace with freeway traffic, and returning at a more relaxed 65 mph, the net result was 35 miles driven for a 33-mile reduction in the indicated bolt range chevy.
Even with a single mile drop in the estimated range, the dashboard prompts a “Plug in to charge” message. This suggests a conservative approach by GM, likely maintaining a buffer to prolong battery longevity. While online consensus supports the idea that the Bolt might not truly charge to 100% to protect the battery, I consistently charge to full capacity.
My average energy consumption stands at an efficient 3.9 miles per kWh. With my home charging cost of $0.15 per kWh, this translates to a remarkably low 3.8 cents per mile, not to mention the elimination of oil changes. Overall, I’m highly satisfied with my Bolt and its range capabilities.
Looking ahead, my Level 2 charger installation is scheduled for next week. This upgrade promises to significantly boost my home charging speed from a leisurely 4.5 miles per hour to a much more convenient 35 miles per hour. Stay tuned for further updates and measurements once the Level 2 charger is operational.
