I swapped out the OEM tires for Nokian all weather just to avoid the constant tire spin, especially in wet conditions, and I have winter to deal with. But I drive mine like I'm still in a Mazda and it's great.
I’m looking forward to autocross mine. I’ve already installed a complete BC coilover kit and it completely changed the way the car behaves. I love it. Next on the list will be wheels and proper 200 tread wear tires
How are you liking us coilovers overall I'm still trying to decide between them Ebach's box lowering springs. I mostly just want to stiffen up the rear and keep it from transferring all of its way to the rear wheels when you take off so that I can actually put down some all of its power and get on the gas quicker coming out of corners.
@@oldschooldubber ride not too harsh? I have BC's on my MINI Cooper S and love them for that car but worried my Bolt daily driver will be too harsh on bumps.
It’s not too harsh. It’s still my daily and I even took it on a roadtrip to Niagara Falls this summer. It’s a little smoother on the original wheels than on the 18s.
@@barney7681 it's an amazing looker. One of the most attractive hatches out there. The flat paints don't do much for it though. I don't like the flat gray or the "grandad's jockey shorts" flat blue.
Somehow I knew the Kona would post a faster time despite feeling worse to drive than the Bolt. The Bolt's top speed is limited by its gearing. The motor is rated to a max speed of somewhere around 9000rpm and that is where the speed limit kicks in. It is a physically smaller motor than what is used in many EVs, including the Kona, which is why the Kona makes more torque output from the motor. To make up for that, they use greater gear reduction and spin the motor faster in the Bolt, but it does limit the speed. It also limits the acceleration at higher speeds. Once you get past about 75mph or so, the Bolts power seems to taper off, even before it starts to hit the speed limit. I think this is down to electric Motors losing some efficiency at very high rpm, but not totally sure. Either way, very fascinating video. Thank you for doing a comparison of both.
Bolt's motor is limited to 8810 RPM, and combining that with the 7.05:1 gear ratio and the circumference of the tires, you can calculate the top speed. I've read many people say how the power tapers off after 75mph, but I own a Bolt and I think the 75-85mph acceleration is great, probably equal/better than my V6 supercharged Audi.
I’ve got a 2019 Bolt LT and, ridiculous as it sounds, the Chevy leaves stoplights with at least as much punch as my old Porsche Boxster. It’s all torque, I get it, but fun is fun. And they never see (or hear) you coming.
You might think it does because of how the electric motor uses its torque, but a Porsche Boxter is nearly 3 seconds faster to 60mph. Depending on year and transmission, of course. I redlight raced a bolt today in my Veloster N. I was shocked at how quick it was. I was so shocked that I bounced off the rev limiter in 1st and 2nd gear, and I was still dead nuts even with him up to 60. So I imagine a Porsche would pull much harder.
what's really kind of amazing to me is that the car drives that well while still having a very simplistic rear suspension. I think it's just a simple torsion beam. It would be interesting to put a set of really sticky summer tires on it and do the same thing including some 0 to 60 runs. GM hosted an autocross event with a bolt EV. And it ran a slightly faster time around the autocross than a current generation golf GTI. Which to me is pretty damn impressive. I'd also like to see you do some type of road trip in this vehicle. Would be interesting to see how the new charging curve affects overall trip speeds.
@@erikstephens34 Also on the list of problems. I wanted one till I started reading about all of them. The PNW is flooded with lease returns for cheap. Now I know why.
@@daltonthomas901Interesting. Ours is 6 years old and flawless. We have over a dozen of them in our local EV group and don't know anyone with any significant problems. I've only heard of some problems on a few forums. But that's what happens on forums with any vehicle. A few vocal people with some odd problems. Industry statistics also seem to back that the Bolt EV is generally very reliable with few problems. I'd happily buy another.
The Chevy Bolt may not be a good racing car, but for me it would make an ideal around town car and for short single charge trips. Glad the car handled well on your test track. I am retired and plan to get the 2023 Bolt EV LT2 model this spring 2023 -- see how my plans work out then. I have done a small test drive on a chevy test track and like how it drives and very quiet. It had enough acceleration for me with 0-60 in 7 seconds. I don't plan to drag race with the vehicle. RE-GEN braking is great, just need to get used to that type of one pedal driving when I get into traffic. I like all the camera views. Did not get to try the Adaptive cruise because of no traffic on the small test track. Thanks for your review.
Coming out of a VW GTI and a miata, I’d have to say that the Bolt is a blast to drive. Its not that it is as well handling as those two cars but the lots of power and skinny tires makes it fun to drive on the edge without breaking any laws. The steering feel is really good as well as the “sensation” of velocity which is not numb like in a Tesla or Mercedes. If you’re going 120kph… you feel like you’re going 120kph! The one pedal driving is aggressive and it feels very much like engine braking in 3rd gear. Sport mode I can attest actually makes a difference in throttle response and power delivery.
160kw is peak power coming out of the battery, including loss from dc to ac converter/controller, where there are power losses. The Spark EV motor is rated at 105kw, but the display shows 120kw draw at max power. I believe GM improved efficiency a bit here, as well as the onboard charger, and other areas. While I don't foresee myself buying another GM EV, hopefully they continue to improve their EVs.
And 160kW is peak when the battery is full. At 100% battery, 400 volts x 400 amps is 160 kW. As the battery depletes and the voltage drops a bit, you'll see that power meter start to drop because a lower voltage at the same 400 amps produces less kW. At around 50% battery, you get closer to 150 kW peak so maybe that's where the stated 150 kW comes from.
@@mikeyc8139 I believe 390V is the highest the battery will get when fully charged. I believe nominal voltage is around 355V. There is a 400A fuse under the rear seats but it's slow-blow so pulling 410A during brief acceleration periods, even repeatedly during autocrossing, doesn't seem to blow it. I think at 50% SoC you'll get closer to 145kW.
I've had a GTI and now a Bolt. I like the Bolt a lot, but i LOVED my 2010 GTI. The Bolt is fun and can be coaxed into a bit of trail brake oversteer, but it's not as fun as the GTI was. And the interior- don't bang your elbow anywhere because it will hurt on the hard plastic. But the Bolt has lots of space for kids in car seats and a dog in the middle. And the flat floor makes exiting curbside in school drop off easy.
I have always thought that the bolt I own now could be a sleeper autocrosser. My problem has included really bad engine speed control to get the best power out of sharp turns ( 1985 mr2 na ). Bolt has so much torque that it’s not an issue at all.
I remember being at a GM demonstration where all manner of cars were available to test drive and I chose the BOLT immediately after driving a Camaro SS. Frankly I did not expect much so when the thing had real acceleration I was giggling like a little kid!
Picked our Shock green Bolt up a year ago for about $23k out the door when you could get a federal rebate. It's got just the right mix of fun to drive, cheap to operate, and practicality that will keep it in the fleet for hopefully many years.
Picked up our 2020 Premier a week ago today 4/23/2021 with 31 miles on the odometer (NOT 3100 or 31k) for just over $24k taxes and tags included. We got nearly $20k off in incentives and rebates!
From what I've seen yes. A guy I work with has a Camaro and complains about it. My 2020 bolt and my sisters spark EV and her husbands Chevy Cruze do it too.
I wasn’t impressed with the air conditioning. I test drove it in 100 degree weather and set it at 65. Never felt more than 75 degrees. I was sweating during the test drive. The Toyota Prius blew me away. I was freezing during that test drive few days before the bolt drive. My glasses fogged up when I got out of the car. Here in south Texas the air conditioning is a must!
to turn off stability control in my jeep I have to remove the ABS fuse. that might be why it still triggers. but also I know nothing about this car lol
So since I’ve seen you post this exact same message on multiple EV channels I will tell you my son works for a state DOT and Walmart has told them they plan to have Level 2 charging at ALL Walmart owned locations by the end of 2025. Some will also include DCFC.
Stock tires are a complete hindrance, EASILY spins from a dead stop and stomp the throttle, no trying to brake boost. I have sticky tires and SUCH a difference..... lost no noticible range.
That google doc is suprising. I suspect you could’ve pushed some of these cars for better times BUT it reminds us that normal drivers will NOT benefit that much from a tesla performance or PORSCHE 911. I still favor subaru WRX and honda civic type R for a hot daily driver
I always thought the bolt would make a good platform to build an electric rally car
I swapped out the OEM tires for Nokian all weather just to avoid the constant tire spin, especially in wet conditions, and I have winter to deal with. But I drive mine like I'm still in a Mazda and it's great.
Picking up my 2020 Hot Hatch this afternoon to company my '13 Volt. Getting jazzed up. Thanks for the fun run.
I’m looking forward to autocross mine. I’ve already installed a complete BC coilover kit and it completely changed the way the car behaves. I love it. Next on the list will be wheels and proper 200 tread wear tires
How are you liking us coilovers overall I'm still trying to decide between them Ebach's box lowering springs.
I mostly just want to stiffen up the rear and keep it from transferring all of its way to the rear wheels when you take off so that I can actually put down some all of its power and get on the gas quicker coming out of corners.
I love em. Almost no body roll. The stiffness is adjustable too. They’re worth every penny
@@oldschooldubber ride not too harsh? I have BC's on my MINI Cooper S and love them for that car but worried my Bolt daily driver will be too harsh on bumps.
It’s not too harsh. It’s still my daily and I even took it on a roadtrip to Niagara Falls this summer. It’s a little smoother on the original wheels than on the 18s.
We have a 2018 LT and we love it! It's so much fun when you push it!
I didn't even know out of spec has this channel too. I love the content, getting my bolt this week in slate gray.
You're going to love it (had mine since Dec 2018).
@@homomorphic I've had it for one day now. And it is fantastic, it may not be much of a looker but the way it drives is great!
@@barney7681 it's an amazing looker. One of the most attractive hatches out there. The flat paints don't do much for it though. I don't like the flat gray or the "grandad's jockey shorts" flat blue.
I like the look of the Bolt EV
Somehow I knew the Kona would post a faster time despite feeling worse to drive than the Bolt. The Bolt's top speed is limited by its gearing. The motor is rated to a max speed of somewhere around 9000rpm and that is where the speed limit kicks in. It is a physically smaller motor than what is used in many EVs, including the Kona, which is why the Kona makes more torque output from the motor. To make up for that, they use greater gear reduction and spin the motor faster in the Bolt, but it does limit the speed. It also limits the acceleration at higher speeds. Once you get past about 75mph or so, the Bolts power seems to taper off, even before it starts to hit the speed limit. I think this is down to electric Motors losing some efficiency at very high rpm, but not totally sure.
Either way, very fascinating video. Thank you for doing a comparison of both.
Bolt's motor is limited to 8810 RPM, and combining that with the 7.05:1 gear ratio and the circumference of the tires, you can calculate the top speed.
I've read many people say how the power tapers off after 75mph, but I own a Bolt and I think the 75-85mph acceleration is great, probably equal/better than my V6 supercharged Audi.
Must be an exciting car if it reminded you of a Golf GTI!
I’ve got a 2019 Bolt LT and, ridiculous as it sounds, the Chevy leaves stoplights with at least as much punch as my old Porsche Boxster. It’s all torque, I get it, but fun is fun. And they never see (or hear) you coming.
You might think it does because of how the electric motor uses its torque, but a Porsche Boxter is nearly 3 seconds faster to 60mph. Depending on year and transmission, of course.
I redlight raced a bolt today in my Veloster N. I was shocked at how quick it was. I was so shocked that I bounced off the rev limiter in 1st and 2nd gear, and I was still dead nuts even with him up to 60. So I imagine a Porsche would pull much harder.
Best channel ever. Thank you
what's really kind of amazing to me is that the car drives that well while still having a very simplistic rear suspension. I think it's just a simple torsion beam.
It would be interesting to put a set of really sticky summer tires on it and do the same thing including some 0 to 60 runs.
GM hosted an autocross event with a bolt EV. And it ran a slightly faster time around the autocross than a current generation golf GTI. Which to me is pretty damn impressive.
I'd also like to see you do some type of road trip in this vehicle. Would be interesting to see how the new charging curve affects overall trip speeds.
GM has always done a good job with tuning the rear torsion beam suspensions.
@@erikstephens34 Also on the list of problems. I wanted one till I started reading about all of them. The PNW is flooded with lease returns for cheap. Now I know why.
@@daltonthomas901Interesting. Ours is 6 years old and flawless. We have over a dozen of them in our local EV group and don't know anyone with any significant problems. I've only heard of some problems on a few forums. But that's what happens on forums with any vehicle. A few vocal people with some odd problems. Industry statistics also seem to back that the Bolt EV is generally very reliable with few problems. I'd happily buy another.
My 2020 no problems 141,000 in 4 years.
My Bolt came so natural to me it feels like an extension of my own body. Or, rather, a pair of swift wings. An indescribable feeling! :)
Absolutely! You feel like you are in control and you own the freeways.
@@daviddrake6875 Couldn't agree more! :)
The Chevy Bolt may not be a good racing car, but for me it would make an ideal around town car and for short single charge trips. Glad the car handled well on your test track. I am retired and plan to get the 2023 Bolt EV LT2 model this spring 2023 -- see how my plans work out then.
I have done a small test drive on a chevy test track and like how it drives and very quiet. It had enough acceleration for me with 0-60 in 7 seconds. I don't plan to drag race with the vehicle. RE-GEN braking is great, just need to get used to that type of one pedal driving when I get into traffic. I like all the camera views. Did not get to try the Adaptive cruise because of no traffic on the small test track.
Thanks for your review.
The Bolt is programmable. You can get better than 7, I do.
Coming out of a VW GTI and a miata, I’d have to say that the Bolt is a blast to drive. Its not that it is as well handling as those two cars but the lots of power and skinny tires makes it fun to drive on the edge without breaking any laws. The steering feel is really good as well as the “sensation” of velocity which is not numb like in a Tesla or Mercedes. If you’re going 120kph… you feel like you’re going 120kph! The one pedal driving is aggressive and it feels very much like engine braking in 3rd gear. Sport mode I can attest actually makes a difference in throttle response and power delivery.
160kw is peak power coming out of the battery, including loss from dc to ac converter/controller, where there are power losses. The Spark EV motor is rated at 105kw, but the display shows 120kw draw at max power. I believe GM improved efficiency a bit here, as well as the onboard charger, and other areas. While I don't foresee myself buying another GM EV, hopefully they continue to improve their EVs.
And 160kW is peak when the battery is full. At 100% battery, 400 volts x 400 amps is 160 kW. As the battery depletes and the voltage drops a bit, you'll see that power meter start to drop because a lower voltage at the same 400 amps produces less kW. At around 50% battery, you get closer to 150 kW peak so maybe that's where the stated 150 kW comes from.
@@mikeyc8139 I believe 390V is the highest the battery will get when fully charged. I believe nominal voltage is around 355V. There is a 400A fuse under the rear seats but it's slow-blow so pulling 410A during brief acceleration periods, even repeatedly during autocrossing, doesn't seem to blow it. I think at 50% SoC you'll get closer to 145kW.
I've had a GTI and now a Bolt. I like the Bolt a lot, but i LOVED my 2010 GTI. The Bolt is fun and can be coaxed into a bit of trail brake oversteer, but it's not as fun as the GTI was. And the interior- don't bang your elbow anywhere because it will hurt on the hard plastic. But the Bolt has lots of space for kids in car seats and a dog in the middle. And the flat floor makes exiting curbside in school drop off easy.
Bolt simply got guts,great handling realy great 0to60 in6.5secs proves its torque,quite effectively
At the end you say the Bolt is 1.25 seconds slower than the Kona, but according to your numbers it's only 0.76 seconds slower.
It has AI in the drive train electronics.
I have always thought that the bolt I own now could be a sleeper autocrosser. My problem has included really bad engine speed control to get the best power out of sharp turns ( 1985 mr2 na ). Bolt has so much torque that it’s not an issue at all.
I remember being at a GM demonstration where all manner of cars were available to test drive and I chose the BOLT immediately after driving a Camaro SS. Frankly I did not expect much so when the thing had real acceleration I was giggling like a little kid!
I'd like to point out that turning stability control off in my ATS is a done deal. It doesn't re-engage when you slide.
Picked our Shock green Bolt up a year ago for about $23k out the door when you could get a federal rebate. It's got just the right mix of fun to drive, cheap to operate, and practicality that will keep it in the fleet for hopefully many years.
Picked up our 2020 Premier a week ago today 4/23/2021 with 31 miles on the odometer (NOT 3100 or 31k) for just over $24k taxes and tags included. We got nearly $20k off in incentives and rebates!
@@m1cajahWhat incentives did you have?
Nice lap - thanks for posting! Looks like you could've done a bit better in a few of the transitions to get under 2 mins, tho' :)
So every contemporary GM product turns stability control back on like that? Even the Corvettes and Camaros and such?
From what I've seen yes.
A guy I work with has a Camaro and complains about it. My 2020 bolt and my sisters spark EV and her husbands Chevy Cruze do it too.
I wish they brought these to the UK!
GrahamKirk isn’t it sold as an Opel Ampera in Europe?
Yes but not in the UK unfortunately 👍
There are lots of Ampera e in stock in NL.. We bought one in February 2020.... Lots of fun btw.
@GrahamKirk... The VW ID3 is about to be released in the UK it’s quite similar to the Bolt with nicer interior and better charge time.
@@timber8403 will be a few years until I can afford one though 😭
I wasn’t impressed with the air conditioning. I test drove it in 100 degree weather and set it at 65. Never felt more than 75 degrees. I was sweating during the test drive. The Toyota Prius blew me away. I was freezing during that test drive few days before the bolt drive. My glasses fogged up when I got out of the car. Here in south Texas the air conditioning is a must!
Hot Hatch 🔥 🔥 ⚡️ ⚡️
to turn off stability control in my jeep I have to remove the ABS fuse. that might be why it still triggers. but also I know nothing about this car lol
Is it true the LT and Premier have the same power wise?
Yes.
I wish I had a button that displayed sport mode on my dash, even if it didn't do anything
Hi Guys, Hope "WALMART" soon sees the advantage of having say 6x EV Charge Stations near front
So since I’ve seen you post this exact same message on multiple EV channels I will tell you my son works for a state DOT and Walmart has told them they plan to have Level 2 charging at ALL Walmart owned locations by the end of 2025. Some will also include DCFC.
@@m1cajah Great~!!
Stock tires are a complete hindrance, EASILY spins from a dead stop and stomp the throttle, no trying to brake boost. I have sticky tires and SUCH a difference..... lost no noticible range.
You forgot to include the video link for the Bolt in your spreadsheet.
Thanks, will add
It's odd the 0-60 was best in the 2017 after 2017 the car lost about a half sec to 60, same hp too 🤔 possibly to sell the next models
That google doc is suprising. I suspect you could’ve pushed some of these cars for better times BUT it reminds us that normal drivers will NOT benefit that much from a tesla performance or PORSCHE 911.
I still favor subaru WRX and honda civic type R for a hot daily driver
One lap the Nissan leaf plus next 🤞
Coming soon
Why do you brake boost an EV? THERES NOTHING TO SPOOL UP, ITS INSTANT TORQUE