2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Nearly Returns 200 Miles In Sub-Zero Temperatures
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The bitter cold and electric vehicles never play well. That’s why The Detroit Free Press set out to put the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV to the test in sub-zero temperatures in Detroit, Michigan, during the most recent polar vortex blast.
Chevrolet and General Motors should be happy to hear the Bolt EV was returning 200 miles of charge despite the freezing cold temperatures as it scooted from Detroit to Ann Arbor. That is until an SUV rear-ended it.
The publication tells the story in the video above, in which 200 miles of range came about despite the odds of the brutal temperatures when the EV is rated for 238 miles in optimal conditions. As you can see, the Bolt EV got it good, though, with the rear bumper and taillight sustaining a fair amount of damage.
In the process, The Freep may have recorded the first known accident involving a production Bolt EV.
We’re sure the test will continue once again, knowing the midwest, the cold likely isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
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That range in the cold is significant… Our Volt’s electric range drops by over 40% in similar conditions.
They never said at what speed, though. That is just as important as giving the mileage. For example, if driving 40 mph, my 238 mile range would increase to at least 300 miles. With all types of vehicles, speed severely decreases range.
The Detroit-Ann Arbor route that was mentioned consists mostly of freeway driving. Even on a congested day, speeds averaging 40 mph is unlikely.
It almost doesn”t matter because you’d be crazy to drive 60-70mph in below zero temperatures anyway. The SUV that rear ended it was either going too fast or following too close or both…..
My question, where was this bolt stored overnight, was it sitting in a driveway or a garage on the charger. Do a test with it plugged in outdoors in unobstructive wind in minus 0 temps. Then go for the drive. I bet it drops
Probably the first known Bolt accident lol!
Yeah, probably the first documented Bolt crash .
Super, more articles about a car that is basically unavailable to most of us and I am suspicious will remain so
Was it rear ended because it was driving too slow
The driver behind is always at fault. Basic road rules.
I agree with KReed and am unhappy with the availability of Bolts. California is once again leaching from both taxpayers and consumers by their mandatory laws to producers. GM might have a great product but by the time it gets to my state, the federal tax savings will be gone. Unfair, unreasonable and inequatible.
That’s an interesting way of saying things.
GM decides where to make it’s cars available and how many to make. For some reason they aren’t making very many (30,000 at most) and have decided to sell them where demand is strongest: the states actually doing something about emmissions and climate change. Maybe you can help make your state one of those.
You can fly or drive to California and buy one. The other option is to buy one and have the dealer ship it to you. You can buy a car anywhere in the country and have it easily shipped to your door. The shipping option is happening at dealers all over the country
If you rear-end somebody, then you’re:
1) Driving too close
2) Driving too fast
3) Using wrong tires (winter)
4) Not paying attention
5) at fault
6) All of the above