ELECTREK PODCAST: TESLA PICKUP, 2020 CHEVY BOLT FIRST DRIVE, TESLA-PANASONIC RELATIONSHIP, MORE

EV Channels Review

The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV receives a modest update, primarily focused on increasing its electric range from 238 to 259 miles, achieved by optimizing the existing LG battery cells. While this range improvement is commendable, the review highlights significant shortcomings. Charging speed remains capped at 55 kW, a point of frustration given the battery's capacity to accept higher rates, even exceeding 70 kW during regenerative braking. Cold weather performance proved problematic during the test drive, with the battery pack not being preconditioned, leading to drastically reduced efficiency in sub-optimal temperatures. Interior comfort is another area of concern, with seats described as too soft and lacking lateral support, a recurring complaint that journalists feel Chevy has not adequately addressed. The overall sentiment among reviewers is that GM's focus is shifting towards future EV platforms, leaving the Bolt feeling somewhat neglected. Despite these criticisms, the Bolt is still considered a competitive small EV, especially if priced more attractively around the $30,000 mark with a smaller battery option.