Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Richard230]

This is certainly an interesting review of the Chevy Bolt.  It has a range of 238 miles.  But my question would be, at what speed?  If it is using the same "city" range criteria as they use for electric motorcycles, it is not going to make it from LA to LV on a single charge, as proclaimed in the article.  Now if that range is when running at a continuous 65 mph, I would be impressed.  Here is the link to the article, which contains both positive and negative comments:  http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-bolt-ev-range-20160912-snap-story.html

[MrDude_1]

Im still bothered that its front wheel drive.

[francesco]

Indeed "at what speed" is the key question! Tesla, with the Model 3, is aiming for an extremely low drag coefficient (~0.2?).
The Chevy Bolt doesn't seem particularly aerodynamic, especially in the rear side with that bulky trunk.

[Doug S]

It's ugly as sin, too. It seems like only Tesla (and perhaps BMW) realize that potential EV drivers don't want vehicles that look like a grown-up Matchbox car.

[Chocula]

The EPA estimated range is typically calculated by multiplying city/highway fuel economy and range values (as defined by SAE J1634) by 0.7 and dividing city/highway energy consumption and CO2 values by 0.7.  I don't know the speeds they use in the test cycle as SAE J1634 is pay to download.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/pdfs/EPA%20test%20procedure%20for%20EVs-PHEVs-7-5-2012.pdf

For reference, Tony Williams achieved 97.8 miles at 62 mph in his test of a Spark EV which has an EPA range of 82 miles.  Tony's test is consistent with what I have gotten out of my Spark EV over the past 2 years in a similar but slightly cooler climate than Tony's test.
http://insideevs.com/real-world-test-shows-chevy-spark-ev-has-substainally-more-range-than-nissan-leaf-62-mph-wvideo/

[Richard230]

The EPA estimated range is typically calculated by multiplying city/highway fuel economy and range values (as defined by SAE J1634) by 0.7 and dividing city/highway energy consumption and CO2 values by 0.7.  I don't know the speeds they use in the test cycle as SAE J1634 is pay to download.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/pdfs/EPA%20test%20procedure%20for%20EVs-PHEVs-7-5-2012.pdf

For reference, Tony Williams achieved 97.8 miles at 62 mph in his test of a Spark EV which has an EPA range of 82 miles.  Tony's test is consistent with what I have gotten out of my Spark EV over the past 2 years in a similar but slightly cooler climate than Tony's test.
http://insideevs.com/real-world-test-shows-chevy-spark-ev-has-substainally-more-range-than-nissan-leaf-62-mph-wvideo/

So it sounds like the EPA uses a different system to estimate EV range for cars and for motorcycles.  Why am I not surprised?   

[Alan Stewart]

I don't think the EPA rates motorcycles. I think that's done purely by the manufacturers , each by their own formula.

[KrazyEd]

If I recall, the Bolt battery pack is approximately 3x that of the Spark with weight increase of around 50%.
The Bolt also has a notoriously bad C/D. If people are seeing 62 miles on the Spark in real life, then 238
should not be much of a stretch for the Bolt. The 238 number appears to be what the "official" numbers, so
probably what is listed by government, not wish list numbers from manufacturer. My Focus electric has a
usable capacity or 20KW. I can easily get 80~100 miles on a charge with 140~150 if I am in "grandpa" mode.
Again, 238 sounds very reasonable.

[MrDude_1]

It's ugly as sin, too. It seems like only Tesla (and perhaps BMW) realize that potential EV drivers don't want vehicles that look like a grown-up Matchbox car.

THANK YOU.  For some reason they dont seem to realize there are people that want an electric car, but they still like cars and driving.
And even BMW forgot that with the i3, but I think they learned from their mistake. Their projected plans show them doing what they do with all their cars.. make tons of identical looking cars with different drivetrains. When they make a 4 series electric that looks the same as all the other ones, it will sell pretty good (assuming they can keep the price on point)

[Richard230]

You want ugly and poor CD?  I saw an electric Smart for Two yesterday and I think that qualifies.   

[Doug S]

Their projected plans show them doing what they do with all their cars.. make tons of identical looking cars with different drivetrains. When they make a 4 series electric that looks the same as all the other ones, it will sell pretty good (assuming they can keep the price on point)

At least BMW seems to be taking the EV market seriously. Honestly I sometimes think the other mfrs are purposely building pieces of crap nobody wants, to self-fulfill their prophecy that "the market doesn't want EVs".

My ex-GF started making noises about buying an electric Smart car just before I broke up with her. Though in all honesty, the electric Smart car was only one of the minor reasons I broke up with her.

[ZeroToHero]

The Chevy BOLT will make a great city car...IF, and ONLY IF, you can get a dealer to actually sell you one.
Practically maintenance free = No more "engine flushes" to help keep your car running strong.

[Chocula]

If I recall, the Bolt battery pack is approximately 3x that of the Spark with weight increase of around 50%.
The Bolt also has a notoriously bad C/D. If people are seeing 98.7 miles at 62 miles per hour on the Spark EV in real life, then 238
should not be much of a stretch for the Bolt. The 238 number appears to be what the "official" numbers, so
probably what is listed by government, not wish list numbers from manufacturer. My Focus electric has a
usable capacity or 20KW. I can easily get 80~100 miles on a charge with 140~150 if I am in "grandpa" mode.
Again, 238 sounds very reasonable.

Red sections added to clarify.

[KrazyEd]

I apologize for not proofreading before final post.
Thanks for the clarification.

[MrDude_1]

Honestly I sometimes think the other mfrs are purposely building pieces of crap nobody wants, to self-fulfill their prophecy that "the market doesn't want EVs".

Kinda.. but not. I think this is from the same problem that alot of large companies have... Too many focus groups. Too many managers and too many hands on the plans.
Thats whats really killing the sedan in the USA right now...we get a generic beige sedan from them instead of a car that is unique in some way.

I think the same effect is going on with EVs. There is so much money tied up in it that everyone is poking their nose in to check on it.. and you end up with a car that ticks off all the boxes for practical options, and none of the impractical emotional reasons people in the USA actually choose one car over the other. No looks. No performance. No unique features.. they end up with a box on wheels that is identical to all their CAFE economy cars that dont sell well.. and then they wonder why this car didnt sell well.