Chevy Bolt Battery Lifespan

The Chevrolet Bolt, a compact electric hatchback introduced in 2017, is the best-selling electric vehicle (EV) in the United States that is not a Tesla. For 2022, the Bolt was revamped inside and exterior, and a somewhat bigger crossover variant, the Bolt EUV, was debuted. You may be curious about the Bolt’s longevity and reliability if you consider purchasing it as your next car. If so, you may be curious about the typical battery life of electric vehicles. So How much Chevy Bolt Battery Lifespan is there? How long do the batteries in electric cars last?

The Chevy Bolt EV or Bolt EUV battery is guaranteed to last at least eight years or 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced. Age (or “calendar” aging) and usage/charging habits are the two primary factors in a battery’s natural decline over time. According to information acquired by Recurrent, a Seattle-based company that offers objective evaluations on the health of electric vehicle batteries, the Bolt performs best when the surrounding air temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, although the battery is liquid-cooled. The range lowers by roughly 60% when the daytime temperature is about 30 degrees.

	Chevy Bolt	Nissan Leaf	Tesla Model 3	Hyundai Kona Electric
KBB Consumer Rating	4.7/5	4.4/5	4.7/5	4.4/5
Edmunds Consumer Rating (2020)	4.1/5	3.6/5	4.4/5	5/5
RepairPal Brand Reliability	3.5/5	4/5	NA	4/5
Car and Driver Ranking (2022)	7th	11th	2nd	3rd
Battery Size (kWh)	60 – 66	40 – 62	50 – 75	64
Electric Range (miles)	259	149 – 226	263 – 353	258
Expected Lifespan (miles)	300k – 400k	200k – 300k	300k – 500k	300k – 400k

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What Is the Utilized Range For a Chevy Bolt?

The ubiquitous Chevrolet Bolt is seen almost everywhere. It’s as good as any other electric vehicle for commuting, trips, errands, and professional use. Considering that over a hundred thousand Bolts have already been sold in the United States, it’s not surprising that this reasonably priced subcompact is pivotal to GM’s vision of an all-electric future.

Customers who have purchased the LT or Premier trim of the ChevroletBolt frequently give the vehicle high marks for satisfaction due to the vehicle’s range, acceleration, and overall value.

How Far Can a Fully Charged Chevrolet Bolt Drive?

So far, our observations suggest that most Chevrolet Bolts maintain their factory-rated range well. Although most pre-owned Bolts have been found to have a range of between 133 and 325 miles on a single charge, cars with ranges as high as 363 miles have also been spotted. There is a wide variety of Bolts because the onboard range estimation fluctuates greatly depending on external driving circumstances.

Everyone has their strengths, and one of Recurrent’s is knowledge of EV batteries. Our study is the first step in tracking our area’s depreciation of the Bolt EV batteries. This information is real-time and comes from Recurrent’s battery monitoring study. Therefore, the cars it describes are genuine.

We all know there is an expected initial decrease in range for brand-new electric vehicles. This is normal behavior for lithium-ion batteries and indicates that the battery chemistry has reached its steady state. Once this first reduction has occurred, range estimations (and battery health) often degrade more slowly and steadily.

To What Extent Should the Battery Life Of a Chevrolet Bolt Diminish Over Time?

GM said LG has implemented new manufacturing processes and has worked with GM to “review and enhance its quality assurance programs to provide confidence in its batteries moving forward.”

	Chevy Bolt	Nissan Leaf	Tesla Model 3	Hyundai Kona Electric
KBB Consumer Rating	4.7/5	4.4/5	4.7/5	4.4/5
Edmunds Consumer Rating (2020)	4.1/5	3.6/5	4.4/5	5/5
RepairPal Brand Reliability	3.5/5	4/5	NA	4/5
Car and Driver Ranking (2022)	7th	11th	2nd	3rd
Battery Size (kWh)	60 – 66	40 – 62	50 – 75	64
Electric Range (miles)	259	149 – 226	263 – 353	258
Expected Lifespan (miles)	300k – 400k	200k – 300k	300k – 500k	300k – 400k

How much should a Chevrolet bolt’s battery life decrease with time? Age (or “calendar” aging) and usage/charging habits are the two primary factors in a battery’s natural decline over time.

According to information acquired by Recurrent, a Seattle-based company that offers objective evaluations on the health of electric vehicle batteries, the Bolt performs best when the surrounding air temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, although the battery is liquid-cooled. The range lowers by roughly 60% when the daytime temperature is about 30 degrees.

However, brief operation durations in cold weather should not play a significant role in the rate of battery degradation, even when low daily ambient operating temperatures substantially influence driving range.

However, continued exposure to high temperatures paired with quick charging from deficient levels of SoC (State of Charge) may significantly accelerate the pace of degradation and limit battery life.

According to GM’s electric vehicle warranty, a Bolt’s battery would be eligible for replacement when its capacity goes below 60% of that of a new 60 kWh battery. This implies that GM will pay the battery replacement expenses should the power decrease below 36 kWh. This will appear as a comparable decrease in driving range.

So, if your fully charged Bolt only manages to go 143 miles, you have a viable warranty claim in the eyes of GM. Of course, this only applies to cars during the warranty term.

According to the information given to GreenCarReports by Fred Ligouri of Chevrolet Communications, a battery pack replacement not covered by warranty would cost roughly $16,000. Therefore, you must understand the terms and limitations of the electric vehicle battery guarantee.

However, battery replacements are not joint since Bolt batteries degrade by about 6-8 percent over 100,000 miles.

You Have Three Choices for Charging Your Chevrolet Bolt

The EPA estimates the Chevy Bolt’s range as 259 miles when fully charged. Your electric vehicle’s charging time will vary with the charging method you choose. To set your Chevy Bolt, you may use one of three different chargers:

Charging a Chevrolet Bolt at Level 1 Takes 4 Hours

In contrast to Level 2 and Level 3 Chevy vehicle chargers, the 120-Volt portable charger wire is only utilized as a backup alternative.

How long does it take to charge a Chevrolet bolt at level 1 fully? This choice is suitable if your daily driving distance is less than 48 miles. A Level 1 Chevy vehicle charger may be conveniently stored in the glove compartment and used with any standard three-pronged, 120-volt power source.

If you do brief errands in your vehicle, the 48-mile range you get after a 12-hour charge will be more than plenty. If you don’t want to stop driving around Waterford because the battery died, you should charge it daily.

Charging a Chevrolet Bolt at Level 2 Takes 25 Mph

For nighttime recharging, many motorists have Level 2 240-volt charging stations installed in their homes. This charger may also be found at public charging stations, such as those in supermarkets and petrol stations. If you want to set your Chevy at home on a Level 2 charger, you will need an electrician to install the plug.

How long does it take to charge a Chevrolet bolt at level 2? You can get a full charge in around 2 hours if you travel 40-50 miles daily. If you travel about 100 miles round trip on your commute or you routinely go on vacations out of the Grand Blanc region, you might recharge the battery in 4.5 hours. This electric vehicle can be restored from empty in 9.5 hours.

Time Required To Fully Charging a Chevy Bolt At Level 3: 200 Mph

A battery by definition is a collection of cells. So the cell is a little can of chemicals. And the challenge is taking a very high-energy cell, and a large number of them, and combining them safely into a large battery.

Level 3 stations give up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes and are often found at public stations along interstate routes.

Though they come at a price, DC fast chargers might be helpful if you need a complete charge while on the go. Charging at Level 3 Chevy auto chargers along the route will still be cheaper than filling up with petrol if you are going on a road trip.

Approximately How Many Miles Per Gallon Does the Chevrolet Bolt Offer?

We have produced an informed guess based on industry statistics and what we know about electric cars, but given that the Chevrolet Bolt has only been on the market for a few years, there has yet to be clear proof of how long they can last.

To what MPG does the Chevrolet Bolt get? If you check used Bolts on sites like AutoTrader and CarGurus, you’ll see that many of them have been listed with about 100,000 miles and are still in good shape, attesting to the vehicle’s endurance.

The fact that many customers who have driven their Bolts over 100,000 miles report losing less than 10% of their battery capacity is encouraging, and we found similar claims on user sites like MyChevyBolt.com and ChevyBolt.org.

The Bolt’s battery is smaller at 66 kWh compared to luxury EVs like Tesla and Ford. Thus it will need more charge cycles to go the same distance. One complete charge cycle is accomplished whenever your battery is used up to its total capacity.

One charge cycle is depleted, for instance, if the battery is depleted from 80% to 30% twice in succession. Given all this and that batteries gradually deteriorate with time, we estimate that the Chevy Bolt will last between 300,000 and 400,000 miles, or 20 and 26 years.

The Functions of The Batteries In The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt Electric

“SLI” means “starting, lighting, and ignition.” The energy it generates may be used to power things like lighting, accessories, and the engine. Okay, so how exactly do automobile batteries function? Most vehicle batteries depend on the chemical interaction between lead and acid to get your automobile started.

Which batteries do what in a 2023 Chevrolet bolt electric? These batteries fall under the SLI classification. The alternator stores energy until the engine needs it. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable service experts to learn more about our selection of batteries.

Is Going On Long Travels With the Chevy Bolt Possible?

With a DC fast charger, a Chevy Bolt can go from dead to 80 percent charged in roughly an hour. For a Chevy, a rapid charge takes 30 minutes and adds 100 miles of range through DC charging. It is challenging to get an accurate DC fast charging rate due to the many variables and exceptions involved. For instance, cramming more energy into a full battery is more challenging. Accordingly, the initial few minutes of charging are more rapid than the following minutes as the battery pack fills up.

We have shown that charging at home is quick and easy, adding 28–40 miles to your battery’s capacity in only one hour. However, what do you do if you need to charge when you are away from home, like on a road trip?

Modern electric cars, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV, can rapidly charge DC. Highway rest stops are equipped with public DC fast charging facilities that provide a whopping 55 kilowatts. That is far quicker than the 7.2 kW chargers already on the market.

Even so, the roughly 80,000 DC fast chargers in North America are available to Chevrolet EV owners. Compared to a gas-powered vehicle, a Bolt EV user can make long journeys with little discomfort.

How Many Miles Per Gallon Can a Chevrolet Bolt Get?

At 100,000 miles, additional components, such as the shocks, wheel bearings, brakes, and air conditioning, may require servicing due to normal wear and tear.

What is the Chevrolet Bolt’s MPG rating? A Chevrolet Bolt with 100,000 miles on the odometer is regarded to have high mileage. The battery may last many more years of use, but its performance will inevitably decline as it age due to normal wear and tear from repeatedly being charged and drained.

How Big Is the Bolt’s Battery?

Type:	Rechargeable energy storage system comprising multiple linked modules
Mass (lb. / kg):	947 / 430
Battery chemistry:	Lithium-ion
Cells:	288
Energy:	65 kWh
Warranty:	8 years / 100,000 miles of battery and electric components coverage

Bolt battery capacity is stated in kilowatt-hours (kWh), varying from 60 kWh to 66 kWh across different production years. The Bolt was launched in 2017 when a 60 kWh battery was massive compared to modern EVs. The Bolt EUV, a newer model, contains a 65 kWh battery. All Bolt EVs that have changed their batteries by Chevrolet will get the higher capacity 66 kWh battery pack.

How Much Would One Have to Spend In Dollars On a Brand-New Bolt EV?

In response to the rising price of premium electric vehicles like the Model S, Chevrolet released the Bolt as a more affordable alternative. Too many have been sold to qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, but legislation is now pending that might bring back incentives on the Bolt.

The base price for a brand-new Chevy Bolt EV is $31,000, while the Bolt EUV, a crossover utility vehicle with a slightly wider body, can be purchased for $33,000. Although these sums are not inconsequential, they make new automobiles more accessible to the average consumer because of their reduced base pricing.

A new Bolt EV, how much money would it cost? Used Bolt prices are all over the map depending on factors including year, mileage, condition, and options package. Using information from a trusted source, Marketcheck, we have seen prices ranging from $16,000 to $40,000 for 2020 and earlier versions. Used Bolts from 2021 and 2022 may cost as much as $45,000.

Although it seems reasonable to expect a price drop due to the continuing recall, many consumers view this as a chance to save money on a previously owned car by replacing the battery at a fraction of the cost and benefit from a new warranty. Battery-powered bolts that have had their originals replaced under warranty often cost extra.

A Second-hand Chevy Volt Purchase

Used Chevrolet Volts may be had for between $16,000 and $21,000 these days, or about half their initial MSRP. Electric vehicle technology will undoubtedly continue to advance in the future years, just as it has since the Volt’s introduction, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth considering if you’re in the market for a used car.

Chevy Volts have shown to be durable in the decade they have been on the road, with some reaching over 400,000 miles of service. This makes them an excellent investment compared to other hybrid cars.

Should you buy a Second-hand Chevy Volt? The Chevy Volt has a much better resale value than its counterparts among plug-in hybrids. This is mainly because its lithium battery maintains its reliability better than previous plug-in hybrids over time.

Any lithium battery, whether in a phone or a vehicle, will benefit significantly from being maintained at a cold temperature for as long as possible.

The Volt’s battery employs liquid-cooling technology, making it distinct from other electric-powered vehicles, which are typically built to be cooled by air. Because of the prevalence of electric automobiles in regions with high average temperatures, such as Southern California, this is an essential feature for extending battery life.

When calculating the Chevy Volt’s resale value, it’s also vital to include in the $7,500 federal tax credit given to owners of new electric hybrid vehicles.

Routine Service for The Chevrolet Volt

Although the Chevy Volt operates on electricity, it is still powered by a conventional gasoline engine. That means it still needs oil changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, and the like, just like every other vehicle on the road. After 50,000, 100,000, and 150,000 miles, the Volt will require a new air filter, spark plugs, and engine coolant.

How often should you get your Chevrolet volt serviced? Batteries for electric vehicles come with varying lengths of warranty coverage based on your residence. Eight years/100,000 miles is the limit in specific models, whereas ten years/150,000 miles is the limit in others. The Volt’s battery is designed to be protected against overcharging and over-discharging thanks to the car’s built-in software.

The Chevy Volt has a lot of cutting-edge technology that most service stations likely will need to learn how to work on, so the automaker suggests taking it in for maintenance.

Year	Repair Costs	Maintenance Costs
1	$0	$138
2	$0	$366
3	$107	$189
4	$254	$491
5	$370	$1452

For What Length Of Time Do The Brakes Provide Service?

If you drive carefully and seldom use the brakes, the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s original brake pads may last over 100,000 miles. To slow down, you don’t need to press the brake pedal in a Chevy Bolt, thanks to the vehicle’s regenerative braking system and the convenience of having just one pedal.

Because of this, you may extend the life of your brake pads and rotors by a great deal. It would help if you used them often to keep the brake rotors from rusting too rapidly.

What Causes Electric Vehicle Battery Degradation?

The three main factors in the deterioration of electric vehicle batteries are heat, cycling, and time. The life expectancy of an electric vehicle battery is greatly influenced by its storage and operation temperatures, and in general, EV batteries have a shorter lifetime in warmer locations.

Battery life degrades over time when it is repeatedly depleted while driving and recharged when plugged in. Still, your electric vehicle’s battery won’t last forever if you never use it or charge it: A battery’s life span decreases with time, measured in calendar months.

What leads to battery degradation in electric vehicles?

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries, unlike lithium-ion batteries found in phones and laptops, use sophisticated battery management systems (BMS) to control charging and discharging cycles. This means that the degradation of your EV battery is most likely to occur due to temperature or time of year.

Years of Production and Development of the Chevrolet Bolt EV

The ubiquitous Chevrolet Bolt is seen almost everywhere. It’s as good as any other electric vehicle for commuting, trips, errands, or full-time employment. It’s no surprise that GM’s all-electric future is built on the inexpensive subcompact Bolt, with almost 100,000 now on US roads.

Customers routinely give the LT and Premier models of the Chevy Bolt high marks for satisfaction because of the vehicle’s range, acceleration, and value for the price.

The Bolt debuted in 2017 and had a powerful 200-horsepower engine, 60 kWh battery, and outstanding range. To begin with, it had a pure electric range of 238 miles, far more than its 2017 Nissan Leaf competitor (which was only rated for 107 miles of content). Newer variants have a larger battery that can power them for 259 miles.

Trims

Bolt prices range from $15,000 to over $30,000, depending on the year, features, and the trim level you choose. There is no difference in battery size across trim levels. However, there are differences in appearance and other features.

You may select a “Comfort and Convenience” package with better temperature control and a “Driver Confidence” bundle with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear parking sensors, in addition to the standard features on the LT.

A frontal collision warning system, pedestrian recognition, low-speed automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamp dimming are all included on the Premier trim, with the opportunity to upgrade to a more advanced “Driver Confidence” bundle. The 2LT edge is the top-tier offering for the 2022 model year.

The Bolt EV (electric utility vehicle) became available to consumers in the summer of 2021. This crossover is built on the same platform as the EV, but it has a bigger body, newer technology, and a somewhat lower range rating of 247 miles. Bolt EUV is offered in LT and Premier trim levels.

Classification of Electric Vehicles

The Chevrolet Bolt runs solely on electricity from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, making it a battery-electric vehicle. Used Bolts many years old still have a competitive pure electric range. Some can travel an average of over 230 miles on a single charge, while others, depending on age and condition, may go at most 180 miles.

How Long Do EV Batteries Last Compare to the Lifespan Of ICE Vehicles?

The drive train in a typical ICE car has a 5-year/60,000-mile guarantee, whereas the minimum warranty for EV batteries is eight years/100,000 miles. An ICE car typically has a lifespan of about 133,000 miles. Some manufacturers have already claimed substantially longer battery life for their EVs than the 200,000 miles predicted by experts.

Moreover, there’s more good news: Tesla is aiming for a million-mile battery range and says they’re getting close. Properly maintained, an electric vehicle’s battery may last as long as or longer than conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) drivetrain parts, losing just 2.3% of its total capacity each year.

Charger Type	Range per Hour of Charge (miles)	0 to 100% Charge
Level 1/120V	4	2 to 3 days
Level 2/240V	25	9 to 10 hours

How Much Does It Cost to Go One Mile?

Cost per range mile is a standard metric to compare the relative value of various battery capacities and trim levels. The used Bolt is an excellent option for frugal customers in the region of $110 to $130 per range mile.

What Is The Annual Charging Cost For a Bolt?

A Bolt’s yearly charging expenses are estimated by Recurrent using information from the AFDC. You may estimate your yearly charging expenses to be between $368 and $1,178 if you drive an average of 34 miles per day, five days per week, 49 weeks per year, and do 25% of your driving on the highway, plus a few extra highway road trips. 

What Is The Going Rate For A Chevy Bolt Alternative?

So how much does a chevy bolt alternative cost? Chevy Bolt battery replacement costs an average of $16,250 ($8,70 for labor). The price of a new battery does not vary with the vehicle’s age or the location where it is serviced.

The Chevy Bolt’s battery pack is a crucial yet costly repair part. Costs to fix even minor damage to the battery pack might add up quickly.

Chevrolet Bolt: How Often Should You Change The Battery?

After 100,000 miles or 8-10 years, the battery in a Chevy Bolt has to be replaced. Since the battery is still under warranty, replacing it is often cheaper. However, this varies by area.

Battery replacement intervals are also affected by how often maintenance is performed, how tough the roads are, and the weather. The battery may need to be replaced more regularly if you drive the car often over rough terrain.

The longevity of a battery may be shortened by conditions such as high temperatures and rough roads. Damage to the battery, which reduces its ability to power the car, is a common result of these circumstances.

A new battery and installation will be at your expense if your vehicle’s mileage exceeds what the basic warranty covers. Depending on where you live, a new battery will set you back an average of $16,250 plus $870 in labor costs.

Can You Change The Battery On Your Own In A Chevy Bolt?

How frequently should the battery be changed? However, if you know your way around electric car mechanics, you can swap out the battery. Incorrectly connecting battery modules or sustaining minimal damage while replacing them may significantly reduce the battery’s useful life.

Not only does this prevent the dealership from servicing the automobile battery under warranty, but it also voids the guarantee altogether. We strongly suggest that Bolt owners keep their doors locked at all times.

The best action is to seek advice from those with extensive training and expertise. A valid warranty and prolonged battery life are both outcomes of these measures.

When It Comes To The Chevrolet Bolt, How Long Does The Battery Warranty Last?

So what do we need to know about the battery warranty period? Between eight and ten years is the typical length of time a Chevy Bolt battery is covered under warranty. However, the security of the battery remains in effect even if the car has 100,000 or 150,000 miles on it.

The only expenses the car’s owner will have are our labor and taxes. However, the Chevy Bolt’s battery warranty differs from one state to the next. The Chevrolet Bolt is a great car for anyone who cares about the environment and their wallets. Due to its electric propulsion system, this vehicle has to have its battery regularly charged.

Conclusion

Conclusion#1: Chevy Bolt Battery Lifespan

This summary provides a technical description of the different charging rates for a Chevy Bolt or the times required for the battery cells to be fully charged. For those who possess a Chevy Bolt, however, the charging time is much shorter: only one minute. The time it takes to pull into a garage or driveway, walk to a charging station, and plug in an electric vehicle.

Conclusion#2: Charging Options

With the option to charge from home, you will not have to make any detours to visit petrol stations. There is nothing more to do when you connect in. Once you have gone to bed or gone about your day’s everyday activities, the automobile will be charged entirely in a few hours.

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