In the Summer 2017 issue of our Green Living Journal, we ran an article entitled Ask the Man Who Owns One, in which we interviewed Paul “Rich” Rodriguez, the new owner of a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Bolt EV was General Motors’ first all-electric vehicle (EV) since its EV1 debacle of the late 1990s (Google “EV1” for the full story).
In our original interview, we discovered Rich had been concerned about greenhouse gas and was a climate change watcher for many years. Then in 2013, the average CO2 concentration in the atmosphere reached 400 parts per million for the first time ever at the Mona Loa Observatory in Hawaii.
When Rich heard this news, he decided it was time to change his ways rather than just waiting for others to take action. So, he leased a Chevrolet Volt with a 38-mile electric range beyond which a gasoline engine took over. His daily commute was short enough to drive entirely on electric mode. The Volt’s gasoline engine rarely fired up. He fell in love with electric drive and swore never to drive a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE) again. Then in 2017, when Chevy introduced their 200+ mile, all-electric Bolt, he again took action and leased one (very likely one of the first in Oregon). At the end of the lease, he purchased it.
The Bolt cost much less than a Tesla but was still more than many gasoline-fueled cars. However, Rich figured that by spending more at purchase time, he would save it all back, plus some, over the long haul. And that brings us to 2022 and another conversation with Rich.
GLJ – So after five years of driving your Bolt EV, how would you sum up your experience?
Rich – Well, I have 102,000 miles on it now, and the only expenses I’ve had are new tires at 60,000 miles and new shocks that I just had replaced. I still enjoy the acceleration, smoothness, and how quiet it is. Also, I have calculated that I have avoided producing 28 tons of CO2. That’s amazing.
I had some doubts about keeping the Bolt when owners began reporting fires while charging. In fact, when GM offered to buy back the vehicles in response to fire safety concerns, I contacted them to see what kind of deal they would offer me. That’s when I learned they were also offering a second option where GM would replace the original battery with a new one (with updated chemistry) free of charge. So I figured that even though my car had 80,000 miles on it, a free new battery was like getting a new car for nothing. Another plus was that the new battery gave me about 20 to 25 miles more range than the old one.
GLJ – Where there any problems with the battery exchange process?
Rich – The exchange took a day, including recharging, and went smoothly, but I soon discovered that the battery would not fully charge. The Chevy dealer fixed the problem, again at no cost.
GLJ – Are you satisfied that your Bolt is safe?
Rich – Actually, I was never really worried about fire with the original battery for a couple of reasons. First, very few fires were reported, but to its credit, GM took them very seriously. Second, I had about 80,000 miles on it when I opted for the battery swap. It seemed to me that if there was going to be a battery-caused fire, it would have happened before the car had so many miles.
GLJ – Have you taken any long trips that required you to charge on the road?
Rich – Yes, I have. I live in Salem, but I have two sons in Seattle. Plus, my job takes me all around the state, and they allow me to drive my Bolt. So, I go to Seattle to visit my boys, and my job has taken me to Ontario, Medford, Prairie City, Bend, Umatilla, Sun River, and the coast. I am also planning a trip to San Diego. What I find is that a break every 2 ½ hours for charging is relaxing and kind to my body.
GLJ – Have you had any problems with fast charging on long trips?
Rich – On-the-road charging has always worked out for me one way or another. There have been a lot of fast chargers added and network updates since 2017, so charging has become a lot more reliable and convenient. I prefer Electrify America chargers, as they were always available and working when I arrived. The few times there was a problem, I just called the number on the charger, and a person always answered and solved the problem. When that happened, they always let me charge at no cost. Another plus is when travel plans include overnight stays, I always find a motel with chargers – so I charge overnight (free) and start the day with a fully charged battery.
GLJ – Any times when all the chargers were busy, and you had to wait?
Rich – I have not had that happen to me. Actually, I look forward to the day I find all chargers busy because that means more people have given up carelessly dumping CO2 into the atmosphere.
GLJ – Any close calls on running out of battery charge?
Rich – Yes, I have limped home (the Bolt will limit your power when the battery gets too low) and actually had 0 miles left on the range meter when I arrived. But, having driven this car for so many miles, I am used to it and have confidence in its range and capabilities. Also, I carry portable charge sets with 3 different plug configurations, so in an emergency, I can charge in a campground that has RV hookups.
GLJ – Are there things about the Bolt that you don’t like or wish GM would change?
Rich – Yes, the seats are uncomfortable. I am constantly squirming to get comfortable. Also, I don’t like that some controls, such as the radio, are on the center screen. If you want to tune it or make an adjustment while driving, you must take your eyes off the road. Also, I was initially unhappy with the lack of a spare tire, but I no longer worry about that. I’ve never had a flat tire in this car.
GLJ – So what’s next?
Rich – I plan on keeping the Bolt, but my next car will be an Aptera Roadster. (Editor’s Note: Aptera is still in development as the most efficient solar electric vehicle that requires no charging for most daily use.)
Also, I eliminated CO2 emissions from my home by installing a super-efficient heat pump home heater/AC unit and a super-efficient heat pump water heater unit. I’ve now had my natural gas service disconnected.
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