Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 147
Driving Information
Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency
Use the following tips to help maximize
energy efficiency and range.
In colder temperatures, while these
efficiency tips will help, the electric vehicle
driving range will be lower due to higher
energy usage including energy spent
heating the cabin.
The Range Impacts screen estimates the
influence of the main factors impacting
vehicle range. After charging is complete,
this information is reset. See“Range
Impacts” under. See Energy Information
0 97.
Acceleration/Braking/Coasting
Avoid rapid accelerations and decelerations.
Electric range is maximized at 89 km/h
(55 mph) and less.
Use cruise control when appropriate.
Plan ahead for decelerations and coast
whenever possible. Do not rush to traffic
signals, and do not shift to N (Neutral) to
coast. The vehicle recovers more energy while
coasting and braking in L (Low) than in D
(Drive) mode.
Using the steering wheel paddle during
deceleration recovers more energy. See
Regenerative Braking
0165.
Terrain and Vehicle Speed
Higher speeds and grade changes use more
energy and can significantly reduce electric
range.
Climate Setting
Using the heat and air conditioning systems
decreases the energy available for electric
driving.
Optimal energy efficiency is achieved when
the heat, air conditioning, and fan are
turned off.
Use the heated seat feature instead of
climate control system. Heating the seat
uses less energy than heating the vehicle
interior.
Use remote start to heat or cool the interior
when the vehicle is plugged in to maximize
the electric range by utilizing electricity
from the electrical outlet. In hot weather, avoid parking in direct
sunlight or use sunshades inside the vehicle.
Keep the inside of the windows clean to
reduce fogging, and turn off the front
defroster and rear defogger when they are
not needed.
Avoid driving with the windows open at
highway speeds.
Use the Enhanced Battery Gauge on the
Instrument Cluster to view the effect of
climate control settings on your estimated
range. See
Battery Gauge (High Voltage)
0 82.
Outside Temperature
On colder days, it is best to plug in the
vehicle overnight, and then remote start the
vehicle.
Allow the vehicle to warm up for
20 minutes before driving.
If possible, use a level 2 (240 volt) high
power charge station for best results. This
allows the interior of the vehicle and high
voltage battery to warm to optimal
temperature.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 159
Shifting out of Park
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on, the brake pedal must be applied, and
the charge cord must be unplugged.
This vehicle is equipped with an electric
drive unit. The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out
of P (Park) unless the ignition is on, the
brake pedal is applied, and the shift lock
release button is pressed.
Parking the vehicle in extreme cold for
several days without the charge cord
connected may cause the vehicle not to
start. The vehicle will need to be plugged in
to allow the high voltage battery to be
warmed sufficiently.The shift lock is always functional except in
the case of an uncharged or low charged
12-volt battery (less than 9 volts).
If the vehicle has an uncharged 12-volt
battery or a 12-volt battery with low
voltage, try charging or jump starting the
12-volt battery.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press POWER
Oto start the vehicle.
3. Verify that the vehicle is unplugged and the vehicle ready light is on.
4. Press the shift lock release button on the side of the shift lever.
5. Move the shift lever into the desired position.
6. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator on the shift lever will turn
red when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
7. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park 0158.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter outside the vehicle, it
will continue to run for up to an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to two hour.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Electric Vehicle Operating
Modes
Driver Selected Operating Modes
Sport Mode
Sport Mode provides more responsive
acceleration than Normal Mode, but can
reduce efficiency. When the SPORT indicator
is not on, the vehicle is in Normal Mode.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 191
OPSymbol Fault/Condition/Event
OSolid Green(Off (No Light)@No Faults: The charge cord is receiving power from the electrical outlet
and is ready to supply it to the vehicle.
nFlashing GreenOSolid RedR pb
Electrical Outlet/Plug Fault: The charge cord has detected that the
electrical outlet/plug overheated. Electrical outlets may wear out with
normal usage or may be damaged over time, making them unsuitable for
electric vehicle charging. Do not use an electrical outlet that is worn,
damaged, or one that will not hold the plug firmly in place. Use another
electrical outlet or have the electrical outlet serviced by a qualified
electrician. Reset the charge cord by unplugging the charge cord from the
electrical outlet and re-plugging it.
(Off (No Light)OSolid RedR o
Electrical System Fault: The charge cord has detected a missing or
improper ground within the building's electrical system. Do not use an
electrical outlet that is not properly grounded. Use another electrical outlet
or have a qualified electrician inspect and verify the building's electrical
system.
(Off (No Light)nFlashing RedRb
Vehicle Fault: The charge cord ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) has
tripped. Ensure that there is no physical damage to the charge cord, and
that the vehicle plug is seated completely and making a good connection.
Reset the charge cord by unplugging it from the electrical outlet and
re-plugging it. If the fault remains, see an authorized dealer for service.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
192 Driving and Operating
OPSymbol Fault/Condition/Event
OSolid GreennFlashing RedR m
Charge Cord Fault: The charge cord has detected a potential problem with
the charge cord. Reset the charge cord by unplugging it from the electrical
outlet and re-plugging it. If the fault remains, see an authorized dealer for
service.
If no status indicators are lit, ensure the
electrical outlet is powered.
Charge Level Selection
Charge level selection can be made using
the Charge Mode tab on the Charging
screen on the infotainment display. See
“Portable Cord Limit Selection” under
Programmable Charging 090.
{Warning
Using a charge level that exceeds the
electrical circuit or electrical outlet
capacity may start a fire or damage the
electrical circuit. Use the lowest charge
level until a qualified electrician inspects
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the electrical circuit capacity. Use the
lowest charge level if the electrical circuit
or electrical outlet capacity is not known.
Grounding Instructions
The charge circuit must be grounded. If this
charge circuit should malfunction or break
down, grounding provides a path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce the
risk of electric shock. This product is
equipped with a cord that has an equipment
grounding conductor and a grounding plug.
The plug must be plugged into an
appropriate outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local
codes and ordinances.
{Warning
Improper connection of the charge cord
ground may cause electrical shock. Check
with a qualified electrician if there is
doubt as to whether the charge circuit is
properly grounded. Do not modify the
plug provided with the product. If it will
not fit the electrical outlet, have a proper
electrical outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
208 Vehicle Care
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0253.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs,
or any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent bulbs with
aftermarket LED replacement bulbs. This
can cause damage to the vehicle electrical
system.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Vehicle Care 227
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. SeeTire
Pressure 0221 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0153.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 223.
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 262.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See Tire Inspection 0226 and
Tire Rotation 0226 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
272 Customer Information
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport
Canada) in a situation like this, notify
General Motors.
In the U.S., call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Company
Customer Care Centre, Mail Code:
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
In Mexico, call 800-466-0811 or
800-508-0000.
In other Central America and Caribbean
Countries, call 52-555-901-2369.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
The vehicle has a number of computers that
record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven or used.
For example, the vehicle uses computer
modules to monitor and control electric
drive unit performance, to monitor the
conditions for airbag deployment and to
deploy them in a crash, and, if equipped, to
provide antilock braking to help the driver
control the vehicle. These modules may
store data to help the dealer technician
service the vehicle or to help GM improve
safety or features. Some modules may also
store data about how the vehicle is
operated, such as rate of energy
consumption or average speed. These
modules may retain personal preferences,
such as radio presets, seat positions, and
temperature settings.
Cybersecurity
GM collects information about the use of
your vehicle including operational and safety
related information. We collect this
information to provide, evaluate, improve,
and troubleshoot our products and servicesand to develop new products and services.
The protection of vehicle electronics systems
and customer data from unauthorized
outside electronic access or control is
important to GM. GM maintains appropriate
security standards, practices, guidelines and
controls aimed at defending the vehicle and
the vehicle service ecosystem against
unauthorized electronic access, detecting
possible malicious activity in related
networks, and responding to suspected
cybersecurity incidents in a timely,
coordinated and effective manner. Security
incidents could impact your safety or
compromise your private data. To minimize
security risks, please do not connect your
vehicle electronic systems to unauthorized
devices or connect your vehicle to any
unknown or untrusted networks (such as
Bluetooth, WIFI or similar technology). In
the event you suspect any security incident
impacting your data or the safe operation of
your vehicle, please stop operating your
vehicle and contact your dealer.Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR
is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag