Nathan Adlen has been on the beat covering the
newest and most interesting developments in the auto industry for quite some
time, and over the past week, he spent a good chunk of it driving a Chevy Bolt
during the Los Angeles auto show. His first reflection was that it was
“brilliant, and proves that it's a viable transportation alternative.” Part of
what gives the car outstanding in-city performance is the power source: the 60
kWh Lithium-ion battery properly fires up the Chevy Bolt with 200 horsepower,
and 266 lb-ft of torque.
You usually don’t think of the word “takeoff” when
talking about a car with electric power, and all of us here at Jim Butler Chevy are very proud of
the way in which precise engineering and development have played a part in
making the off-the-line element more exciting. 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds is
phenomenal for an electric car, and the Bolt lives up to that stat regardless
of temperature or elevation. While on his journey, Nathan used Evgo and
ChargePoint chargers in Los Angeles, Ventura/Camarillo, and Orange County. He
was a bit anticipant for the days when there will be even more chargers out
there, and he was using the 240-volt level 2 variety.
Just a few hours time usually topped him off, and
during a 180-mile drive, a paid parking area offered Level 2 charging as well.
Nathan couldn't stop raving about the acceleration ability, and claimed that
this is as good as it gets for a smaller car: passing others on the highway was
a cinch. The Bolt's well-balanced suspension setup is very smooth on the
highway, and putting the “L” mode to use will give you the best range, with
aggressive recharging and rapid slowing as soon as you let off the accelerator.
The very useful tire alert feature is new for 2019, and beeps at you rapidly
when it's full.
Nathan has been reviewing cars from the cheapest
to the most prestigious for years, and has experienced everything from wrecking
yards, garages, racetracks, and professional auto testing during his career.
After having the pleasure of driving so many gas-powered vehicles during his
days, he still astutely claimed that the Bolt provides a future that all
drivers can look forward to, and a change for the world that will be thrilling
to embrace. The Bolt is the vehicle that the Car and Driver staff
called “satisfying, prompt, and solid”, filling a need that has long existed in
the American (as well as international) landscape.
The testers on duty at the Insideevs.com website
spoke highly of the way the drivetrain communicates its power in regards to the
new Bolt and praised its very significant accomplishment in the torque steer
department to boot. Come down to visit us during this New Year's season to
check out the best option in existence for electric driving, and let us show
you the many different ways in which it outdoes the competition!