Probably not going to roll my unbuilt '23 Mav to a '24

[MostlySafeBear]

Look at it this way, it leaves a build slot for people who really need/want one!

Short version: I'm beyond thrilled with my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

When I moved into my new rural California property in March 2023 (coming from the city and not needing a vehicle), I found a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV at a used dealership for $18k, that had just had its drive battery replaced via a model-wide recall in December of 2021, with a fresh new 8 year +100k miles battery warranty.

The property already has existing solar, and I added a level 2 charger.

As much as the Bolt is pretty small (it's rated as a sub-compact, I think), it has surprised me with just how practical it is with a hatchback and folding rear seats. I can add a tow hitch (not GM approved) aftermarket (YouTube shows people towing A-frame popups with it), and it has roof rails, so I can add a cargo rack too. It handles the mile of hilly potholed dirt access road great as long as I'm not driving like The Dukes of Hazzard, and I even found a 2" lift kit for it, if I find that the 5.3 inches of ground clearance isn't enough, for example in winter.

It has no adaptive cruise even in the top-end trim (only later models got that), but with the Comma.ai 3 system and some custom software, the damn thing almost drives itself, outside of intersections or tight turns. As long as I am ready to assist and paying attention, I don't even have to touch the steering wheel. Best ~$2,000 I've ever spent for a car modification. I'm not sure if the Maverick can use it though!

Having experienced the near total lack of crap to break on an EV (no engine, only a single speed "transmission", barely ever actually uses the friction brakes, etc), I'm not sure if I ever want to go back to anything that uses gas, hybrid or not. In 4 months, I've already had to rescue a friend with a gasser multiple times, and as much as my Bolt is not a modern fast charging EV (it has the DC "fast" charge option, but is limited to 50 kW at best), it's still good for driving maybe 250 miles out on a single charge.

It has a kickass factory Bose system with great bass, and a 10" infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It even has the top-down camera views and a camera that will take over for the rear-view mirror, say if you've blocked your view with cargo. The driver's seat sucks for comfort, but $300 at an auto upholstery shop fixed that.

Once you go EV, it's really hard to justify going back to anything that uses gas in any way.

I really hope that Ford (or someone else) puts out a small and affordable EV pickup some day!

Sponsored

 

[MM Mav]

If you're happy with what you have and it works as well for you as described, there's no shame in saying, "No thanks." and continuing on with your life without a Mav.

 

[Old Man]

So putting on an after market self driving system by some group of guys and trusting your life to it when Tesla with hundreds of engineers and millions of miles testing still has fatalities while towing a trailer in a small car. Can I be named as a beneficiary on your life insurance?

 

[MostlySafeBear]

So putting on an after market self driving system by some group of guys and trusting your life to it when Tesla with hundreds of engineers and millions of miles testing still has fatalities while towing a trailer in a small car. Can I be named as a beneficiary on your life insurance?

No, you can't. Further, if you'd bother to research instead of just making stupid comments, you'd see that this is the third iteration of the hardware, that the system has existed for years on the market without a single fatality attributed to it, and that it is only an assist system, NOT self driving, and they are up front about this. The device even leads you through a tutorial as part of the setup where it reinforces this. You are supposed to remain fully attentive and in control at all times. Can it do more? Sure, but it's not safe, and I won't ask it to do those things.

 

[bbhaag]

Look at it this way, it leaves a build slot for people who really need/want one!

Short version: I'm beyond thrilled with my 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

When I moved into my new rural California property in March 2023 (coming from the city and not needing a vehicle), I found a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV at a used dealership for $18k, that had just had its drive battery replaced via a model-wide recall in December of 2021, with a fresh new 8 year +100k miles battery warranty.

The property already has existing solar, and I added a level 2 charger.

As much as the Bolt is pretty small (it's rated as a sub-compact, I think), it has surprised me with just how practical it is with a hatchback and folding rear seats. I can add a tow hitch (not GM approved) aftermarket (YouTube shows people towing A-frame popups with it), and it has roof rails, so I can add a cargo rack too. It handles the mile of hilly potholed dirt access road great as long as I'm not driving like The Dukes of Hazzard, and I even found a 2" lift kit for it, if I find that the 5.3 inches of ground clearance isn't enough, for example in winter.

It has no adaptive cruise even in the top-end trim (only later models got that), but with the Comma.ai 3 system and some custom software, the damn thing almost drives itself, outside of intersections or tight turns. As long as I am ready to assist and paying attention, I don't even have to touch the steering wheel. Best ~$2,000 I've ever spent for a car modification. I'm not sure if the Maverick can use it though!

Having experienced the near total lack of crap to break on an EV (no engine, only a single speed "transmission", barely ever actually uses the friction brakes, etc), I'm not sure if I ever want to go back to anything that uses gas, hybrid or not. In 4 months, I've already had to rescue a friend with a gasser multiple times, and as much as my Bolt is not a modern fast charging EV (it has the DC "fast" charge option, but is limited to 50 kW at best), it's still good for driving maybe 250 miles out on a single charge.

It has a kickass factory Bose system with great bass, and a 10" infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It even has the top-down camera views and a camera that will take over for the rear-view mirror, say if you've blocked your view with cargo. The driver's seat sucks for comfort, but $300 at an auto upholstery shop fixed that.

Once you go EV, it's really hard to justify going back to anything that uses gas in any way.

I really hope that Ford (or someone else) puts out a small and affordable EV pickup some day!

The Bolt is a great vehicle. As an ev owner myself I can totally relate. Once you go ev you will never want to go back. I've had my Mustang ev for a little over 7 months and hands down it is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

[BluegrassNbass]

I will never wonder If plugged in my ride. NEVER. To many negatives can happen.

 

[Montana]

I will never wonder If plugged in my ride. NEVER. To many negatives can happen.

 

[Speed2000]

https://www.axios.com/2023/07/10/unsold-electric-cars-are-piling-up-on-dealer-lots

Meanwhile, Maverick orders are piling up at dealer lots. EVs should be able to take electricity from the atmosphere like AM radio and run for free. Ill keep my ecoboost till that's available

 

[Maverick Life]

it is only an assist system, NOT self driving, and they are up front about this. [...] You are supposed to remain fully attentive and in control at all times. Can it do more? Sure, but it's not safe,

I wish more people understood this! To the best of my knowledge, the description you gave is true for every ADAS on the market right now with perhaps one very limited exception. Bottom line - driving today is still very much the responsibility of humans regardless of what tech you have on board with you.

Just don't drive like your profile picture would suggest (or screen name for that matter) and otherwise - enjoy the Bolt! I've heard from a couple drivers that it's a wonderful vehicle and I think it's honorable of you to make space for others waiting on a Maverick. Good on ya.

 

[Mike215]

Good luck with your Bolt. I really wanted one but ended up with the Maverick. You always had good informational posts here and will be missed.

 

[tdonch]

I really hope that Ford (or someone else) puts out a small and affordable EV pickup some day!

Wasn't that supposed to be the Telsa Cybertruck?

 

[ilikebike]

Congrats! Bolt is a great vehicle and was one of the ones I was cross shopping. California has some really incredible incentives as well that make it a smoking deal if you qualify.

 

[Redneck Garage]

No, you can't. Further, if you'd bother to research instead of just making stupid comments, you'd see that this is the third iteration of the hardware, that the system has existed for years on the market without a single fatality attributed to it, and that it is only an assist system, NOT self driving, and they are up front about this. The device even leads you through a tutorial as part of the setup where it reinforces this. You are supposed to remain fully attentive and in control at all times. Can it do more? Sure, but it's not safe, and I won't ask it to do those things.

Sometimes it just doesn't help to reply to comments like that. Glad you are happy with the Bolt - while I love my Maverick I am not under the impression it is a 100K vehicle either. The Maverick would be an amazing EV as well IMO.

 

[commadorebob]

Do what makes sense for you. I experienced the EV life during a rental a few weeks ago. To me, it is about 98% the way there, but wow that last 2%. Tesla likely has a leg up simply because of the density of Tesla Superchargers. Makes sense why GM and Ford are moving to that standard.

 

[Esteban88]

I have my eye on the Equinox EV SUV which is replacing the Bolt. It's a little bigger, has a 300 mile range and is available in AWD. Like the Maverick though it's likely that there will be long waits and price gouging.

Sponsored