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

[Timothyd]

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!

You guys need to settle down, we're only halfway thru 2023. Kinda early to worry about '24?

Sponsored

 

[MostlySafeBear]

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

At least on mine, it's really obvious if you've plugged it in or not, as it beeps audibly when initiating a charge, and it has a clearly visible status light on the dashboard that uses color and flashing to indicate charging status from a distance. Of course it also has connectivity and the Chevy app, which will tell you more. It will also warn you in different ways if there is a power interruption, or if someone tries to unplug it, and it has ways to lock the charging cord down.

 

[MostlySafeBear]

You guys need to settle down, we're only halfway thru 2023. Kinda early to worry about '24?

It's not me worrying early about a '24, it was dealers who sent out emails to people with unbuilt '23 orders, and those people will have to resubmit their orders as '24 models probably tomorrow.

 

[2Crew]

Key words: The property already has existing solar, and I added a level 2 charger. Unless you need a truck weekly, or take trips past charge radius often, perfect choice at a great value.

 

[MostlySafeBear]

Key words: The property already has existing solar, and I added a level 2 charger. Unless you need a truck weekly, or take trips past charge radius often, perfect choice at a great value.

Of course. And even if I do exceed the get back radius of one charge (227 miles total at 88% charge, so about 113 miles each way), I can always charge at a public charger. A few are even free, although charger reliability isn't perfect, so it's always smart to reserve some range to make it to a backup charger.

 

[inline_five]

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!

If I had qualified for the $7500 rebate and could have found a Bolt EUV that wasn't marked up $5k, I would've bought one instead.

You can do everything the Maverick can do with a small foldable 4x8 trailer from Harbor Freight.

The Comma AI system is fantastic however does not integrate with any Ford Vehicle. Personal opinion only but it's a great highway solution, but I would still not trust it on in town or back winding roads.

As someone who test drove a bunch of electrics, there is no comparison. More refined, more power, quieter, significantly maintenance...the list is endless. The one major downside is quick refills of the gas tank. But that doesn't impact the vast majority of people.

 

[MostlySafeBear]

If I had qualified for the $7500 rebate and could have found a Bolt EUV that wasn't marked up $5k, I would've bought one instead.

You can do everything the Maverick can do with a small foldable 4x8 trailer from Harbor Freight.

The Comma AI system is fantastic however does not integrate with any Ford Vehicle. Personal opinion only but it's a great highway solution, but I would still not trust it on in town or back winding roads.

As someone who test drove a bunch of electrics, there is no comparison. More refined, more power, quieter, significantly maintenance...the list is endless. The one major downside is quick refills of the gas tank. But that doesn't impact the vast majority of people.

I too could not find an EUV for MSPRP, so when I found this 2017 Bolt EV with a fresh battery and battery warranty from December of 2021 for $18k, I took it. The EUV really doesn't add much, and because of the aerodynamic losses caused by the body changes, it lost a few percent of its range.

I don't have a hitch installed yet, but it and a trailer is on my list of things to do.

A shame that Comma.ai can't be used with Ford vehicles. I really like mine, and since it's not a manufacturer system, and it's open source, if I am comfortable with programming, I can tinker with it. It also has no monthly or yearly fees, nor does it limit where it will function.

Where I live, there's ~16 miles of back country roads to get to town. One lane in each direction, 55 MPH limit, with curves, and not a lot of traffic. The system can handle most of the route with no intervention, though because steering torque is limited, it alarms on the tighter curves, giving time to choose to assist it with the curve or cancel and take back manual control. The system lets you assist with tighter turns without canceling, which is nice.

Charge times do suck, but that's not a big problem in my use case.

 

[gp1200x]

I would be suprized if you can add a hitch to the Bolt. Most EVs...even the larger ones..only have about a 1500lb capacity at best and it kills the range of the vehicle. They are not really designed for towing much.

As far as the new Equinox EV is concerned I think it does have towing on some models but again I think it is limited to 1500 lbs. You can pre-order the Equinox EV at some dealerships like Chapman and it at least gets you on an ordered list for the allocations. I think the Equinox is going to be a long wait if you try to get one once the order banks start opening up esp. since GM seems to have a major issue in EV production right now. With their Bolt being discontinued they will probably fall off the charts in EV production since the Hummer and Lyriq productions are a joke. They better get their act together soon and not screw up the Equinox and Blazer like they did with the Lyriq.

 

[Timothyd]

It's not me worrying early about a '24, it was dealers who sent out emails to people with unbuilt '23 orders, and those people will have to resubmit their orders as '24 models probably tomorrow.

Hmmm. Dealers did nothing like that last year. I might order an additional '24 just in case but keep my '23 as is.

 

[MostlySafeBear]

I would be suprized if you can add a hitch to the Bolt. Most EVs...even the larger ones..only have about a 1500lb capacity at best and it kills the range of the vehicle. They are not really designed for towing much.

I never said it wouldn't affect range, but it is possible. For example, there is a YouTube channel called "Our Solar Electric Trailer Journey" where they tow a 1395 pound A-Liner Scout with their Bolt, on trips as long as 1,000 miles.

Is it recommended by GM? Nope. Is it doable if you're careful and don't overload anything? Yep. My Bolt isn't in warranty any longer (except for specific components), so I'm willing to risk it eventually.

 

[duncanator]

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!

Same here...I have a 2019 Bolt EV that I purchased last November off of my lease and with my 23 XLT order from September 22, I am not going to roll my 23 order into a 24. I'll decide if I still want my 23 if it gets built but until then, I'll stick with my EV. There is practically zero maintenance over the past 4 years and it's just an easy commuter vehicle to have.

 

[LSchicago]

Wasn't that supposed to be the Telsa Cybertruck?

Cyber truck was never going to be small or affordable.

A small Maverick like EV Pickup makes the most sense of any size pickup to make an EV though.

 

[Wiingnut]

Not my cup of tea, however, if it works for you, go for it!

 

[inline_five]

I would be suprized if you can add a hitch to the Bolt. Most EVs...even the larger ones..only have about a 1500lb capacity at best and it kills the range of the vehicle. They are not really designed for towing much.

As far as the new Equinox EV is concerned I think it does have towing on some models but again I think it is limited to 1500 lbs. You can pre-order the Equinox EV at some dealerships like Chapman and it at least gets you on an ordered list for the allocations. I think the Equinox is going to be a long wait if you try to get one once the order banks start opening up esp. since GM seems to have a major issue in EV production right now. With their Bolt being discontinued they will probably fall off the charts in EV production since the Hummer and Lyriq productions are a joke. They better get their act together soon and not screw up the Equinox and Blazer like they did with the Lyriq.

You're not towing a horse trailer - you're towing a small fold up 4x8 that hauls plywood, furniture, appliances, a jetski, canoe, etc.

The vast majority of people do not need a truck that can haul 10,000+ lbs. Just something to run around on the weekend with that can haul small oversized loads.

Sponsored