Charging Ahead: My EV Journey with the Chevy Bolt EUV

As someone deeply concerned about our planet, making environmentally friendly choices is important for me. That led me to consider purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), and after a thorough comparison of the entry-level vehicles including the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Hyundai Kona, I chose the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. After nearly six months and more than 7,500 miles, I can say that I’m glad I that did!

Financially, the decision was a no-brainer. The federal government generously provided a $7,500 tax credit thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, and the state of Connecticut chipped in with an additional $2,250 that came right off the price of the car at purchase. Next, GM paid to install a Level 2 charger in my garage that was in place within two weeks of taking delivery. Additionally, thanks to Eversource, I receive $200 annually to encourage me to charge during off-peak hours and to allow the energy company to manage the charger’s use during periods of high demand during the summer months. Finally, I spent about 60% less – approximately $100 per month less – compared to what I would have spent on gas with the Mazda CX-5 that I had previously (calculation based on 3 miles/kwh @ $0.16/kwh vs. 25 mpg @ $3.50/gal).

I love my little “Boltie”- it’s been everything I could hope for and more in a mini-SUV. It looks great, is fun to drive with smooth handling and unexpected pep, and with its infotainment system with wireless Apple Car Play, every drive is enjoyable. The interior space is generous with a surprising amount of rear seat leg room, and I got the trim package with heated and cooled leather seats – I find it hard to image another vehicle with the same amenities and safety features that, after incentives, comes in around $20,000! Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a day out in the New England countryside, the Bolt EUV has become my go-to vehicle.

After not venturing too far from my home in Southeastern CT for the first few months, I worked up the courage to take a few confidence building excursions to overcome the very real feeling of “range anxiety” that every new EV owner experiences. The first came during a trip to my company’s home office just outside of Boston. After confirming with co-workers that there was a Level 2 EV charging station in the parking garage, I was pleasantly surprised to find multiple slots available upon my arrival. Plugging in was a breeze, and thanks to the ease of Apple Pay, I added about 70 miles to Boltie’s range while I worked. The drive back home was stress-free with no concerns of running out of juice. Next was a trip to JFK airport, which pushed beyond the limits of the Bolt EUV’s estimated 250-mile range. Fortunately, again with some prior research, I discovered there are Fast Charging stations at most of CT’s I-95 rest stations. A leisurely sandwich break during both legs of the trip (the return after it had been sitting in long-term parking for three weeks and losing barely a mile or two) provided ample time for charging, ensuring that I had more than enough power to get home.

The biggest test was a weekend trip to Portland, ME, which is over 200 miles in each direction. Prepared as always, I had identified a Fast Charger just off I-95 after Boston to add an extra 60 or so miles on the way to Portland. Once in the city with 50 miles left “in the tank,” a little over an hour’s Fast Charging brought me back to close to a full battery for the ride home; however, I did stop for a quick 15-minute charge to top off on the way home, just in case. Although I encountered some minor snags with the multiple charging provider apps and payment systems, it wasn’t anything a quick Google search couldn’t resolve. I found plenty of charging options, reassuring me that the network of charging stations is vast and growing. While I won’t be going on a cross-country trip with it anytime soon, now I know that a 400+ mile round trip is not only achievable with the Bolt EUV but genuinely enjoyable and any initial “range anxiety” that I had had has been replaced with confidence in knowing of the ubiquity of charging stations and the car’s consistent performance.

After nearly six months, I can truly say that owning and driving an EV has had a positive impact on me. Instead of my usual 80-85 MPH on the highway, I set the cruise control at 75 for better energy efficiency – the faster you drive, the less miles you get! I know that driving an EV is better for the planet than a comparable gas-powered car; I even got a vanity plate 1PLANET, that hopefully sends a message to others that we all need to do something to help save the planet, one person, one decision at a time. Finally, every day, there are more and more options for charging. Before owning an EV, I never noticed charging stations, but now that I do and I’m looking, they’re pretty much everywhere – at car dealerships, tourist attractions, office buildings, healthcare providers, and importantly, at gas stations and rest stops right off the highway. Not only are EVs a viable option for most drivers now, but with the investments that are being made to build out the charging infrastructure nation-wide, they are where the future of transportation is headed. I’m delighted to be doing my part as an early adopter, leading the charge towards a more sustainable world!