CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2019 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
200 Driving and Operating
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain.
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
electric drive unit.
. Keep the vehicle in gear when
going down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the vehicle turned off is
dangerous. The brakes will have
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
to do all the work of slowing down
the vehicle and could become too
hot. Hot brakes may not be able
to slow the vehicle enough to
maintain speed and control. You
could crash. Always have the
vehicle running and in gear when
going downhill. This will allow the
electric drive unit to assist in
slowing and maintaining speed.
. Drive at speeds to keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills.
Something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, crash).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Recommend using D (Drive) in
slippery conditions.
. Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on the Traction Control
System (TCS).
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Driving and Operating 201
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0337. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
To save energy, run the vehicle for
only short periods as needed to
warm the vehicle and then shut the
vehicle off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
The Traction Control System (TCS)
must be turned off by pressing the
TCS/ESC button. Traction control is
not completely off, but will only
engage if the maneuver can cause
damage to the electric drive unit.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
underhood compartment fire or
other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off TCS. Shift
back and forth between R (Reverse)
and a low forward gear, spinning the
wheels as little as possible. To
prevent electric drive unit wear, wait
until the wheels stop spinning
before shifting gears. Release the
accelerator pedal while shifting, and
press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the electric drive unit is
in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels
in the forward and reverse
directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that
does not get the vehicle out after a
few tries, it might need to be towed
out. See Towing the Vehicle 0309.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
202 Driving and Operating
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
tire size of the original equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see
Tires 0279 andTire
Pressure 0285.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See “Certification
Label” later in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit–
1.Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Driving and Operating 203
3.Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals
the available amount of
cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred toyour vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
This vehicle is neither designed
nor intended to tow a trailer.
Example 1
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 1 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs)
× 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).
3.Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight = 317 kg
(700 lbs).
Example 2
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 2 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs)
× 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight
= 113 kg (250 lbs).

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
204 Driving and Operating
Example 3
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight
= 0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the vehicle's
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
may show the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
(Continued)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Driving and Operating 205
Warning (Continued)
.Do not leave a seat
folded down unless
needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
Avoid making hard stops for the
first 322 km (200 mi). During this
time the new brake linings are not
yet broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean premature
wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake
linings. Following break-in,
vehicle speed and load can be
gradually increased.
Power Button
The vehicle has an electronic
pushbutton start.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the vehicle
will not start, place the RKE
transmitter in the transmitter pocket,
inside the center console.
ON/RUN :This position is for
starting and driving. With the vehicle
off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing POWER
Oonce will place
the vehicle in ON/RUN. When the
vehicle ready light is on in the

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
206 Driving and Operating
instrument cluster, the vehicle is
ready to be driven. This could take
up to 15 seconds at extremely cold
temperatures.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
service vehicle soon light as may be
required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding POWER
Ofor
more than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Mode. The
instruments and audio systems will
operate as they do in ON/RUN, but
the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The propulsion system will
not start in Service Mode. Press
POWER
Oagain to turn the
vehicle off.
Caution
Placing the vehicle in Service
Mode will use the 12-volt battery.
Do not use Service Mode for an
extended period, or the vehicle
may not start.
STOPPING THE VEHICLE/OFF :
To turn the vehicle off, apply the
brakes, press the button on top of
the shift lever to shift to P (Park) and
press POWER
O.
Alternatively, apply the brakes and
press POWER
O. The electric drive
unit will shift to P (Park) then shut
off automatically.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active until the driver
door is opened. If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the vehicle
off by pressing POWERO.
4. Set the parking brake.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
propulsion system off in an
emergency.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Driving and Operating 207
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold POWER
Ofor
longer than two seconds, or press
twice in five seconds.
Starting and Stopping the
Vehicle
Starting Procedure
Press the P (Park) button on the
shift lever, or move the shift lever
into N (Neutral). The propulsion
system will not start in any other
position.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving or the electric
drive unit could be damaged.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the vehicle operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle.
Press the brake pedal, then press
and release POWER
O.
If the RKE transmitter is not in the
vehicle or something is interfering
with the transmitter, a message
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the vehicle will not start due to a
low RKE transmitter battery, the
vehicle can still be driven. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 033.
A vehicle ready light displays in the
lower right corner of the instrument
cluster when the vehicle is ready to
be driven.
The instrument cluster also displays
an active battery gauge when the
vehicle is ready to be driven.
Restarting Procedure
If the vehicle must be restarted
while it is still moving, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral) and press
POWER
Otwice without pressing
the brake pedal. The propulsion
system will not restart in any other
position.
A chime will sound if the driver door
is opened while the vehicle is on.
Always press POWER
Oto turn the
vehicle off before exiting.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
208 Driving and Operating
Stopping Procedure
For information on how to turn the
vehicle off, seePower Button0205.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
The following features will operate
for up to 10 minutes or until the
driver door is opened:
.
Audio System
. Accessory Power Outlets
. Power Windows
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0215.
2. Press the button on top of the shift lever to shift into P (Park).
See Electric Drive Unit 0210.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the
vehicle is in P (Park).
4. Turn the vehicle off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Propulsion System On
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the P (Park) button is
not pressed with the parking
brake set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
propulsion system is running.
If you have left the propulsion
system running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
press the P (Park) button.
If the vehicle must be left with the
propulsion system on, be sure that
the vehicle is in P (Park) with the
parking brake set, before leaving
the vehicle. After pressing the
P (Park) button, hold down the
regular brake pedal. If you cannot see the P (Park) indicator in
instrument cluster, it means that the
vehicle has not shifted to P (Park).
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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Driving and Operating 209
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 0208.
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.