CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
160 Driving and Operating
Press SPORT to select Sport Mode.
Press SPORT again to return to
Normal Mode.
An indicator will display in the instrument
cluster.
Each time the vehicle is started, it will
return to Normal Mode.
Sport Mode may be unavailable if the
battery charge is too low.
Electric Drive Unit
The vehicle uses an electric drive unit. The
shift lever always starts from a center
position. An amber dot is displayed on the
shift pattern. After releasing the shift lever,
it will return to the center position.
P :This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the vehicle to ensure
the vehicle does not move.
{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.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 161
The shift lock release button is designed to
prevent inadvertent shifting out of P (Park)
unless the vehicle has been started, the
brake pedal is applied, and the shift lock
release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, apply the
brakes and press the button on top of the
shift lever to shift to P (Park).
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).
To shift in and out of P (Park), see Shifting
Into Park and Shifting out of Park.
R :Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive), or D (Drive) to
R (Reverse) while the speed is too high, the
vehicle will shift to N (Neutral). Reduce the
vehicle speed and try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. From the center position, move the shift lever forward, and then to the left. R is
illuminated in red.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position. To shift out of R (Reverse):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the electric drive unit.
N : In this position, the propulsion system
does not connect with the wheels. To restart
the propulsion system when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park).
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. From the center position, move the shift lever forward. If the vehicle is in P (Park),
apply the brake pedal and press the shift
lock release button while moving the
shift lever forward. The shift lever
indicator is illuminated in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position. To shift out of N (Neutral):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes.
Car Wash Mode (Vehicle Off) - Driver In
Vehicle
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
vehicle off and occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the vehicle and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
162 Driving and Operating
Car Wash Mode (Vehicle Off) - Driver Out of
Vehicle
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
vehicle off and unoccupied:1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the vehicle and release the brake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift into P (Park) upon reentry.
Car Wash Mode (Vehicle On) - Driver In
Vehicle
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
vehicle on and occupied: 1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Release the brake pedal. 5. The vehicle is now ready for the
car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Vehicle On) - Driver Out of
Vehicle
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
vehicle on and unoccupied: 1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral). Then release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
7. The vehicle may automatically shift into P (Park) upon reentry.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. From the center position, move the shift
lever back. If the vehicle is in P (Park)
press the shift lock release button on the
side of the shift lever, while moving the
shift lever back. D is illuminated in red.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Caution
Spinning the tires excessively may
damage the electric drive unit. The repair
will not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin
the tires.
When stopping on a steep hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
When shifting to P (Park) on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle then shift to
P (Park).

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Driving and Operating 163
L :This position reduces vehicle speed
without using the brakes. Use L (Low) on
very steep hills and in stop-and-go traffic.
One-Pedal Driving
With One-Pedal Driving, the accelerator
pedal can be used to control the
deceleration of the vehicle down to a
complete stop.
Completely lifting off the accelerator pedal
will result in aggressive deceleration.
Partially lifting off the accelerator pedal will
allow the deceleration of the vehicle to be
adjusted as desired.
The amount of deceleration may vary under
Regenerative Power Limited condition. See
Power Indicator Gauge 083.
Use the brake pedal if emergency braking is
required.
To use One-Pedal Driving, place the vehicle
in L (Low). Press the accelerator pedal to the
desired speed. The deceleration provided by
One-Pedal Driving provides full regenerative
braking and helps increase energy efficiency.
The brake lamps may come on when the
accelerator pedal is released or during
substantial deceleration from regenerative
braking. While operating in One-Pedal Driving, the
electric parking brake may apply in some
circumstances. This can occur when:
.Driving on slopes.
.The driver’s door is open.
.The vehicle has remained stationary for
5 minutes.
.There is a problem with the propulsion
system.
To drive again, depress the accelerator
pedal, and the electric parking brake will
automatically disengage.
One-Pedal Driving may shift the car into
P (Park) if the vehicle is pushed once it has
been stopped or if a problem with the
propulsion system develops.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard. ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 086.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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164 Driving and Operating
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking Brake
(EPB). The EPB can always be activated, even
if the vehicle is off.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber parking brake warning
light.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.In case of insufficient electrical power, the
EPB cannot be applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber parking brake warning light is
on, lift up on the EPB switch and hold it up.
Continue to hold the switch until the red
parking brake status light remains on. If the
amber parking brake warning light is still
on, see your dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is held up. If the switch is held
up until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Press POWER
Oto start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press momentarily on the EPB switch.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber parking brake warning light is
on, release the EPB by pressing down on the
EPB switch and holding it down. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light is off. If either light stays on
after release is attempted, see your dealer.

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Driving and Operating 165
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 148.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Regenerative Braking
Some braking energy from the moving
vehicle is turned back into electrical energy.
This energy is then stored back into the
high voltage battery system, increasing
energy efficiency.
Regen on Demand
Regen on Demand allows increased
deceleration by pressing and holding the
steering wheel paddle. It works in D (Drive)
and L (Low). The accelerator pedal can be
used to manage deceleration while using
Regen on Demand.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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166 Driving and Operating
Cruise control will turn off and the brake
lamps may come on when this feature is
activated.
If the vehicle is in D (Drive) and is brought
to a complete stop while the Regen on
Demand paddle is held, the vehicle will not
creep forward when the paddle is released.
The accelerator pedal must be pressed to
move the vehicle forward. See“One-Pedal
Driving” underElectric Drive Unit 0160.
If the vehicle is on a steep grade, the brake
pedal must be used to hold the vehicle.
Regenerative power may be limited when
the battery is near full charge or cold. The
regen battery icon will appear gray when
limited. The regen power limit is also
displayed as a horizontal bar on the power
indicator gauge.
Avoid using Regen On Demand under
slippery road conditions. Under Regenerative
Power Limited Condition, the amount of
vehicle deceleration will be limited. Use the
brake pedal as the primary braking device.Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces propulsion system power to
limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path. If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
“Turning the Systems Off and On”
later in
this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.

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Driving and Operating 167
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the vehicle off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the vehicle.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The traction off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster.
To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The traction off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off. If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster.
StabiliTrak can only be disabled below
56 km/h (35 mph).
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0197.
Cruise Control
The cruise control lets the vehicle maintain a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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168 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
With the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
the system may begin to limit wheel spin
while you are using cruise control. If this
happens, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0166.
If a collision alert occurs when cruise control
is activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0174.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If the brakes or the Regen on Demand
paddle are applied, cruise control
disengages. Cruise control will disengage if either TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
5:
Press to turn the cruise control system
on and off. A white indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster when cruise is
turned on.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.
+RES : If there is a set speed in memory,
press briefly to resume that speed or press
and hold to accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase vehicle speed. −SET :
Press briefly to set the speed and
activate cruise control. If cruise control is
already active, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
Setting Cruise Control
If
5is on when not in use, −SET or +RES
could get bumped and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
5off when cruise is not
being used.
To set a speed:
1. Press
5to turn the cruise system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release −SET. The desired set
speed briefly appears in the instrument
cluster.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator pedal.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after cruise
control has been set to the desired speed.
See Instrument Cluster 079.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 169
Once the vehicle speed reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, briefly press
+RES. The vehicle returns to the previous set
speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold +RES until the vehicle
accelerates to the desired speed, then
release it.
.To increase the speed in small increments,
briefly press +RES. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 079. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold −SET until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
.To slow down in small increments, briefly
press −SET. For each press, the vehicle
goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower. The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster
079. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While pressing the
accelerator pedal or shortly following the
release to override cruise control, briefly
pressing −SET will result in cruise control set
to the current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are five ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the electric drive unit to N (Neutral).
.Press5to turn the cruise control system
off completely.
.Activate Regen on Demand. See “Regen
on Demand” underRegenerative Braking
0 165.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the vehicle is
turned off.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or see alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
(Continued)