brake CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2021 User Guide

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Instruments and Controls 101
vehicle with this message displayed, the
vehicle speed may be reduced until the high
voltage battery is conditioned.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
Use the audio system controls to access the
personalization menus for customizing
vehicle features.
The following are all possible personalization
features. Depending on the vehicle, some
may not be available.
{:Press to access the Home Page.
T:Touch to access the Icon view.
Y: Drag the scroll bar to navigate the list.
0 :Touch to exit or return to the
previous screen or menu.
To access the menu:
1. Touch
T.
2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch the menu item to select it.
Each of the menus is detailed in the
following information.
Personalization Menu
The following list of menu items may be
available:
.Time and Date
.Rear Seat Reminder
.Language (Language)
.Teen Driver
.Radio Settings
.Vehicle
.Devices
.Device Remote Access
.Bluetooth Phone
.Apple CarPlay
.Android Auto
.USB Auto Launch
.Wi-Fi
.Display Settings
.Rear Camera
.Return to Factory Settings
.Audible Touch Feedback
.Text Scroll
.Software Information
Each menu is detailed in the following
information.
Time and Date
Manually set the time and date. See Clock
0 76.
Rear Seat Reminder
This message displays under certain
conditions indicating there may be an item
or passenger in the rear seat. Check before
exiting the vehicle.
This feature allows for a chime and a
message when the rear door has been
opened before or during operation of the
vehicle.
Select Off or On.
Language (Language)
Select Language, then select from the
available language(s).

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
102 Instruments and Controls
Teen Driver
SeeTeen Driver 0132.
Radio Settings
To manage the radio features, see “Radio
Settings” underSettings 0131.
Vehicle
Select and the following may display:
.Climate and Air Quality
.Comfort and Convenience
.Collision / Detection Systems
.Lighting
.Power Door Locks
.Remote Lock / Unlock / Start
Climate and Air Quality
Select and the following may display:
.Auto Fan Speed
.Auto Heated Seats
.Auto Defog
Auto Fan Speed
This feature will set the maximum auto fan
speed.
Select Low, Medium, or High. Auto Heated Seats
When set to On and it is cold outside, both
the heated seats and the heated steering
wheel will automatically turn on when the
vehicle is started. See
Automatic Climate
Control System 0140.
Select Off or On.
Auto Defog
When set to On, the front defog will
automatically come on when the vehicle is
started. See Automatic Climate Control
System 0140.
Select Off or On.
Comfort and Convenience
Select and the following may display:
.Chime Volume
.Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear
Chime Volume
This allows the selection of the chime
volume level.
Select + or −to adjust the volume.
Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear
This allows the feature to be turned on or
off. See Rear Window Wiper/Washer 075. Select Off or On.
Collision / Detection Systems
Select and the following may display:
.Forward Collision System
.Front Pedestrian Detection
.Park Assist
.Rear Cross Traffic Alert
.Lane Change Alert
Forward Collision System
This setting controls the vehicle response
when detecting a vehicle ahead of you. The
Off setting disables all Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) and Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) functions. With the Alert and
Brake setting, both FCA and AEB are
available. The Alert setting disables AEB. See
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) 0175.
Select Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Front Pedestrian Detection
This allows the feature’s notification to be
customized.
Select Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Park Assist
This allows the feature to be turned on
or off.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Infotainment System 133
transmitter key is no longer
registered and a confirmation
message displays.
If a Teen Driver transmitter key and a
non-Teen Driver transmitter key are both
present at start up, the vehicle will
recognize the non-Teen Driver transmitter
key to start the vehicle. The Teen Driver
settings will not be active.
Manage Settings
Use the PIN to change the following
settings:
Audio Volume Limit : Allows a maximum
radio volume to be set. Turn the audio
volume limit On or Off, and if equipped,
choose the maximum level for the audio
volume.
Teen Driver Speed Warning : Allows for
setting a visual and audible warning when a
certain speed is exceeded. The speed
warning is selectable from 64 km/h
(40 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph). The speed
warning does not limit the speed of the
vehicle.
Teen Driver Speed Limiter (If Equipped) :
Allows the maximum speed of the vehicle to
be limited to 137 km/h (85 mph). When the
speed limiter is turned On and the vehicle is started with a Teen Driver key, the DIC
displays a message that the top speed is
limited to 137 km/h (85 mph).
When Teen Driver is Active:
.The radio will mute when the driver seat
belt is not fastened, and in some vehicles,
when the right front passenger seat belt
is not fastened. The audio from any
device paired to the vehicle will also be
muted.
.Certain electronic devices placed on the
front passenger seat could cause the
passenger sensing system to falsely sense
an unbuckled front passenger and mute
the radio. See
Passenger Sensing System
0 44.
.Some safety systems, such as Automatic
Emergency Braking, if equipped and
supported, cannot be turned off.
.The gap setting for the Forward Collision
Alert, if equipped, cannot be changed.
Report Card
The vehicle owner must secure the driver’s
consent to record certain vehicle data when
the vehicle is driven with a registered Teen
Driver key. There is one Report Card per
vehicle. Data is not recorded when Teen
Driver is not active. The Report Card data is collected from the
time Teen Driver is activated or the last
time the Report Card was reset. The
following items may be recorded:
.Distance Driven
–the total distance
driven.
.Maximum Speed –the maximum vehicle
speed recorded.
.Overspeed Warnings –the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Forward Collision Alerts –the number of
times the driver was notified when
approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly
and at potential risk for a crash.
.Forward Collision Avoidance Braking –the
number of times the vehicle detected that
a forward collision was imminent and
applied the brakes. Also referred to as
Automatic Emergency Braking.
.Stability Control –the number of events
which required the use of electronic
stability control.
.ABS Active –the number of Antilock
Brake System activations.
.Tailgating Alerts –the number of times
the driver was alerted for following the
vehicle ahead too closely.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
146 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Energy Efficiency . . . . 147
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Starting and Stopping the Vehicle . . . . . 157
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 158
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Electric Vehicle Operating Modes
Driver Selected Operating Modes . . . . . . 159
Electric Drive Unit
Electric Drive Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
One-Pedal Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic StabilityControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Assistance Systems for Parking orBacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . 173
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . 175
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Charging
When to Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Plug-In Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Delayed Charging Override . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Charging Status Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Charge Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Utility Interruption of Charging . . . . . . . 194
Electrical Requirements for Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 149
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious—or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
.Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system,
do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,
or similar objects at speeds greater than
3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused by
misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Variable Effort Steering
The vehicle has a steering system that
varies the amount of effort required to steer
the vehicle in relation to the speed of the
vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is
less at slower speeds to make the vehicle
more maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort increases
to provide a sport-like feel to the steering.
This provides maximum control and stability.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
150 Driving and Operating
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is held
against that position for an extended period
of time, power steering assist may be
reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement. 2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 151
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.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.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
152 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the vehicle turned off is dangerous. The
brakes will have 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 clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when thesurrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
.Avoid using Regen on Demand paddle.
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
0 266. 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.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
156 Driving and Operating
{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.
.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 instrument
cluster, the vehicle is ready to be driven.
This could take up to 15 seconds at
extremely cold temperatures.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 157
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 POWER
O.
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. 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.