battery CHEVROLET VOLT 2020 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
170 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better EnergyEfficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 176
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 176
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 178
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 182
Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Starting and Stopping the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Electric Vehicle Operating
Modes
Driver Selected Operating
Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Electric Drive Unit
Electric Drive Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
One-Pedal Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 192
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 193
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . 194
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 199
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 200 Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 209
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 211
Charging
When to Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Plug-In Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Delayed Charging Override . . . 217
Charging Status Feedback . . . 218
Charge Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Utility Interruption of Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Electrical Requirements for Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
Driving and Operating 171
Driving Information
Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency
Use the following tips to help
maximize energy efficiency and
range.
In colder temperatures, while these
efficiency tips will help, the electric
vehicle driving range will be lower
due to higher energy usage
including energy spent heating the
cabin.
The Range Impacts screen
estimates the influence of the main
factors impacting vehicle range.
After charging is complete, this
information is reset. See“Range
Impacts” underEnergy Information
0 115.
Acceleration/Braking/Coasting
Avoid rapid accelerations and
decelerations.
Electric range is maximized at
89 km/h (55 mph) and less. Use cruise control when
appropriate.
Plan ahead for decelerations and
coast whenever possible. Do not
rush to traffic signals, and do not
shift to N (Neutral) to coast.
The vehicle recovers more energy
while coasting and braking in
L (Low) than in D (Drive) mode.
Using the steering wheel paddle
during deceleration recovers more
energy. See
Regenerative Braking
0 194.
Terrain and Vehicle Speed
Higher speeds and grade changes
use more energy and can
significantly reduce electric range.
Climate Setting
Using the heat and air conditioning
systems decreases the energy
available for electric driving.
Optimal energy efficiency is
achieved when the heat, air
conditioning, and fan are turned off. Use the heated seat feature instead
of climate control system. Heating
the seat uses less energy than
heating the vehicle interior.
Use remote start to heat or cool the
interior when the vehicle is plugged
in to maximize the electric range by
utilizing electricity from the electrical
outlet.
In hot weather, avoid parking in
direct sunlight or use sunshades
inside the vehicle.
Keep the inside of the windows
clean to reduce fogging, and turn off
the front defroster and rear defogger
when they are not needed.
Avoid driving with the windows open
at highway speeds.
Use the Enhanced Battery Gauge
on the Instrument Cluster to view
the effect of climate control settings
on your estimated range. See
Battery Gauge (High Voltage)
098.
Outside Temperature
On colder days, it is best to plug in
the vehicle overnight, and then
remote start the vehicle.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
172 Driving and Operating
Allow the vehicle to warm up for
20 minutes before driving.
If possible, use a level 2 (32 amp)
high power charge station for best
results. This allows the interior of
the vehicle and high voltage battery
to warm to optimal temperature.
Vehicle Charging/Maintenance
Charging
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even
when fully charged, to keep the
battery temperature ready for the
next drive. This is important when
outside temperatures are extremely
hot or cold.
Maintenance
Always keep the tires properly
inflated and the vehicle properly
aligned.
The weight of excess cargo in the
vehicle affects efficiency and range.
Avoid carrying more than is needed.
Avoid unnecessary use of electrical
accessories. Power used for
functions other than propelling the
vehicle will reduce EV range.Using a rooftop carrier will reduce
efficiency due to additional weight
and drag.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.
.
Do not use a mobile phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on mobile phones or
other electronic devices. .
Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
. Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a mobile
phone.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
Driving and Operating 183
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 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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
184 Driving and Operating
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 08.
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.
Stopping Procedure
For information on how to turn the
vehicle off, see Power Button0182.
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

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
Driving and Operating 185
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park):1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0192.
2. Press the button on top of the shift lever to shift into P (Park).
See Electric Drive Unit 0187.
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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
186 Driving and Operating
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 0185.
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.
Electric Vehicle
Operating Modes
Driver Selected Operating
Modes
Sport Mode
Sport Mode provides more
responsive acceleration than
Normal Mode, but can reduce
efficiency. When the SPORT
indicator is not on, the vehicle is in
Normal Mode.
Press SPORT to select Sport Mode.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
Driving and Operating 187
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/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
194 Driving and Operating
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.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 0187.
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

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
Driving and Operating 213
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The system performance may be
affected by:
.Close vehicles ahead.
. Sudden lighting changes, such
as when driving through tunnels.
. Banked roads.
. Roads with poor lane markings,
such as two-lane roads.
If the LKA system is not functioning
properly when lane markings are
clearly visible, cleaning the
windshield may help. A camera blocked message may
display if the camera is blocked.
Some driver assistance systems
may have reduced performance or
not work at all. An LKA or LDW
unavailable message may display if
the systems are temporarily
unavailable. This message could be
due to a blocked camera. The LKA
system does not need service.
Clean the outside of the windshield
behind the rearview mirror.
LKA assistance and/or LDW alerts
may occur due to tar marks,
shadows, cracks in the road,
temporary or construction lane
markings, or other road
imperfections. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service. Turn LKA off if these
conditions continue.
Charging
When to Charge
When the high voltage battery is
getting low, charging messages may
display.
The CHARGE VEHICLE SOON
message indicates that the driving
range is low and the vehicle needs
to be charged soon. As the charge
level drops, the PROPULSION
POWER IS REDUCED message is
displayed and the accelerator pedal
response is reduced. In addition, the
remaining range value will change
to LOW indicating the vehicle
should be charged immediately.
When the energy is fully depleted,
the OUT OF ENERGY, CHARGE
VEHICLE NOW message displays
and the vehicle slows to a stop.
Brake and steering assist will still
operate. Once the vehicle has
stopped, turn the vehicle off.