Search results

When the lease was up on my 2014 Spark EV they specifically checked that the EVSE was present and accounted for. If it wasn't I was going to be on the hook for a replacement. But that's a lease and not a trade-in. With a trade-in or any used vehicle sale (except maybe CPO), it's sold as-is...

If you do need any maintenance, it can be done at any dealer. Depending on the lease agreement, you can probably return the car to a different dealer as well. My first lease was a Spark EV and the first time it went back to a dealer (different dealer than the one I leased from) was to return...

Yes, more than theoretically. I've done it. My solar array goes through an SMA inverter on its way to the grid. The inverter has a "secure power supply," meaning an outlet that it will feed if the grid goes down. I've used that outlet to charge the car. That said, I'd never do this on a...

I've done the same drive three times so far. In the ICE car I'd usually drive 75-80, while in the Bolt I'll go slower. I set the cruise to 72 and look for trucks, vans and SUVs that are going a similar speed and let them break the wind for me. Following a Suburban at 75 at a reasonable...

The $26k might be a unicorn, but I've seen a claim somewhere that some dealer in CA was offering that. I can't find it now, but did find this that showed a dealer offering $29k for a new one, including one that appears to have a few options. A screenshot is in the article...

You may want to talk to your dealer about a lease pull-forward deal for a new 2019 when you get close to the mileage cap. My uncle has done this a couple of times with GM financial - you turn the car in early and below the mileage cap so you pay no penalties, then start a new lease. If you can...

This is great hypermiling behavior and might get you 300 miles from a full battery. You don't need to be this extreme to get between Apple Valley and Las Vegas on a full charge. I set the cruise at 72 when I wasn't following a truck and I made it from Vegas to San Bernardino. As for the Baker...

Some people just don't like being followed. Most either won't care or will just wonder why that same car is still back there, but I've had a few that slowed down, sped up, or changed lanes for no reason, so my assumption is that they didn't want me behind them.

It should be no problem. I just got back from my third trip to Las Vegas in the Bolt, and made it all the way from center-strip (Aria) to San Bernardino with no stops. I was at about 35% battery at Apple Valley, so you could drive a lot less conservatively than I did and still make it just...

I'd suggest checking EV-vin (http://ev-vin.blogspot.com/). It's a regularly updated list of the best advertised lease deals. Right now it looks like Sierra and Community have the best deals in SoCal. I got mine at Community almost a year ago. Mine was the second Bolt they sold that day out...

What kind of electric plan are you on? If it's a time of use plan, you may be using more in the off-peak hours while still generating just as much during peak hours and playing those rates against each other, so it's entirely possible that you might wind up with that small of a difference in...

I went up there a few weeks ago, just for a few hours visiting relatives. I found the climb much more peaceful than in a gas car, where the engine is constantly revving for the climb. Even with a nice V8 rumble I'd eventually tire of the engine noise, but with a little four-banger working hard...

I'm going to differ with you on that. For some people it will be essential, but for many it won't be. Charging overnight on 120 can easily give 50+ miles of range, and that's plenty for daily driving for many people. I've been driving EVs for over 4 years, and just got rid of my gasser. I...

I think your neighbor got ripped off, unless maybe he got Tesla shingles and was willing to pay for the looks. I paid $8k for solar over two years ago and it's covered all of my use (admittedly my bill only averaged around $70/month). I've gotten a small check from Southern California Edison...

If you're close to Thousand Oaks you're likely within range of Keyes in Van Nuys and Rydell in Northridge. They both have lots of Bolts. Get quotes from them any anybody else within range. Yes, you'll get a bunch of phone calls from them, but if you wait to contact them until you're ready to...

Non-owner here (at least not yet), so I can't test. I've read that the car will go into park if you have it in drive when you open the door and get out, but what about if you put it in neutral? Is it "too smart" to allow that?

The brake lights are triggered by either a set amount of deceleration or the brake pedal, so generally the brake lights won't come on in D but they can come on in if the car slows down enough, like when you're climbing a hill and let off the accelerator. Conversely, if you're going downhill in...

If you want silence, why not take a moment to find a dead FM or AM channel in your area, make that preset #1, and leave the radio there. At most you'll get a bit of static when you turn on the car until you get your music started. Sure, you might pick up a channel and get some music when...

When I got my Spark EV a few months ago, silver and white were the only colors still available in SoCal. I opted for white partly with the thought of doing a wrap. I got a quote of $1600 for a full wrap, so instead I opted for DIY vinyl racing stripes. First I did orange for Halloween and now...

That is truly unfortunate. Dealers are independent and there's not a lot that Chevrolet can do about it. I'd recommend contacting Rydell in Northridge. I got my first Spark EV from them (not my second - they'd sold out of them by then). No guarantees, but their business practices seemed to...