Chevy Bolt Battery Warranty: Life Expectancy of the Battery and Ways to Prolong It

Electric cars have been a hot topic in the automotive industry for quite some time now, and the Chevy Bolt is one of the most popular options on the market. With its long-range capabilities and impressive performance, it's no wonder why so many people are choosing to make the switch to electric.

The Chevy Bolt boasts an impressive battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles, but what is the expected life span of the battery beyond that warranty? And what can Bolt owners do to prolong the life of their battery and get the most out of their electric cars?

In this article, we'll dive into the details of the Chevy Bolt battery warranty and explore ways to keep your Bolt's battery healthy and performing at its best for years to come.

Life Expectancy of Chevy Bolt Battery

The battery is the heart of any electric vehicle, powering the motor and allowing the car to run. However, the lifespan of an electric vehicle battery can be a concern for potential buyers.

According to Chevrolet, the battery is designed to last for an average of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is longer than the warranties offered by many other electric vehicles, but it still raises the question of what factors can impact the battery's longevity.

Here are some of the factors that can determine the life expectancy of the Chevy Bolt battery:

• Temperature: One of the most important factors that can impact the battery's lifespan is temperature. Extreme heat or cold can cause damage to the battery cells and reduce their overall capacity. This is why it's important to park your Chevy Bolt in a garage or shaded area to protect the battery from direct sunlight.
• Charging habits: Another important factor is the way that you charge your Chevy Bolt. The battery should not be charged to 100% or discharged to 0% on a regular basis, as this can put additional strain on the cells. Instead, it's recommended to keep the battery between 20% and 80% charged whenever possible.
• Driving style:The way that you drive your Chevy Bolt can also impact the battery's lifespan. Rapid acceleration, frequent braking, and high speeds can all put additional strain on the battery and reduce its overall capacity. Smooth driving habits are recommended to prolong the life of the battery.
• Maintenance:Regular maintenance can also play a role in the battery's longevity. It's important to have the battery and other components of the Chevy Bolt checked regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that everything is functioning properly.
• Time: Finally, even if you don't drive your Chevy Bolt frequently, the battery can still degrade over time. This is because the cells can slowly lose their capacity over the years, even if they are not being used.

Signs That Indicate Your Chevy Bolt Battery Needs Replacement

Even the best batteries degrade over time, and eventually, they need to be replaced. If you're wondering if it's time to replace your Chevy Bolt battery, here are some signs to look out for:

1) Decreased Range

The most obvious sign that your Bolt's battery needs to be replaced is a decrease in range. If you're not able to drive as far on a single charge as you used to, it may be time for a new battery. If you're used to getting 238 miles on a full charge, but now you're only getting 150 miles, it's definitely time to consider a battery replacement.

2) Slow Charging

Another sign that your Chevy Bolt battery needs to be replaced is slow charging. If it's taking longer than usual to charge your battery, or if your battery isn't charging to its full capacity, it's a clear indication that there's something wrong with the battery. Sometimes, a slow-charging battery can be fixed by replacing a faulty charging cord, but if that doesn't fix the issue, you may need to replace the battery.

3) Battery Health Alerts

Your Bolt's dashboard will give you information about the health of your battery, and if you see alerts about your battery's health declining, it's a sure sign that a replacement is needed. These alerts may show up as a warning light, a message on the screen, or a notification in your Bolt's mobile app. 

4) Longer charging times

If you find that your Chevy Bolt is taking longer to charge than it used to, this may be another sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life. As batteries age, they can become less efficient, which means that they may take longer to charge or may not hold a charge as well as they used to.

5) Battery warning light

Your Chevy Bolt has a warning light that will come on if there is a problem with your battery. If you see this warning light, it's important to get your car checked out as soon as possible to determine if your battery needs to be replaced.

6) Strange noises

If you hear any strange noises coming from your Chevy Bolt, such as whining or buzzing sounds, this could be a sign that your battery is failing.

7) Age of the battery

Finally, if you have had your Chevy Bolt for several years and you have never had the battery replaced, it may be time to consider a replacement. Lithium-ion batteries typically last for around 8-10 years, so if your car is approaching this age, it may be time to start planning for a replacement.

Ways to Prolong the Life of Your Chevy Bolt Battery

Keeping your battery in good condition is essential for getting the most out of your vehicle. Here are some ways to prolong the life of the Chevy Bolt battery:

• Charge the battery regularly:One of the simplest and most effective ways to prolong the life of the Chevy Bolt battery is to charge it regularly. Experts recommend charging the battery whenever it reaches 20% capacity or less. Charging it more often can help reduce the stress on the battery, which can help extend its lifespan.
• Avoid extreme temperatures:Batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so you should keep your Chevy Bolt in a moderate temperature range. High temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster, while very low temperatures can reduce its performance.
• Use hill mode sparingly:The Chevy Bolt comes equipped with a hill mode feature, which can help reduce the stress on the battery when driving up steep hills. However, using hill mode too often can put additional strain on the battery, which can reduce its lifespan.
• Avoid fast charging: While fast charging can be convenient, it can also be hard on the Chevy Bolt battery. Fast charging can generate a lot of heat, which can cause the battery to degrade faster.
• Avoid letting the battery drain completely:Allowing the battery to drain completely can be harmful to the battery's health. It's best to keep the battery charged above 20% whenever possible.
• Keep the battery cool during charging:When charging your Chevy Bolt, make sure to keep the battery cool. Charging generates heat, and if the battery gets too hot, it can degrade faster. If possible, park your vehicle in a shaded area or a cool garage while charging.

Warranty Claims and Battery Replacement

You may have heard that General Motors is offering battery replacements for all Bolt EVs and Bolt EUVs produced between 2017 and 2022. This announcement came after reports of several battery fires and an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. So, what does this mean for you?

GM's electric car warranty states that if the battery capacity drops below 60% of a new 60 kWh battery, it will be considered for replacement. This is great news for Bolt owners, as it means that GM will cover the replacement costs should the capacity drop below 36 kWh.

Now, you may be wondering why battery capacity matters. It affects the car's driving range. The lower the capacity, the shorter the range. So, if your Bolt's battery capacity has dropped significantly, you may notice that you're not able to travel as far on a single charge as you once were. This is why it's important to take advantage of GM's battery replacement offer if your Bolt is eligible.

If you own a Bolt that was manufactured between 2017 and 2022, you can schedule a battery replacement with your local dealership. The process is simple and should take a few hours to complete. Once the new battery is installed, you'll be able to enjoy the same driving range as when you first purchased your Bolt.

Conclusion

With the tips provided in this article, you can enjoy your car for years while minimizing the need for battery replacement. Remember that while the battery is a crucial component of your electric vehicle, it's only one part of the overall ownership experience. By taking care of the battery and the vehicle as a whole, your Chevy Bolt's impressive range and eco-friendly operation would continue to serve you.