A 7-Year-Old EV
Batteries degrade over time. Whether it’s phones, laptops, or even cars, you, as the owner, will notice a drop in performance as the batteries degrade. How fast batteries degrade depends on a number of factors, but this guy takes it to another level with this 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Seven years is a lot of time for an EV to be on the road, and the Chevrolet Bolt is far from perfect, having experienced a recall in the past. This particular model went in for a recall at 138,000 miles. After that, the Bolt went another 330,000 miles before the battery pack was replaced again.
Still on the Original Motor
The battery pack is considered a consumable item on EVs. Charging and discharging are part of an EV’s wear-and-tear cycle, but what’s impressive about this Bolt is that it’s still on its original electric motor after about 470,000 miles.
Out of Spec Renew, the video’s poster, noted that the Bolt had its suspension parts and wheel bearings replaced during its life. Impressive, considering these parts outlasted the car’s motor.
With the old battery pack, the Bolt couldn’t go into drive, reverse, or charge. When the old battery pack was opened, it revealed widespread swelling and a low voltage. Those familiar with battery health and degradation will know these are signs the pack needs replacing. Because of how electric vehicles are assembled and packaged, the only way to physically check is to open the cells and inspect them.
Beyond 470,000 miles
To keep the Chevrolet Bolt EV on the road, I had to procure a replacement battery. The replacement pack came from an even older model from 2017, and its mileage was estimated at around 10,000 to 15,000.
Now, getting the replacement pack working wasn’t plug-and-play. Some software wizardry was required to tell the car that there was a new battery. After some tries, the car was up and running again.
The estimated cost of a second-hand battery, the installation, and labor totals about $2,651. The breakdown includes a $1,800 bill for the second-hand battery, $800 in labor, and $51 for the software programming. For a typical customer repair, the pack is estimated at about $2,500 to $3,000, which is reasonable if you don’t factor in the Bolt’s second-hand value.
After the battery replacement, the car is running, but it’s still far from perfect. There are a few more minor things to address, which include the leaking passenger-side axle seal and a gear reduction oil change. At this age, it’s also a good idea to change the coolant in the battery and fully charge the cells. I mean, it’s still a car that’s been run for nearly half a million miles.
