2020 Bolt EV Battery Updates Add to Electric Range

Starting with model year 2020, the Bolt EV will offer an EPA-estimated 259 miles (417 km) of range on a full charge, a 21-mile (34 km) increase over previous model years. With the increased range, the 2020 Bolt EV (Fig. 1) will appeal to even more customers by allowing them to travel farther between charging sessions.

 

Fig. 1

 

The new high voltage battery pack capacity (Fig. 2) is 66 kWh, up from 60 kWh in previous model years. Proprietary improvements in both cell design and manufacturing contribute to the increased capacity. SAE Level 3 DC fast charge rates are also improved for 2020, especially in cold weather, reducing the amount of time spent at a charging station.

 

Fig. 2

 

High Voltage Battery Pack Service

The full battery pack and all five battery sections will be available to service at the launch of the 2020 Bolt EV through the GM Battery Service Center (GM BSC) in the U.S. and York ESC in Canada. The new battery pack and sections will appear the same physically on the outside.  However, the new N2.2 chemistry for 2020 is NOT compatible with the previous N2.1 chemistry for 2017-2019 Bolt EV models.

TIP: Be sure to confirm the correct part number for the repair before ordering and installing the battery pack. Refer to Bulletin #19-NA-194 for ordering battery packs and #18-NA-236 for ordering battery sections.

 

EV Range

With the increased EPA label range comes the potential for more customer questions about EV range variation. As with all GM plug-in vehicles, the displayed EV range is an honest estimate based on driving techniques and terrain, ambient temperatures and climate control settings, and battery factors.

When a lower EV range is displayed on the Bolt EV instrument cluster (Fig. 3), some customers may lose some confidence in the storage capacity of their vehicle’s battery. GM backs every battery pack with the Bolt EV Electric and Hybrid Warranty. In North America, if the battery pack loses more than 40% of its capacity during the 8-year or 100,000-mile/160,000 km (whichever comes first) EV warranty period, the battery pack may be replaced for the customer.

 

Fig. 3

 

Check out Bulletin #19-NA-210 for highlights about new tools, service procedures, and diagnostic aids for understanding why the range estimate is lower than expected on the Bolt EV, and whether a battery pack repair will increase the EV range. Some of these diagnostic aids are available for certain Volt, Spark EV, and CT6 PHEV vehicles as well. Search for “Reduced EV Range” in the appropriate Service Information for more information about factors that affect EV range.

A new data screen in GDS2 is available under the Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 2 entitled Energy Usage History. Some of the new information available includes the battery capacity in Amp-Hours and the energy impact score from several factors, such as outside temperature, cabin climate, and driving technique.

Share the energy usage data with customers to help better their understanding of why the EV range estimate may be lower than expected. The goal is to increase customer confidence and minimize concerns due to the fluctuations observed in the EV range estimate.

 

Action Center

A Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Action Center has been established for product feedback on the 2020 Bolt EV propulsion system to help ensure a successful introduction. Report any propulsion or charging issues that warrant prompt and immediate attention, not just concerns requiring technical assistance.

The gathering of information is critical for quick resolution to any propulsion-related concerns. The Action Center is connected directly to TAC and Product Engineering to address any technical concerns.

To report a concern, create a TAC Case using the Dealer Case Management (DCM) system (U.S.). The concern will be answered by a Bolt EV specialist. In Canada, contact the Canada TAC.

 

– Thanks to Lane Rezek and Joe Ciagala

GM Service Know-How
New SVG Graphics in the Service Information

2 Comments

  1. Ultra-high-power Level 3 charging, which is also called DC Fast Charging, is the quickest charging system. On the Bolt EV, using a DC charging station with at least 80 kW of available power, it will take approximately
    30 minutes to recharge a depleted battery to an estimated 90 miles of EV range. Charge times will vary with outside temperature.

  2. ” SAE Level 3 DC fast charge rates are also improved for 2020.” Don’t you mean DC Level 2 charging? There is no such thing as SAE Level 3 DC charging