Owning a 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV: What Still Wears Out

An EV removes a long list of wear items and leaves a shorter one that people forget about entirely. On a 2017-2023 Bolt EV, here is what still needs attention.

Charging Equipment

The portable cordset that ships with the vehicle is a real part with a real part number, and it is the single most commonly replaced accessory on any GM EV. Cords get run over, pinched in garage doors and left at hotels. Genuine GM charging cords and cordsets.

Brakes, Which Wear Differently

Regenerative braking means the friction brakes do far less work, which sounds like good news and mostly is. The catch is that lightly used rotors corrode, and corroded rotors make noise and pulse. Inspect them on schedule even though the pads look new.

Cabin Air Filter

Unchanged from a gas car, and even easier to forget because there is no engine service bringing you in. Annually is the right answer.

Tires and Suspension

EVs are heavy and torque-rich, and tires and suspension bushings know it. Expect tire wear to run ahead of what you are used to, and expect bushings and mounts to show it earlier too. Wheel and tire size on the same model can vary by trim, so confirm against the VIN before ordering anything in this group.

12-Volt Battery

Yes, there is still a 12-volt battery, and yes, it still fails. It runs the modules that wake the car up. When it goes, the car will not start regardless of how full the traction battery is.