Trying out a Bolt

Our local electric provider is Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA). They do a wonderful job of supporting their members (Customers) with assistance in determining best choices in efficient electrical appliances, LED lighting, weatherization and energy saving tips, solar energy guidance  and other electrical energy needs.

They also encourage their members to learn about electric automobiles and their benefits. They do this by having a fleet of electric vehicles they provide for members to try out for up to a week at a time. We signed up to try out a Chevrolet Bolt and were given the keys for a week long try out. We wanted to see how practical an all electric car is for a road trip.

The Bolt is an all electric vehicle. There is no gasoline engine as in a hybrid electric vehicle.

The Bolt has a range of around 240 miles. It can bump 300 miles when the days are warm and be as low as 120 when the temps hover around zero. Battery efficiency is somewhat temperature dependent and the use of the heater in cold temps affects battery range. 

 We live in the mountains and regularly travel over high mountain passes. In a conventional vehicle you travel down the passes in a low gear using engine compression and the brakes to control your speed. In an electric vehicle the electric motor turns into a generator and slows your speed while also recharging the battery. We added dozens of miles of range to the Bolt we test drove while going down the mountain passes. 

We traveled to Chama, NM to check out the historic train yard and enjoy the changing fall colors along the way.

The colors were not yet at peak when we headed over Slumgullion Pass, but close.

The electric motor is not affected by the reduced air pressure at altitude.

The headwaters of the Rio Grande are a sight to see

This was our first use of a DCC fast charger found along the River walk in Pagosa Springs, CO.

There are three levels of charging possible for the Chevy Bolt. 

Level 1 is from a typical 110 volt household outlet. This adds to the battery range at the rate of 4 miles every hour which makes for a long time to charge a car with a 240 mile range.

Level 2 charging is from a 220 volt outlet similar to what your electric clothes drier is connected to. This type connection adds to the battery range at the rate of 25 miles every hour which effectively means the car recharges while sitting overnight.

Level 3 charging is known as DCC fast charging. This charges the car at the rate of at least 90 miles in 30 minutes and is ideal for when you are on a road trip and want to recharge quickly.  We used this type charger while on our road trip.

Both the car and the charger give the status of the charge and time to completion.

We made it to Chama, NM around twilight and explored the rail yard as darkness fell

The power washing of the locomotives makes for interesting photographs

Time to head back to Pagosa Springs

We once again topped off the battery charge using the DCC Fast Charger along the River walk

The next morning once again found us in Chama ready to follow the train up to Cumbres Pass

Many of the rail cars are beautifully restored

All ready for departure

We found a spot along the rails to capture the uphill climb 

The first of two speeders following the train ready to fight any fires started by cinders

It was this second one which surprised us as we were walking the rails back to the car

487 at the top of Cumbres Pass

All set to continue on to Osier

Once again at the Pagosa Springs fast charger. We explored the River walk and enjoyed Cajun takeout while the car charged

The chargers are located next to these green houses that are under construction

A variety of hotels are found along the river with folks finding all kinds of locations to enjoy the hot spring waters

The pedestrian crossings are unique in that you are strongly recommended to carry and wave a flag while crossing the highway thru town.

We stopped in Creed on the way home to check out the mining structures

I never cease to be amazed by these structures

 

We stopped for a quick top up charge in Creed CO, as much to see the mining items on display as anything else

This operation is next door to the charging station

This example of the cable support for the ore buckets used with an Aerial Tramway system is most interesting.

No doubt there is something for everyone in this store...

A big "Thanks" to Gunnison County Electric Association for making our trip so enjoyable and letting us try out an all electric automobile!