Ever since I first saw the rear view video mirror, in the Bolt EV Premier, I’ve thought the Bolt EV would make a great light delivery vehicle. Specifically, I thought of florists and caterers. Even if the bouquets and wedding cakes reached all the way to the Bolt’s ceiling, the driver would still have an unobstructed rear view, by switching on the video rear view mirror (its camera is located near the rear license plate).
The Bolt EV Premier also includes what I call the “drone view cameras.” There are four cameras around the perimeter of the Bolt EV, that simulate the view a drone would have looking down on the vehicle. Why would this be important to delivery services? Coupled with the backup camera (with predictive steering lines) and a forward parking camera, it makes parking and maneuvering the Bolt EV, in tight urban spaces, a simple task. Add to the mirror and the “drone view” cameras the fact that, with the back seats folded down, the Bolt EV has 56.6 cubic feet of storage, and you have a pretty compelling use case scenario.
But wait. There’s more!
A couple months ago, a GM employee told me something that I’ve had to keep to myself, which was pretty great news for my idea. Now that I’ve seen it in the media, I can tell you about it: The 2019 Bolt EV has the option to omit the rear seat, providing even more storage space and aftermarket outfitters Adrian Steel and Knapheide offer upfit packages to finish out the cargo area, since it is considered incomplete, when the rear seats are omitted. NOW, I need to get this info out to hot shot delivery services, florists, caterers, etc.
Of course, the features mentioned above are great, but consider the lack of required maintenance for an EV, the fact that you start each day with a full “gas tank” and you’re getting the dollar equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon (depending on gasoline pricing and electricity pricing in your area), it makes a pretty compelling case. In case you’re unaware of how maintenance-free an EV is, here’s the maintanance schedule from the Bolt EV Owner’s Manual:
Yes, you’re reading it correctly. The only scheduled maintenance for the Bolt EV, through 240,000 miles, is tire rotation and cabin air filter replacement. At 240K miles, it is recommended that the fluids be replaced (battery coolant).
Then there’s the $7,500 Federal Income Tax Credit…
The hits just keep on coming!
what’s the cargo capacity and could this come with a 110/220V inverter?
Locksmiths and technicians really could use a serious ability to power tools.
Unfortunately, I cannot locate the cargo space volume spec for the Bolt EV without the back seat. I don’t think it’s been published yet. With the back seats folded down, it is 56.6 cubic feet.
I have no experience with inverters, but I have seen several posts in the Facebook EV groups. Several people out there have had success at this. The groups to check out are: Chevy Bolt EV Owners, Chevy Volt Owners and Chevy Volt 2.0. Chevy Volt Owners is the oldest of the three, so you’ll probably find the most experienced advice there. Post your inverter question on all three groups and you’ll have a good answer very quickly.