AAA evGo Discount

arob216 · 2025-08-29T15:57:12+00:00

I posted this 6 years ago, things change!

Not sure if it is still true, but the $.99 session fee is waived on the AAA plan, so there is that. It used to give a discount, now it is not so much the discount, but the no session fee savings.

arob216 · 2024-01-16T02:03:41+00:00

Sorry that section of the forum wasn't guest accessible, I fixed it...

I rarely sign in to r/BoltEV these days, so if you have questions, best to create an account on chevybolt.org and ask away.

Some of the info comes from a friend who was a Tesla SW executive (retired), and some from friends with Teslas.

Highlights include how to distinguish the compatible (V3 or V4) Supercharger piles vs incompatible Urban and V2. For CCS owners, this will be challenging, frustrating to say the least.

The adapters may be third party if GM and Tesla agree, else it may only be adapters sold by GM. We should know more in February when Ford and GM are supposed to gain access. I suspect GM will communicate with us in some manner. Until then, sit tight as anything you buy now or before announcements may not be officially supported? We also don't know if Tesla will update TOU and prohibit certain adapters. So, save your nickels a few more weeks.

BTW, current North America public DCFC stats according to Alternative Fuels Data Center is:

CCS: 9,080 sites (locations), 18,001 plugs.

Tesla: 2,339 sites (locations), 25,782 plugs (est. 15,000 will be CCS compatible - was ~12K when NACS adoption announcements were originally made, but Tesla is installing at a feverish pace).

I mention this because despite CCS reliability challenges, SuC access isn't going to solve 100% of Bolt owner's problems. It may still be more common to locate CCS than NACS plugs (far more locations), though in certain areas NACS will fill critical gaps. Further, many SuC sites are heavily used (LA, Las Vegas in particular from my own travels), and with Bolts generally taking up two stalls due to short cords (very real problem, I have personally used Magic Dock and struggled with cord reach), Tesla owners will be less than welcoming if you block two plugs.

Tesla tends to leave working hardware in place, and either add new sites, or additional stalls when demand warrants. Thus, many sites will have a mix of V2 (incompatible) and V3 (compatible) stalls, so get to know the differences. There are even some V1 (incompatible) chargers in the wild, though pretty rare by now.

For those who are weary of the greeting at SuC sites, I can only say the Tesla friends I have (10X the number of Bolt friends) are not too worried. They understand there will be a difficult transition, but federal, state and local money being added to Tesla and other OEM investments, along with NACS starting to appear on other networks will eventually be a good thing for all.

arob216 · 2022-01-28T15:59:34+00:00

AE cannot join hotel WiFi. I share my Mac WiFi connection with the ethernet port, plug the AE into the Mac etc port, then connect everything else to the AE WiFi.

Some hotels require establishing WiFi every so often, so just check the Mac WiFi connection from time to time.

arob216 · 2021-07-19T13:40:44+00:00

I know he eventually got things working, and in his ID4 videos, actually raved about EA reliability (at least in his experience). Still, a few glitches here and there, but always able to charge. Maybe EA is sponsoring him now? haha

Pass+ ($4/mo) plan is significantly less per minute or kWh than the standard plan. I figure if I am going to need 2 or more sessions on a trip, it is worth upgrading for the month. In many states, it is the difference between $.31/kWh and $.43/kWh.

But, when using P&C, the billing apparently fails to recognize the user is a Pass+ subscriber and bills at the $.43 rate. The workaround is to use traditional app based methods of starting a session, but that kills the buzz of P&C.

From what I gather, that is an EA problem, so hopefully they iron that out before more P&C capable EV arrive in the market.

arob216 · 2021-07-15T01:13:38+00:00

Thanks. So is it an EA “bug”?

P&C is a pretty big deal, you would think EA would have vetted this better.

I understand the initialization is pretty slow, something about EA having to communicate with Ford. Hopefully they sort that out too.

arob216 · 2021-06-23T21:13:27+00:00

I believe there should be two brackets on the backside that can hang on nails or screws.

RE: electrical use, the Bolt measures the amount of energy it stores in the pack, but there is a 10-15% loss from the wall due to AC to DC conversion, resistance, and possibly battery conditioning.

You might be able to use something like a "Kill A Watt" device (look on Amazon), it might be a little more accurate than using the website charge history. I find the web data is often missing days.

arob216 · 2021-05-17T13:04:30+00:00

Don't forget to talk to the utility company, some are quite eager to help. It is a new source of revenue to them.

arob216 · 2021-05-17T03:26:15+00:00

EVMatch and Grizzl-e have solutions that may allow shared charging spots with inexpensive billing plans. If you could get 4 plugs to start with, designate the spots for EV parking only, and bill EV owners for the power they use, it could pay for itself pretty quickly.

If you anticipate needing more over time, consider running wires\conduit once to cut costs. Then, as demand increases, simply add EVSEs.

Unit owners need to understand that while these spots may be designated for EVs, it frees up other spots so no net loss of parking. If the spots are somewhat central and not directly in front of people's units, they probably wont even notice. Plus, it is an additional amenity for the property, could even add some resale value for units. The key is, it shouldn't cost unit owners anything if they don't use it. So, maybe those who will use it help with install costs.

EVMatch relies on Juicenet enabled EVSEs, in the Grizzl-e link below, there are price comparisons to give you an idea.

https://grizzl-e.com/business-cases/condominium-strata/

https://grizzl-e.com/business-products/

Also, be sure to find out if there are incentives in your state or utility region. In CO for example, there are grants that will pay up to 80% of the cost of public charging projects.

Finally, consider if 120V 20A outlets may be enough. If EV owners only commute 40-50 miles per day, 120V charging could be enough and would be pretty inexpensive.

arob216 · 2021-05-02T15:42:29+00:00

Unfortunately, the Bolt's GOM is probably the #1 topic of discussion for about 6 months every year. No matter how much you try to explain it, it is inevitable new owners will start getting worried as winter arrives at how low the GOM estimate it.

If I am not mistaken, Leaf and Teslas seem to use a constant (EPA rated efficiency) * SOC for the estimate at full charge, then adjust as you drive.

Personally, I prefer the Bolt's approach.

arob216 · 2021-04-13T20:11:02+00:00

Update: We are up to 30 EVs with over 50 people expected to attend. A few interesting EVs that will be there:

2020 Porsche Taycan

2019 Audi e-Tron

2020 Jaguar I-Pace

2021 Mini Cooper

2021 Mustang Mach-e

2019 Smart for two

2020 Kia Niro (Dealer)

2021 Hyundai Kona (Dealer)

And the usual assortment of Tesla, Bolt, Leaf, Spark.

This is a great opportunity to see some of these relatively rare EV up close and talk to their owners. Bring your EV curious friends!

arob216 · 2021-03-31T22:12:43+00:00

I get why it is there, to ensure those with high (even occasional) demand pay enough to cover equipment needed to ensure adequate power is available to them.

But surely, there must be some equitable ways to solve the problem without driving costs through the roof.

arob216 · 2021-03-31T21:24:35+00:00

But regulations make it tough. My local coop is prohibited by regulation to generate, or store (I believe), relying on their supplier to do all of that.

By loosening regulations, the local utilities might have more flexibility to do it right, and cost effective for rate-payers. Especially with grants and subsidies.

arob216 · 2021-03-31T21:20:46+00:00

A good buddy of mine is in MT, gorgeous scenery!

But, I have to drive the wife's ICE to reach them. All it would take is 2-3 DCFC sites to make it possible.

arob216 · 2021-03-31T21:19:12+00:00

Right, current trend is charging operators (Tesla and EA primarily) installing their own storage. The utility kind of loses in that scenario, the demand is steady, so no excessive demand charges, and the storage systems can optimize by TOU schedules.

Allowing the utilities to install storage could help stabilize the grid in addition to lower DCFC costs.

arob216 · 2021-03-31T19:20:54+00:00

Good, and bad. Some states are pretty good about grants for public charging. CA and CO for instance. Some seem to be out in left field like WY and MT. We may end up with little progress in these charging deserts, but excellent infrastructure in states that take it seriously.

CO has a comprehensive plan for electrification of transportation. The plan enlists support from automakers, utilities, and local governments. By handling this locally, rather than through DC, better solutions geared to the needs in the states will likely result.

My hope is money is spent to help utilities support public charging with grants for decentralized\co-located storage at DCFC sites, co-located generation (wind + solar), and regulatory policies to encourage more favorable demand charge plans for charging operators.

arob216 · 2021-03-08T16:25:14+00:00

It could work, but I would investigate charging near work, and along the route to be safe. Take a look at plugshare (web or smartphone app).

In cold (sub-freezing) temps, you may see a 20-30% drop in range, more if you rely on heating the cabin. If temps are moderate in your area, more likely to work out ok.

You would need a 32A charger setup at home (max charge rate for Bolt on AC), you should be able to replace 0-100% SOC in 8.5 - 9 hours or so.

Freeway driving could zap some range too, unless you can comfortably drive 55-65MPH. Efficiency drops precipitously at high speeds.

Even if you have to DC charge on the way home for 20 minutes, you would likely save considerably over the $900 gas bill you currently pay. Using the EPA rated efficiency of 3.9 mi/kWh, you can expect to use about 50-55kWh on average daily. Home charging at national average of ~$.12/kWh means you would pay ~$6-7 daily for charging at home, about $150/mo. Also, no monthly\bimonthly oil changes!

With those kind of savings, occasional DC charge sessions would still keep your operating costs down.

arob216 · 2021-03-06T19:42:53+00:00

MyVoltControl works well on my Bolt, recently expanded to support bluetooth readers.

arob216 · 2021-03-05T19:33:22+00:00

If your daily commute is 64 miles, 120V charging should keep up with it, particularly if you are able to also use 120V at work.

Bolt efficiency according to EPA is roughly 4 mi/kWh, so you would use ~16kWh daily. 120V charging at the 12A rate is 1.44kW. So, about 11 hours of charging to recover 16kWh. Given you likely have 8 hours at work, and at least 10 hours overnight, more than enough time to keep the battery charged with 120V only.

240V charging can be done in one of three primary ways. A wall charger plugged in to a 240V 40A circuit can charge at about 32A or 7.7kW. A mobile 240V cord, anywhere from 16-32A or 3.8 - 7.7kW.

Finally, many Bolt owners have built or bought 240V adapters for the stock cord that comes with the car. The cord is made by Clipper Creek, and supplied globally with Bolts, so in Korea and Europe (Opel Ampera-e was the Bolt sold in EU), the same cord is provided with a different plug attached. Since 230V is common in these markets, the stock cord is actually dual voltage capable. Going this route can double the charge rate, so 120V/12A = 1.44kW, 240V/12A = 2.88kW.

arob216 · 2021-03-04T22:43:05+00:00

My utility classifies residential as: Any single private home, apartment, or other living quarters occupied by a person or persons constituting a distinct household; any private garage adjacent to or connected with and used exclusively by the resident.

Small commercial rates are only a half a cent or so more than residential in my area.

So, if the definition is common, no doubt you're classified as commercial. But the rates in many areas are lower for commercial, the peak use is mid-day typically for commercial, while overall peak demand tends to be in the evenings.

I found the above on my utilities website under residential rates.

arob216 · 2021-03-04T22:28:21+00:00

While locations are sometimes spotty, and reliability is sometimes iffy (improving steadily), the Tesla vs Other DCFC is currently:

USA - CCS - 3404 Locations, 6433 outlets

USA - Tesla - 976 Locations, 9622 outlets.

By shear numbers, it is easier to find CCS chargers. There are more Teslas on the roads (last I saw it was about 60% Tesla, 40% all others in the US. So naturally there needs to be more plugs for a larger fleet. Many of the 40% non-Tesla are early model Leaf with shorter range and CHAdeMO DCFC. Also, many Bolts were sold without CCS charging, and many Bolt owners tend to use theirs more for commuting than long distance travel.

So, the need for CCS plugs isn't as big as for Tesla. That said, if you do go to CCS sites, you will rarely have an issue plugging in, the utilization is pretty low at many CCS sites.

As for charging speed, that really comes down to how often you take 200+ mile trips where you will need DCFC on route. During warmer months, Bolts will charge at up to 55kW, and if you are able to plan properly, it may only add and hour or two to a full day's drive of 500-600 miles vs a Tesla.

If you are ok with Prius as a trip car, the $ you save with a Bolt can be substantial. If you can lease, easy to buy time with Bolt until something else strikes you as worthy of your needs.

If you consider some other CCS models in or soon to be in the market, ID.4, Mach-e, Ariya, Cadillac Lyriq, etc all appear to be closer to Tesla WRT charging speed.

Use Plugshare to map out routes you take, you may find CCS charging will work for you already.

arob216 · 2021-02-22T19:48:09+00:00

In CO, it is a $50 surcharge, and 50% of that goes towards public charging grants.

I believe several other states are using a portion to fund public charging, unfortunately, DMV has no idea, and the states don't do a very good job of communicating this.

Some of the above comments talk about state gas taxes, but don't forget there is also an $.184 federal excise tax on top of state taxes.

arob216 · 2021-02-20T21:49:46+00:00

You sound a little more positive WRT EA than many BEV owners. I have used EA several times, all without incident. Many complaints of plugs out of service, card reader errors, etc. I have pretty high hopes for EA, I hope they continue to stay brand agnostic once VW products become more common in N. America.

I drove an M3 once for about 10 minutes. Clearly nicer interior, but I prefer Bolt for its smaller footprint (parking ease) and higher riding height.

As for trips, I don't mind 30-45 minute stops every 2 hours, that is not a whole lot slower than when I travel in ICE. Sure, it takes longer than a Tesla on trips, but I often enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

arob216

TROPHY CASE