157: Chevy Bolt: Best Budget EV for Students
About this episode
Hosts Dominic Ioni, Dave Connor, and Andrew Landbrecht dive into the used EV market, starting with a stellar Deal of the Week: a 2024 Polestar 2 for under $24,000. They debate the future of Polestar in the US before helping a 20-year-old student navigate buying their first car. The team evaluates the Chevy Bolt EV for a 100-mile winter commute, shares crucial advice on avoiding dealership financing traps, and breaks down how to shop for first-time auto insurance.
In this episode, we find:
• the deal of the week!!!
• an EV for a student looking for an affordable option with lots of range
• an electric replacement for the owner of a totaled Chevy Bolt
• an EV that's fun on twisty mountain roads
Our guests this week are Andrew Lambrecht from Ever Cars and Dave Conner from YouTube's Out of Spec Dave
Dave Connor
"Joining me today is Dave Connor from the Out of Spec Dave channel..."
A co-host on the show who tests and reviews electric cars for a living.
Dave Connor is an automotive content creator and presenter for the 'Out of Spec' network, focusing on electric vehicle ownership, charging infrastructure, and real-world testing.
Andrew Landbrecht
"...and we are delighted to be joined once again by Andrew Landbrecht from Evercars."
An expert guest on the podcast who specializes in buying and selling used electric cars.
Andrew Landbrecht is an automotive journalist, EV market analyst, and co-founder of Evercars, an online platform specializing in used electric vehicles.
Polestar 2
"A Polestar 2024 long range Polestar 2 long range single motor with 26,025 miles with the pilot package for $23,890 and that includes the dealer fees and the electronic filing fee."
This is a stylish, high-riding electric hatchback made by Polestar, a sister brand to Volvo. It looks like a futuristic sedan and is known for its clean Scandinavian design, high-quality interior, and sporty handling.
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric compact executive fastback built on Volvo's CMA platform. The 2024 refresh brought a major mechanical overhaul, switching the single-motor variants from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive and upgrading to a larger, more efficient 82 kWh battery pack. This change significantly improved the car's driving dynamics, steering feel, and real-world range.
ADAS
"Does this have the ADAS lane centering and all that on it?"
This is the collective term for the smart safety features in modern cars—like automatic braking, lane steering, and cruise control that slows down for traffic—designed to help prevent crashes.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are electronic technologies designed to assist drivers in driving and parking functions. Using sensors, cameras, and radar, ADAS features include lane-centering, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring to improve vehicle safety.
Volvo XC40
"...onents with the Volvo. So this is basically Volvo XC40 recharge, which is now EX40. So I'm not I'm not t..."
The Volvo XC40 is a small, premium SUV made by the Swedish company Volvo. It is available as an electric vehicle, offering a safe and comfortable ride.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge (rebranded as the EX40 for the 2025 and 2026 model years) is an all-electric version of Volvo's popular compact luxury SUV. It is discussed for its understated Scandinavian design, strong safety ratings, and powerful dual-motor performance.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
"I prefer smaller vehicles and am a spirited driver. I have a monitoring listings for a few months and I'm interested in a use Chevy Bolt EV."
A small, practical electric hatchback from Chevrolet that is famous for being one of the cheapest ways to get a lot of battery range. It is great for daily commuting and city driving, but its slow charging speed makes it less ideal for long road trips.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a subcompact electric hatchback featuring a front-mounted motor and a 60-66 kWh battery pack. It is highly regarded as a budget EV pioneer, offering over 250 miles of EPA-rated range at an accessible price point, though its DC fast-charging speed is capped at a relatively slow 55 kW.
Carvana
"So I am thinking about buying from Carvana because the process seems seamless. But I'm sure if it's a good option given the higher prices or if I should look elsewhere."
An online website where you can buy or sell used cars and have them delivered directly to your house, avoiding the traditional dealership experience.
Carvana is an online used car retailer based in the United States, famous for its multi-story car vending machines. The company allows consumers to buy, finance, and sell used cars entirely online, offering home delivery or pickup.
Hyundai Kona Electric
"I think another car would be the Hyundai Kona EV. I would go with that because you get the 10-year, 100,000-mile transferable EV system warranty..."
A small electric SUV from Hyundai that gets excellent battery mileage. It is easy to park, quick off the line, and highly efficient, making it one of the best value-for-money used EVs on the market.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a subcompact crossover EV powered by a front-mounted electric motor and a 64 kWh battery pack. It is celebrated for its exceptional real-world efficiency and energetic front-wheel-drive dynamics, though it shares its platform with gasoline-powered variants rather than utilizing a dedicated EV architecture.
Dodge Charger
"No, sorry. On-board charger. I'm saying of ICCU, but that's only for the 800-..."
The Dodge Charger is a large, powerful American car made by Dodge. It is famous for its sporty look and high speed, and the newest version is available as an electric vehicle.
The Dodge Charger is an iconic American muscle car that has transitioned into its eighth generation, offering both a fully electric 'Daytona' version and gas-powered 'Hurricane' inline-six options. It is highly discussed for being one of the first muscle cars to embrace electrification while attempting to retain its traditional loud, high-performance attitude.
Kia Niro EV
"What do you think about, Andrew? What do you think about the Nero, throwing that one in there too? Yeah. Yeah. I usually just kind of lump them together."
A slightly larger sibling to the Hyundai Kona Electric, this Kia offers more room in the back seat and trunk. It is a highly sensible, comfortable, and efficient electric hatchback.
The Kia Niro EV is a compact crossover that shares its mechanical platform and 64 kWh battery pack with the Hyundai Kona Electric. It features a slightly longer wheelbase, which translates to superior rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity, making it a more practical choice for families or rideshare drivers.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
"...te. Whereas in the Chevy Bolt, you need a Premier Bolt EUV with Super Cruise, just to get lane-centering."
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a compact electric hatchback-style SUV made by Chevrolet. It is designed to be an affordable, practical electric car with extra space for passengers in the back.
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a slightly larger, more SUV-like version of the standard Bolt EV, offering increased rear legroom and more rugged styling. It is highly regarded as one of the most affordable ways to get advanced driver assistance features, specifically GM's hands-free Super Cruise system.
CHAdeMO
"I would stay away from the Leafs, only because Chathamo, right? And no active cooling on the battery."
An older type of plug used for fast-charging electric cars. It is becoming very hard to find at public charging stations because almost all new cars use different plug designs now.
CHAdeMO is a legacy DC fast-charging standard primarily developed in Japan and utilized by early electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf. It has been largely phased out in North America and Europe in favor of the Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS).
Nissan Leaf
"...s are insane. I got a review adapter for a Nissan Leaf. It was NACS to Chathamo."
The Nissan Leaf is a small, all-electric hatchback made by the Japanese company Nissan. It was one of the very first affordable electric cars sold to the public.
The Nissan Leaf is a pioneering mass-market electric hatchback first introduced in 2010. It is frequently discussed in the used EV market for its affordability, though older models are known for using the outdated CHAdeMO charging standard and lacking active liquid battery cooling.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"Are you familiar with any? I know I'm like the Ioniq 5s and the Ioniq 6s and the EGMPs. There's been a lo..."
CV shafts
"I remember I was talking with someone and her bolt had the CV chefs go bad. And I think it was like $6,900 to repair."
The metal shafts that connect the car's motor to the wheels to make them spin, using special flexible joints so the wheels can still turn and bounce over bumps.
Constant Velocity (CV) shafts, or CV axles, are drive shafts that transfer rotational power from the vehicle's transmission or electric motor to the drive wheels. They utilize flexible joints at each end to allow the wheels to steer and move up and down with the suspension while maintaining a constant rotational speed.
pre-purchase inspection
"The other thing is that if you're buying a car out of warranty, I would highly recommend looking in your local area for what's called a PPI or pre-purchase inspection."
Paying an independent mechanic to thoroughly check over a used car before you buy it, ensuring there are no hidden problems or expensive repairs waiting for you.
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic evaluation performed by an independent, qualified mechanic before a buyer finalizes the purchase of a used vehicle. It helps identify hidden damage, deferred maintenance, or safety issues.
Tesla Model
"... get a lot, lot fewer miles. Well, there's also a Tesla Model 3 is out in that kind of price neighborhood as we..."
The Tesla Model Y is a popular, mid-sized electric SUV made by the American company Tesla. It is designed to carry families and cargo while running entirely on battery power.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact crossover utility vehicle that has become one of the best-selling vehicles globally. It is highly regarded for its excellent driving range, minimalist interior, and integration with Tesla's extensive Supercharger network.
Tesla Model 3
"... lot, lot fewer miles. Well, there's also a Tesla Model 3 is out in that kind of price neighborhood as well..."
The Tesla Model 3 is a smaller, four-door electric sedan made by Tesla. It is designed to be a more affordable and compact alternative to larger luxury electric cars.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric four-door sedan that brought long-range electric driving to a more accessible price point. It is a frequent topic of discussion due to its high efficiency, sporty handling, and its recent 'Highland' refresh which improved cabin quietness and ride quality.
Bmw I4
"...she really calls out the BMW i4 as something that she's interested in as well as BMW iX."
An electric version of BMW's popular 4 Series sedan. It looks, feels, and drives like a traditional luxury BMW sports car, but runs entirely on battery power instead of gasoline.
The BMW i4 is an all-electric compact executive car built on the brand's flexible CLAR platform, sharing its body with the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It retains BMW's signature sporty rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics and premium cabin refinement, serving as a direct luxury competitor to the Tesla Model 3.
Bmw Ix
"... as something that she's interested in as well as BMW iX. She was a she previously owned a 2019."
The BMW iX is a large, high-end electric SUV made by BMW. It is designed to offer a very comfortable, quiet ride with a futuristic interior and lots of modern technology.
The BMW iX is a mid-size luxury electric SUV that serves as BMW's technological flagship, featuring a distinctive exterior design and a highly premium, spacious cabin. It is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet interior, and impressive real-world highway range.
Chevrolet Equinox
"... I mean, you know, definitely check out the Chevy equinox. What do you think of that one, Andrew?"
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is an all-electric SUV made by the American brand Chevrolet. It is built to be a practical, budget-friendly family vehicle that runs on electricity.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is a compact electric SUV built on General Motors' Ultium platform, designed to offer an affordable entry point into long-range electric vehicle ownership. It is discussed as a highly competitive option for buyers wanting a practical, everyday EV without a premium price tag.
BMW i3
"...g used EV, which not the same price as a used BMW i3 I could find for cheap. Hey Dominic, just a coupl..."
The BMW i3 is a small, uniquely styled electric hatchback made by BMW. It was designed for city driving and used lightweight materials to save energy.
The BMW i3 is an innovative, quirky compact electric hatchback featuring a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell and an optional gasoline range-extender (REx). It is a popular topic for used EV buyers looking for a lightweight, highly efficient commuter car with a unique design.
CarMax
"CarMax is an interesting place to buy a vehicle. You are going to pay more money, but they give you that new car buying experience..."
A massive national chain of used car dealerships known for having fixed, non-negotiable prices and offering a straightforward, low-pressure buying experience.
CarMax is the largest used-car retailer in the United States, operating physical superstores nationwide. It pioneered the 'no-haggle' pricing model for used cars and offers a standardized buying experience with certified inspections and return policies.
BMW E30S
"... the XDrive. Yeah, this, right. Well, I mean, the e30s have a smaller battery in them, right? Yeah, eDri..."
The BMW 3 Series is a premium, sporty four-door sedan made by the German luxury brand BMW. It is widely known for being fun to drive and comfortable.
The BMW 3 Series is a benchmark compact executive luxury car renowned for its sporty driving dynamics, premium cabin, and diverse powertrain options. In the context of modern EVs, it is often discussed alongside its fully electric sibling, the i4, or its plug-in hybrid variants.
Toyota RAV4
"... it this way. If there are really high demand for RAV4 plug-in hybrids in California, but yet, and they'..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a highly popular compact SUV made by the Japanese brand Toyota. It is available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions that use both gasoline and electricity.
The Toyota RAV4 is an incredibly popular compact SUV, with its plug-in hybrid variant (the RAV4 Prime) being highly sought after for its impressive electric-only range and quick acceleration. It is discussed as a perfect bridge vehicle for buyers who want electric driving for daily commutes but gas backup for road trips.
Volkswagen Id4S
"...f the German cars, like we didn't even talk about ID4s. I mean, there's a bunch of different vehicles th..."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a family-sized electric SUV made by the German company Volkswagen. It is built to be a practical, everyday vehicle that runs entirely on battery power.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric compact crossover designed to appeal to mainstream buyers transitioning away from traditional gas SUVs. It is often discussed for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and competitive pricing, though its infotainment system has received criticism.
Audi Etrons
"like we didn't even talk about ID4s. I mean, there's a bunch of different vehicles that you could potentially get into. Some of them like the Audi, like the Fat e-trons, there's some great deals on those as well. And while they may be only charged 200 peak, it's a flat curve. There's"
The Audi e-tron is a luxury electric SUV made by the German brand Audi. It looks and feels like a traditional luxury car but runs entirely on electricity.
The Audi e-tron (later renamed the Q8 e-tron) is a mid-size luxury electric SUV known for its traditional luxury feel, exceptionally quiet cabin, and smooth ride. It is a popular target for used buyers due to heavy depreciation, offering high-end luxury at a fraction of its original price.
Porsche Taycan
"... at total cost to ownership, just be careful. The Taycans though are just, especially if you, I don't know,..."
The Porsche Taycan is a very fast, high-end electric sports car made by the German company Porsche. It combines luxury comfort with high-speed performance.
The Porsche Taycan is a high-performance, all-electric luxury sports sedan that showcases Porsche's engineering prowess with an 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging. It is frequently discussed in the used market due to its steep initial depreciation, making it an appealing second-hand luxury purchase.
e-tron Audi Etron Gt
"...onestly, with some of these luxury EVs, like even Audi eTron GT, because you used to be able to get those for und..."
The Audi e-tron GT is a fast, luxury electric sports sedan made by Audi. It is designed for comfortable, high-speed long-distance driving using battery power.
The Audi e-tron GT is a low-slung, high-performance electric grand tourer that shares its platform and 800-volt architecture with the Porsche Taycan. It is discussed for its striking design, rapid acceleration, and fast-charging capabilities, alongside its steep depreciation on the used market.
Chevrolet Spark
"...sure. So when I saw the spills, he inspired Chevy Spark EV. Did you see me taking that thing around the t..."
The Chevrolet Spark EV is a very small, all-electric hatchback made by Chevrolet. It was built in small numbers and is known for being quick and easy to park in cities.
The Chevrolet Spark EV is an all-electric compliance car produced in limited quantities from 2014 to 2016. It is highly regarded by enthusiasts for its surprisingly punchy electric motor, which produces a massive 327 lb-ft of torque in early models, making it a fun and cheap city runabout.
Kia EV6 GT
"Kia EV6 GT, that car is a tremendous amount of fun to drive. Easily, you can find those for about 30 grand."
A super-fast version of Kia's futuristic electric SUV. It has sports-car-level acceleration that can pin you to your seat, but still has plenty of room for passengers and groceries.
The Kia EV6 GT is the high-performance flagship variant of Kia's dedicated electric crossover, utilizing an advanced 800-volt E-GMP architecture. It produces a massive 576 horsepower from dual electric motors, enabling supercar-level acceleration (0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds) alongside adaptive suspension and upgraded brakes.
Tesla Model 3S
"... quieter inside, which is really nice because the Model 3s aren't super quiet inside. And, but also the, the..."
Mini Cooper SE
"I think there's one final choice that we didn't discuss yet. And this is a niche choice and it definitely is an interesting one, but I would go with the Mini Cooper SE."
An electric version of the classic, tiny Mini Cooper. It is incredibly fun and sporty to drive around town, but its small battery means you can't go very far before needing to plug in.
The Mini Cooper SE is a three-door electric hatchback that adapts the classic, agile Mini chassis with a 135 kW electric motor and a compact 32.6 kWh battery pack. It delivers exceptionally fun, go-kart-like handling and quick low-speed acceleration, though its range is limited to an EPA-rated 110-114 miles.
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