I Took My Chevy Bolt on its First Road Trip Overcoming Apprehensions and Conquering Snowy Mountains on the Journey to Wenatchee for a Family Ski Adventure

This evening, while strolling through the “Chevy Bolt EV and EUV Owners Group” on Facebook, I came across a post by Danielle that caught my attention. She shared her experience of taking her Bolt on its first road trip from Seattle to Wenatchee for a ski trip with her kids. Like many electric vehicle (EV) owners, Danielle faced her fair share of apprehensions about driving in snowy conditions and navigating public charging stations. However, her journey turned into a success story that highlighted not only the capabilities of the Chevy Bolt but also the importance of preparation and adaptability.

Danielle's worries were relatable: “I was a little apprehensive about taking my Bolt on a trip over the mountains in the snow, worried about how the car and OEM tires would handle a snowy mountain pass and whether public charging would work out; however, everything turned out fine.” She embarked on her adventure from Seattle to Wenatchee, covering approximately 160 miles to reach the ski destination, Mission Ridge. With her children excited to hit the slopes, the journey was filled with both challenges and rewards.

One of the critical aspects of her trip was the availability of charging stations along the way. Initially, the hotel where they stayed in Wenatchee mentioned having an outdoor outlet available for charging, but in the chaos of packing for the trip, Danielle forgot to bring her charging cable. Fortunately, she found reliable public charging options, including Webasto charging stations in Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Snoqualmie Summit. “All the stations accepted my credit card (Visa, no Amex) and worked perfectly,” she noted, reflecting on her experience.

The importance of understanding charging infrastructure cannot be overstated. For those considering a road trip in their Chevy Bolt, it's crucial to plan ahead and familiarize yourself with available charging options. You can read more about the Chevy Bolt's advantages over its rivals in a previous article that dives into why the Bolt remains a competitive choice in the EV market. If you’re new to the Bolt, check out my first impressions of the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV to understand what makes it a standout option.

However, not all went according to plan. On the last night in Wenatchee, Danielle made a miscalculation regarding her charging needs. She thought she had enough power to return over the mountains closer to Seattle, but they ended up visiting several attractions and stopping in small towns along I-90 for lunch, none of which had charging stations. This oversight added some stress to their return trip, especially with a time constraint to make it back to Seattle for her daughter’s orthodontist appointment.

“I experienced a bit of stress because I needed to return to Seattle by a certain time,” Danielle explained, highlighting the balancing act many EV drivers face. “There was only one working fast charger in Snoqualmie, and I arrived at it with about 20 percent charge, while the GOM indicated I had a minimum of 20 miles left, and the next charger was 25 miles away.” The tension mounted as she hoped the charger would be available, and luck was on her side. Upon arrival, she found the fast charger operational, just as another driver in an Ionic approached.

Her experience at the charger serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Charging infrastructure can be inconsistent, and the best-laid plans can go awry. A thorough understanding of charging station locations and availability is crucial for anyone planning a road trip in an EV. For more insights on charging considerations for the Chevy Bolt, check out this article on renting a Bolt that highlights the importance of having a fully charged vehicle.

Despite the stress of charging logistics, Danielle made a strategic decision to charge her Bolt to 50 percent instead of just enough to get by. “I opted to charge to 50 percent, which was more than I needed, but I figured I might need to speed to make that orthodontist appointment,” she said. This choice underscores the significance of being adaptable and prepared for different scenarios while traveling in an electric vehicle.

Driving conditions on the way to the ski area presented another challenge. After a night of heavy snowfall, Danielle faced slippery roads and realized that the OEM tires on her Bolt lacked grip. “I had to drive under 20 mph for the last five miles or so, and I apologize to all the AWD vehicles behind me that had to wait to pass,” she shared, reflecting on the patience required during winter driving. While she safely navigated the challenging conditions, it became clear that she needed better tires for future winter excursions. “I know I need better tires if I plan to do more driving in the snow, but it's a tough sell since it almost never snows in Seattle,” she admitted. For those considering a comparison between different EVs, check out this piece on the Toyota Prius Prime vs. the Chevy Volt to see how they stack up in various conditions.

Danielle's journey showcases the unique challenges and triumphs of being an EV owner, particularly in winter conditions. The Chevy Bolt, with its compact size and efficiency, proved capable of handling the trip, but it also highlighted the importance of having the right equipment and making informed decisions about driving in varying weather conditions. If you’re considering an EV for similar adventures, it's worth reading about the benefits of the Chevy Bolt for everyday commutes to see how it fits into your lifestyle. Additionally, understanding the Chevy Bolt EV's battery health after 100,000 miles can help inform your long-term ownership experience.

Ultimately, Danielle's road trip concluded successfully, with timely arrival back in Seattle, just in time for her daughter’s appointment. She returned home with power to spare, reflecting on the journey as a learning experience. This adventure not only showcased the capabilities of the Chevy Bolt but also reinforced the idea that with proper planning, adaptability, and the right mindset, road trips can become memorable experiences rather than sources of anxiety.

Moral of the Story

The key takeaway from Danielle's story is that preparation and adaptability are vital for successful road trips, especially in electric vehicles. While technology has made significant strides, understanding the infrastructure and planning ahead can make all the difference in having a smooth journey.

Engage with Us

Have you taken your electric vehicle on a road trip? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Please share your personal experiences in the comments below, and let’s learn from each other's journeys!

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.