Bolt. Tesla. Chevy dealerships. $$$

Discussion Forum
1

My local Chevy dealer quoted me $450.00 to install the Tesla-enabling software. I politely declined.

Details:

  1. I Bought Bolt in 2018 (2019 model). Under 17,000 miles currently.
  2. Had battery replaced by Chevy during recall about two years ago.
  3. Paid off. Still under a replacement battery warranty.

So…

Called a Chevy dealer to set up an appointment for a Tesla charging software update (once I found out I couldn’t order the adapter; doesn’t show on the app). I figured I’d get the update and have the tech show me where the “Purchase Adapter” button is when I show up. Receptionist took my info and said she’d call back after speaking to the EV tech.

She called back and said they told her the price to install the ‘free’ software was USD 495 and some change. When I told her the letter said it was a free complimentary upgrade, she said they told her that because my Bolt was out of warranty (bumper-to-bumper), I would have to pay. I had to laugh, but I kept it to myself.

I explained that the replaced battery is under a new warranty for 8 years, and this is a charging update related to the battery. She agreed but still insisted that the dealership considered it out of warranty.

The woman was delicate, which made this decision pretty easy for me to decline. Reading posts from others, it seems I can just buy an A2Z charger or Lectron and avoid needing the update or even the MyChevy app. I already downloaded the Tesla app, which has been a hassle since I’m on the ‘Complimentary Plan’ that doesn’t expire until 2028, but the app keeps pushing me to sign up for a Chevy membership.

I thought about buying the OEM charger for peace of mind and to support Chevy a bit, but the dealership gave me no reason to do so. It feels like they’re squeezing the last bit of money they can before trying to sell me a new car.

Now, I’m just going to buy an off-brand charger. When this Bolt finally dies, probably in 10-15 years, I’m done with Chevy unless their dealership attitudes change. I love the Bolt, but these dealerships don’t care about EVs. They’d rather focus on ICE vehicles and milk customers for unnecessary service fees.

My next EV will definitely come from a manufacturer that pushes more towards EVs, because Chevy has lost me as a customer. I’m a 60+ year-old with disposable income, and they couldn’t care less. So, I’m out.

2

I love my Bolt for a lot of reasons, but being a Chevy isn’t one of them. I really hope there are better EV options when I’m ready for my next car. I miss my Prius every day.

3

Rey said:
I love my Bolt for a lot of reasons, but being a Chevy isn’t one of them. I really hope there are better EV options when I’m ready for my next car. I miss my Prius every day.

Chevy dropped the ball with their dealerships. They’re uneducated on EVs, both in sales and support. Now, they’re milking everyone for subscriptions. I avoid them like the plague. I’m leaning away from GM for my next car, not because of the car itself, but because of the dealerships. They need to evolve or disappear.

4

@Jesse
Make sure to research Hyundai/Kia dealerships near you. I’ve heard nightmare stories about how hard it is to get them to honor warranties and service obligations. I was looking at a used Kia Niro EV, but I went with a used Bolt EUV because of all the bad stories from local dealerships.

5

@Jesse
People complain about data plans, but connectivity is free for 8 years on new EVs.

6

Kim said:
@Jesse
People complain about data plans, but connectivity is free for 8 years on new EVs.

If you buy used, the 8 years don’t transfer. GM wants me to pay for OnStar just to acknowledge that I own the car.

7

You should try charging your car at a Tesla station first, and if it doesn’t work, go from there. Chevy has already given guidance on the process. Dealerships, in general, aren’t your friend. I’ve had similar experiences. My dealer didn’t even want to handle my recalled battery after making me wait for two months.

8

@Drew
Same here. The adapter didn’t show up for me in the app either. I bought an A2Z charger and tried it before contacting the dealer, and it worked! No update needed.

9

Call the Chevy EV Concierge. They might be able to help.

10

Have you tried a different dealership? Some charge for software updates, some don’t. But $450 seems really high.

11

Dallas said:
Have you tried a different dealership? Some charge for software updates, some don’t. But $450 seems really high.

I agree. Try another dealer. Chevy’s dealership model is really hurting their customer experience. You can also call the GM EV Concierge at 1-833-EVCHEVY.

12

There shouldn’t be a charge for the software. My 2020 Bolt was out of warranty, and I wasn’t charged. The software isn’t related to ordering the adapter either. You have to set up Tesla as a charging option in the app and add a payment method. If your Bolt needs the software update, you’ll still need it regardless of where you get the adapter.

13

@Rowan
You can’t order the adapter without OnStar. My app doesn’t even have a ‘public charging’ button.