Making Our Old Bolt EV Feel New Again: Qi Charging & A New Screen

From Transport Evolved.

Back in 2023, we started a new web series built around a simple idea: take your existing EV — in our case, a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV Premier — and give it some of the features and benefits of a newer model, without actually buying a newer model.

Three years on, those original upgrades (a ceramic coating, wireless CarPlay, and a semi-autonomous driver assistance system courtesy of a Comma 3 running StarPilot) are still going strong… but a few of the planned jobs fell victim to some serious procrastination. Well, the procrastination is over — and it’s finally time to catch up.

In today’s video, Nikki replaces the Bolt EV’s wireless phone charging slot with one that actually works with modern phones, and swaps out the cracked, temperamental, gummed-up center touchscreen for a clean factory replacement.

* Links and things used: *

Driver Assistance (Our 2023 Upgrade)

comma — Maker of the comma 3 we fitted, now the comma 3X and comma four – https://comma.ai

StarPilot — The openpilot fork we run, with strong GM / radar-less Bolt support – https://github.com/firestar5683/StarPilot

StarPilot Wiki — Install guides, hardware lists, and configuration – https://wiki.firestar.link

Wireless Qi Charging

NOTE: This only works if your Bolt already has factory wireless charging — RPO code K4C, which on the Bolt means a 2LT or Premier with the infotainment package.

ACDelco GM Gen II Qi Module — The bare module we fitted (fits 2017–2019 Bolt); ACDelco part 46889 – https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=ACDelco+46889

404 Parts Gen II Qi Retrofit Kit — Plug-and-play alternative with a jumper harness, no cutting required (fits 2017–2018 Bolt) – https://404parts.com/products/gm-wireless-charging

Center Touchscreen Display

NOTE: This is a year-specific GM part — a 2019 or 2020+ unit will NOT fit a 2017 Bolt. Confirm fitment before buying.

GM Parts Direct — Search "2017 Chevrolet Bolt display system" and filter to your year – https://www.gmpartsdirect.com

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🌱 Electric Vehicle Association – https://www.myeva.org
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*🎙️ Credits:*

Host, Script, Editor: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Color: Vi Horton
Art & Animation : Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Music: via Artlist.io

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