Ah, the Chevy Bolt. What a fun-loving car that the world has admittedly missed since it was scrapped in 2023. Recently, we scrolled past a Reddit thread featuring a screenshot of a promotional email from Chevrolet teasing the all-new Bolt EV, and the replies that followed will surprise you. Instead of asking big questions, such as whether the frame/body would be different, if the range would be improved, or if the Bolt EV would see a major price hike, most commenters were concerned about one thing: Android Auto.
To fill you in, Chevy has been removing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality through software updates, and as a result, everyone now dislikes them and GM. You’d be surprised as to how many arbitrary changes Chevrolet has introduced to its customers, and the bad has certainly been outweighing the good recently (in the eyes of public opinion).
Skip The New Chevy Bolt EV; People Want Android Auto Back!
Bluetooth connectivity is the only thing that gets people out of bed in the morning, especially during a long commute. With the new Bolt EV “coming soon,” GM has released numerous teasers and cryptic messages. That said, with this latest email from Chevrolet regarding a possible countdown to the Bolt EV’s long-awaited redesign and production, nobody on Reddit seems to care. Yeah, I said it. They’re still focused on the fact that the software updates being rolled out by the manufacturer have eliminated and paywalled features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Nobody Wants Anything More Than GM Drivers Want Their Bluetooth Connectivity Back
GM has made some pretty bad mistakes over the last two decades or so, and one thing that still stings is the elimination of free/available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in existing Bolt models. Thanks to software updates and a bit of corporate greed and desperation, Chevrolet has taken away Bluetooth features in many people’s cars for no reason. You also have navigation paywalled in some circumstances, so this doesn’t end at Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
One Redditor says it perfectly: “I loved my ’20 Bolt, it’s a great vehicle, but the glitchy software is the worst thing about it.”
Chevy, Please Just Make The User Experience Better
With a new Bolt likely to be announced soon, it’s crucial for GM and Chevy to prioritize existing driver satisfaction. I don’t know why this needs to be said out loud, but the people currently inside your cars who are upset about features being paywalled or entirely removed need to come first. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are what get us through the rides to work, school, heck, even down the road to run errands. Focus on that stuff before releasing new shiny toys for us to play with. We’re begging!
Sources: Reddit