Electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt offer a unique driving experience and new avenues for performance analysis. For enthusiasts familiar with OBD2 diagnostics and tools like Torque Pro, the Bolt presents an opportunity to delve into its electric powertrain data. Thanks to the efforts of developers sharing custom PIDs (Parameter IDs), we can now monitor and log detailed information from the Bolt’s systems. This opens doors for performance testing and understanding the intricacies of its electric motor and battery behavior.
One long-time Torque Pro user, experienced with custom PIDs on vehicles like the BMW 335d for tuning and performance analysis, recently applied this expertise to the Chevrolet Bolt. Utilizing custom PIDs, they conducted dyno tests to observe the Bolt’s power delivery characteristics. Tools like PerfExpert, known for accurate power measurements and road dyno capabilities, were employed to quantify the Bolt’s performance.
Initial dyno runs revealed interesting insights into the Bolt’s torque and power management. The data indicated that the vehicle’s controller strategically limits peak torque at lower speeds. As the motor speed increases and the power limit approaches, the controller gradually reduces torque to maintain a relatively flat power curve. This strategy is distinct from traditional internal combustion engines and highlights the sophisticated electronic control in EVs. Furthermore, the tests effectively demonstrated the expected drop in battery voltage as power demand, amperage, and electron flow increase during high-performance operation.
The user incorporated published figures for the Bolt’s drag coefficient (Cd of 0.308) and frontal area within PerfExpert to estimate wind drag losses during the dyno runs. Vehicle weight and driver weight were also accurately accounted for in the calculations. Interestingly, the shape of the power curve suggested that the actual Cd might be lower than the published figure, as PerfExpert’s calculations seemed to overestimate drag at higher speeds, with peak power appearing closer to the vehicle’s top speed.
Dyno pulls were conducted at varying states of charge (SOC). One run, performed at 83% SOC (measured using OBD2 PIDs), provided a clear power and torque curve. A comparison with a previous run at a higher SOC (without PIDs for precise SOC measurement) on a verified flat test road further substantiated the findings. The PerfExpert data, representing wheel horsepower, indicated remarkably low drivetrain losses for the Bolt, which is expected for an electric vehicle with a direct-drive system.
In conclusion, the use of Chevrolet Bolt Obd2 Pids in conjunction with tools like Torque Pro and PerfExpert enables detailed performance analysis of this EV. The initial dyno testing highlights the unique torque and power management strategies employed by the Bolt’s controller and provides valuable data for understanding electric vehicle dynamics. As more enthusiasts explore these capabilities, we can expect further insights into optimizing and appreciating the performance characteristics of electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt.
