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.
👉 Watch on YouTube — or if you'd prefer (we would), PeerTube.
⏱️ Chapter Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
01:27 - A Quick Recap
02:43 - Comma 3 & StarPilot Reminder
03:56 - How the Screen Got Broken
04:39 - A Gentle Reminder (Thanks, Kate)
04:59 - Qi Charger Upgrade: Removing the Gear Lever
09:01 - Removing & Replacing the Inductive Charger
10:43 - Dremeling Off the Locating Tabs
13:48 - Reassembling the Gear Shifter
15:30 - Testing the Wireless Charging
16:34 - Screen Swap: Removing the Trim Panel
19:21 - Removing the Trim
19:58 - Pulling the Touchscreen Forward
20:51 - Fitting the New Touchscreen
22:26 - Reassembling the Screen
25:14 - Power Test
26:11 - We're Done!
28:25 - Thanks, and Goodbye!
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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
🎙️ Credits:
Music: via Artlist.io
Host: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Color: Vi Horton
Art & Animation : Erin Carlie
Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield