Estimating The Value of Electric Power: A Customer's Year Spent With The Chevy Bolt

Since the days of abundant sunshine and heat have begun their yearly cycle here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis, many of our staff members and customers are realizing just how much our planet has changed. We are not here to talk politics in the least, but we all agree that there are some days where we collectively think, “Is this our environment that is causing these quick and drastic changes?”. One great reason to embrace the drastic switch that has been made to electric is to appreciate not being reliant on gasoline, as we never know what the future holds on the planet. The knowledgeable staff on duty at Green Car Reports had one of their most frequent readers track just how the two Chevy Bolts that he bought worked out for him over the course of 12 months, and how they worked out during lengthy road trips.

His selection of the Chevy Bolt was very useful in reaping a large savings on fuel costs, and he saw more than 300 miles of range during the summer, even as the Bolt was rated at just 238 miles in this category by the EPA. Longstanding Chevy customer Patrick Reid told of his satisfaction regarding the fossil fuel industry, which he was excited about not ponying up any more money to. Cars that use no gasoline, motor oil, transmission oil, filters, or power steering fluid allow for a much greener consumer footprint, as many have made the decision and taken steps to alleviate the need for an internal combustion vehicle. Chevy still is proud of the quality vehicles we produce that are still dependent on gasoline, and while we will continue to be steadfast for that segment, we are still pleasantly surprised by the number of customers who are making the switch that never before thought they would.

Patrick and his wife purchased their first Bolt EV in January of 2017, and another one in mid-April of the same year. They both have been amazed by the performance, versatility, range, quality of construction, and money saved in fuel costs since the purchase. The Bolts that they raved about replaced a 2007 Chevrolet Impala, and a 2002 GMC Yukon. Each of these vehicles usually saw around 15,000 miles a year put on them, with annual fuel costs adding up to around $4,700. Gas prices in their area hovered around $2.70 per gallon. To illustrate the costs they used to incur against the cost to charge their new vehicles, the results are monumental: fuel at one time cost the couple around $390 per month, yet the electricity expense to charge the new Bolts was just around $85 per month.

After a full year had passed, they had driven a combined total of 30,400 miles, and around 80 percent of these driven were derived from their own garage-generated power. The cost for this power was around 11 cents per KW. Their ultimate goal was to take the $3,700 they had saved on gas costs, and put it towards a college or vacation fund, or any other emergencies that life threw at them. They found that via a bit of advanced planning, the PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Chevrolet Apps have located enough Level 3 chargers for them available on their planning routes, to make these types of trips a possibility, without the hassle of figuring out the most convenient place to recharge the vehicle. They would always try to plan the necessary charging stops at around the 170-210 mile mark, and scout out a proper backup charger within 20 miles. 

At home most of the time, they had both vehicles plugged in at once, and their 20-amp garage charger suffered no issues at all with taking on the duty of the combined 16-amp load. Claiming just how satisfied they were with their purchases was of high importance to this couple: they reflected that both of their Bolts have the exact same ride quality now as they did the very first day of purchase. Come be our guests at Chuck Hutton, and see just how much a Bolt can change your entire savings and spending outlook, to quickly become your most amazing family driving asset for 2018!

2019 Silverado Spotlight: 8 Trims + Various Engine and Transmission Combos

The customers that we see at Chuck Hutton of Memphis on the hunt for a perfect truck understandably have questions about the many different trims available to them. Next year's Silverado model will sport 8 different trims, paired to six engine and transmission combinations. Everyone from a hard-working contractor to busy family will be able to pinpoint the version that will perfectly tailor their needs for performance, modern technology, and long-lasting value. Over half of these models will be equipped with some of the most advanced V8's in Chevy's illustrious history: these are heavily-updated versions of the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management, which utilizes 17 different modes that are standing by to deactivate cylinders as needed.

The brand-new RST and Silverado LT both have the all-new for 2019, very advanced 2.7-Liter turbo engine that is on deck to replace the 4.3-liter V6, as the brand new standard. It is now equipped to offer 22 percent more torque, higher fuel efficiency, and a larger power-to-weight ratio than found on this year's model. There is also now the option to satisfy many hard-working men and womens' demand for diesel: the new Duramax 3.0-liter inline six turbo number is slated to be available early next year. Each available combination of engine and transmission is based on one of three very focused consumer profiles: High Value, High Volume, or High Feature. The High Value profile is for customers that are seeking full-size truck capability, but still are leaning towards a very affordable price tag. Within this segment, the Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss trims offer some trusty and durable engine and transmission combinations.

The High Volume profile was conceptualized with customers in mind that have needs smack dab in the middle of the truck market's offerings. Much like the hard-working residents of the Heartland itself, the LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss trims are there to offer spot-on efficiency, performance, and the best in new technology options for the driver. Now standard for the RST and LT, the all-new 2.7-liter Turbo with Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Now standard on LT Trail Boss and also available on LT and RST is the updated 5.3-Liter V8, mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission, and the all-important Dynamic Fuel Management.

If you are on the hunt for a truck that is upper-end and premium in all ways, the High Feature profile is sure to be appealing: the LTZ and High Country trims offer the absolute highest levels of performance in existence. The entry-level Standard trim now has the updated 5.3-liter V8, Dynamic Fuel Management, and stop/start technology, paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission. You can also opt for the updated 6.2-Liter V8 on this available trim level, paired with the 10-speed transmission.

Every single model boasts more efficiency in aerodynamics and weight class than their predecessors, and there has not been a compromise in fuel efficiency to reach the ultimate goal. To really stake a firm claim as the most dependable and durable pickup on the road, the Silverado has been rigorously run through more than 475,000 validation tests, and a whopping 7 million miles of road testing, before the very first model makes its way off the production line!

2019 Chevy Silverado Spy Shot Update: Hastily Caught Without Being Under Wraps!

Here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis when spring makes its appearance, trucks are about the hottest topic in existence. Camping trips at spots like Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park and Southfork Resort are going to be gearing up for lots of action soon, and being fully equipped with a vehicle like the Silverado will be choice. The very rugged, able and above-par 2019 Silverado was already shown to the public at this year's Detroit Auto Show, but a few questions were left a bit out in the open. There were some loose ends regarding the RST trim level, and it is now shown prominently in a few spy shots release to us this week.

The main differences are within the body-colored grille: it now has gaps that are much narrower in the center bars. Bumpers now have body color, and the fog lights have chrome guards that bear more similarity to the design of the grille. The tailgate possesses the Silverado's style, but receives the awesome RST trim badge. The pictured test truck also sports a 4x4 sticker, making the announcement of its four-wheel-drive availability. It's still plausible that there will be a few more performance upgrades to the RST, within this trim that was first introduced on the Tahoe and Suburban. We recognize how important it is to have a very durable, sturdy, and reliable truck for daily duties, hauling, various chores around your property, or getting the trusty toys out to the lake.

Reserving the lighter aluminum for construction of the hood, doors, and tailgate, the 2019 Silverado is a bit unlike competitor Ford's F-150, that now features the use of aluminum into the construction of the cab. Trimming weight while improving size has made many trucks the devices we only dreamed of decades ago: there is supposed to be as much as 450 pounds trimmed from the 2019 crew-cab V8 compared to the previous year's model. This includes 88 pounds removed from the frame, and another 88 from the body. The wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than the current truck's, and 1.6 inches is added to the overall length. Legroom in the rear is up: it is now 43.8 inches, up from 40.9 in this year's model.

All cab configurations for the 2019 get a bed with almost seven inches of extra floor  width, and a brand-new power-operated tailgate allows passengers to have easy access, with a button mounted right in the cabin. The newcomer to the power lineup is a diesel-powered, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six. When you add some excitement to your spring by visiting us here for a test drive, don't forget to check out the LTZ and High Country Luxury trims: the LTZ provides leather seating surfaces and power-folding outer mirrors, while the High Country gets a two-tone grill, standard power tailgate, and chrome running boards. Further solidifying its stance as a truck that never loses its luster, KBB.Com awarded the Silverado in the Top Ten For Best Resale Value for 2018!


Images courtesy of Auto Blog

2019 Chevy Suburban RST Package Makes Big on Speed Factor, Muscle Appeal

When Chevy introduced the RST trim level on the Suburban and Tahoe full-size SUV's, the Suburban was left out when it came down to the very high-powered goods. The 6.2-liter V8 that can now be added to power up the Tahoe RST was not available, but that has been completely changed for 2019. The Suburban RST Performance Package allows you to enjoy the body color trim and unique wheels, as well as the bigger engine, which has the outstanding ability to generate 420 horsepower, along with 460 lb-ft of torque.

Customers who are eager to access more power will be thrilled with the gain: the previous standard was the 5.3-liter V8, that made 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The newer and larger engine is coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission, also boasting the addition of a magnetorheological suspension. You also get to enjoy the addition of a brake system that has been completely upgraded, adding six-piston Brembo brake calipers up front, painted in a sleek and menacing red hue. The exhaust upgrade incorporates a Borla System that adds a throaty bellow to the sound, and improves the overall flow of the vital fumes for performance.

The much more powerful engine incorporates direct injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing, to nudge every available inch of performance from the hefty V8. Since the Tahoe RST model was so well-received and successful, Chevy was heavily swayed to put out a Suburban with more in the power department, and will continue to invest much engineering time into this segment, developing models with various performance combinations to meet the needs of the current market. The new Suburban RST will boast a towing capability of around 8,100 pounds, and a trip to the lake or your favorite camping site in Tennessee will be an ideal test of the new strength additive.

22-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone P285/45R22 tires, as well as black accents  on the grille, mirror caps, window trim, and roof rails are other features RST Package owners can anticipate, as well as a zero to 60 MPH clock time of around 5.9 seconds. Any Chuck Hutton customer that is running a business will find the new Suburban a fantastic addition to their fleet: there is nothing quite as practical for any company as a vehicle that can perform like a truck, but also lug around more family and friends in tow. We are excited to have you here for a test drive, where you can check out just how adding more power always effectively boosts the summer excitement level!