How to Charge Chevy Bolt: Your Easy Guide

Charging your Chevy Bolt is a straightforward process that makes owning an electric vehicle convenient and enjoyable. As a Bolt owner, you have various options for replenishing your vehicle’s battery, ensuring smooth drives with minimal hassle.

Whether you’re using a Level 1 charging cable or an installed Level 2 charger, getting your Bolt charged up is easy. Soon, you’ll be back on the road and making the most of your eco-friendly electric vehicle.

Chevy Bolt Charging Options

As a Chevy Bolt owner, understanding the different charging options available for your electric vehicle (EV) is essential. In this section, we will explore the three primary charging options for your Chevy Bolt: Level 1 Charging, Level 2 Charging, and DC Fast Charging.

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 charging is the simplest and most convenient option for charging your Chevy Bolt. This method utilizes the standard electrical outlet found in most homes. The charger provided with your Bolt EV allows you to obtain around 4 miles of range per hour of charging. While Level 1 charging may be slower in comparison to the other options, it’s perfect for overnight charging.

Level 2 Charging

For a faster charging experience, consider Level 2 charging. This method requires a 240-volt appliance outlet, and you’ll need to purchase a dual level charge cord or a dedicated Level 2 charging unit. With Level 2 charging, your Chevy Bolt can gain about 26 miles of range per hour with the dual level charge cord, and up to 39 miles of range per hour with a dedicated Level 2 charging unit. This option is ideal if you need to quickly recharge your Bolt during the day or if you have a longer commute.

DC Fast Charging

Finally, for those long road trips or when you need a quick boost, DC Fast Charging is your best bet. Although not as widely available as Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, DC Fast Charging can significantly reduce charging time. However, you’ll need to add the DC fast charging option to your Bolt EV when purchasing the vehicle.

How to Charge Chevy Bolt at Home

Initial Setup

To charge your Chevy Bolt at home, you’ll need a few things to set up. First, you should decide whether you want to use a standard 120-volt wall outlet or upgrade to a more powerful 240-volt outlet. The 240-volt outlet provides faster charging, offering about 26 miles of range per hour of charge compared to only 4 miles of range per hour with a standard outlet.

If you choose to upgrade to a 240-volt outlet, you’ll need an electrician to install it in your garage or another convenient location. You’ll also need a Level 2 charging unit, which can provide up to 39 miles of range per hour of charge.

Next, you’ll want to make sure you have a home charger compatible with your Bolt EV. You can either purchase one or use the Level 1 charge cord that comes with your vehicle. Some Bolt owners choose to invest in a more powerful Level 2 charger for faster charging. Remember to download the myChevy app to your smartphone to help manage your charging schedule and keep track of your Bolt’s charging status.

Home Charging Procedure

Charging your Bolt at home is simple and convenient. Follow these steps to ensure a seamless charging experience:

1. Plug in the charger: Connect your home charger to the 120-volt or 240-volt outlet you’ve chosen to use.
2. Connect the charger to the vehicle: Open the charging port on your Bolt, located above the front driver’s side wheel well, and plug in the charging cord.
3. Ensure proper connection: Make sure the charger is securely connected to both the outlet and the vehicle.
4. Use the myChevy app to manage your charging: With the app, you can schedule charging, track your vehicle’s charging progress, and even set up charging reminders to help maximize efficiency.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to charge your Chevy Bolt at home and enjoy the convenience of electric vehicle ownership. Happy charging!

How to Use Public Charging Stations

Finding a Station

When you’re out and about and need to charge your Chevy Bolt EV, public charging stations are a convenient option. With over 110,000 publicly available charging points in the U.S. and Canada, finding a station is easier than ever. The myChevrolet Mobile App with Energy Assist can help you plan the most efficient routes and locate available charging stations.

Using the Station

Once you’ve found a public charging station for your Chevy Bolt EV, it’s time to start charging. Here’s how:

1. Park and plug: Park your car close to the charging station, and connect the charging connector to your vehicle’s charging port.
2. Activate the charge: To start charging, you may need to use a mobile app (such as ChargePoint) or simply tap your ChargePoint card (found in the glovebox of your Bolt EV) on the station. Follow the instructions on the station’s display.
3. Monitor the charging process: You can track the progress of your charge with the myChevrolet app, which will also notify you when your vehicle is fully charged.
4. Unplug and go: Once your Chevy Bolt EV is charged, unplug the connector, and enjoy the extended driving range!

Remember, charging speeds may vary depending on the type of station and your Bolt’s battery level. Public fast-charging stations can provide up to 90 miles of range per hour. So, plan your charge stops accordingly, and enjoy a smooth, eco-friendly ride in your Chevy Bolt EV!

Charging Times and Rates

When it comes to charging your Chevy Bolt, it’s essential to know the different charging levels and their respective charging times. In this section, we will explore Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging for your Bolt.

Level 1

Level 1 charging is the most basic option, using a standard 120-volt household outlet. It’s quite slow, but it can still be convenient for overnight charging or when you have limited access to other charging options. For the Chevy Bolt, Level 1 charging adds roughly 4 miles of range per hour. If you plug in your Bolt overnight for 12 hours, you’ll gain about 48 miles of range. Keep in mind that fully charging an empty battery at this rate might take up to 60 hours, depending on your Bolt’s specific battery capacity.

Level 2

Level 2 charging is more efficient and uses a 240-volt outlet, commonly found in residential garages or public charging stations. A Level 2 charger can add about 25 miles of range per hour for the Chevy Bolt, significantly decreasing the time it takes to charge compared to Level 1. If you’re charging at home or using one of the 40,000+ public Level 2 charging stations available nationwide, you can expect your Bolt to reach a full charge within 9.5 hours.

DC Fast Charging

DC Fast Charging is the quickest option for recharging your Chevy Bolt. This method uses high-powered DC fast chargers, typically found along highways or in busy urban areas. For the 2017 to 2021 Chevy Bolt models, these chargers can provide a maximum charging rate of 55 kW. DC Fast Charging adds about 90 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes. Although this charging method is much faster, it’s essential to note that the charging rate may decrease when the battery reaches around 80% capacity to avoid overcharging and protect your Bolt’s battery life.

To sum up, your Chevy Bolt charging time can vary depending on the charging level and the current battery capacity. Be sure to choose the most appropriate charging method for your needs, and enjoy the convenience and environmental benefits of driving an electric vehicle.

Cost Factors in Charging Chevy Bolt

Home Charging Costs

When charging your Chevy Bolt at home, the cost is mainly determined by the electricity prices in your area. Generally, residential electricity rates are lower during off-peak hours, such as overnight. Charging your Bolt during these hours can help you save money. To estimate the cost, you can multiply your local electricity rate (usually in cents per kWh) by the Bolt’s battery capacity of 66 kWh.

For a faster and more convenient home charging experience, you might consider installing a Level 2 charger, which adds about 39 miles of range per hour. The cost of a Level 2 charging station can range from $300 to $700, plus installation fees, but this investment can significantly reduce your charging time compared to the standard Level 1 charger that comes with the Bolt.

Public Charging Costs

While on the go, you may need to charge your Chevy Bolt at public charging stations. Public charging costs can vary depending on the network, location, and type of charger used. A regular Level 2 public charger may cost between $1 and $3 per hour, while using a Level 3 fast charger can be more expensive due to its ability to add 100 miles of range in 30 minutes. Some public charging networks offer subscription plans that provide discounted rates, and some stations may even offer free charging to incentivize electric vehicle adoption.

Keep in mind that charge time can affect the overall cost of public charging, as some stations charge by the hour. To minimize costs, try to optimize your charging sessions by only charging when necessary and making use of your home charger whenever possible. Remember, planning your charging sessions wisely can help you enjoy the benefits of an electric vehicle while keeping costs affordable.