Navigating the world of electric vehicle ownership comes with its own set of questions and considerations, especially when it comes to charging infrastructure.
For Chevy Bolt owners or those contemplating the switch to electric, understanding the intricacies of charging stations is crucial.
In this article, we delve into 5 common questions about Chevy Bolt charging stations, providing comprehensive answers to help you charge up your knowledge and make informed decisions on your electric journey.
What Charging Stations are Compatible With Chevy Bolt?
Chevrolet promises Bolt EV owners access to a network of over 40,000 public charging stations. To locate compatible charging stations use the myChevrolet app.
Charging stations brands that are usually compatible with the Chevy Bolt are:
- EVgo
- Charge Point
- EvGateway
- Blink
- Flo
- Francis Energy
- EVCS
- EVPassport
- Shell Recharge
Charging stations for electric vehicles need to comply with certain standards to be compatible with specific models, including the Chevy Bolt (and Chevy Bolt EUV).
The compatibility is primarily determined by the type of charging connector and the charging standards supported by both the vehicle and the charging station.
In the case of the Chevy Bolt, it commonly uses the SAE J1772 connector for Level 2 charging and the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector for DC fast charging.
Can I Charge a Chevy Bolt at a Tesla Station?
Tesla Supercharger stations primarily use a proprietary Tesla connector. This connector is different from the standard SAE J1772 connector used by the Chevy Bolt (and EUV). Consequently, plugging a Chevy Bolt directly into a Tesla Supercharger station is not be possible due to the physical incompatibility of the connectors.
Tesla has not officially provided an adapter for non-Tesla vehicles to use Supercharger stations.
Tesla’s charging infrastructure is designed to work seamlessly with their vehicles, and adapting it for use with other electric cars, such as the Chevy Bolt, may present technical and compatibility challenges.
While charging directly at Tesla Supercharger stations may not be an option for the Chevy Bolt, there are numerous alternative charging networks and stations that are compatible with non-Tesla electric vehicles.
Networks like EVgo, ChargePoint, and others offer widespread charging infrastructure, and many public charging stations support the SAE J1772 connector used by the Bolt for Level 2 charging.
However, Tesla Destination Chargers, found at various businesses and locations, are often equipped with a Tesla connector and a standard J1772 connector.
In some cases, Chevy Bolt owners may be able to use the J1772 connector at Tesla Destination Chargers, but it’s essential to check the specific details at each location.
Important: EV battery replacement can cost $1000s. To avoid high-voltage battery replacement, there are some things you can do. Read this article to find out the 10 best ways to maximize EV battery life and save tons of money!
How Much Coes it Cost to Charge a Chevy Bolt at a Charging Station?
Determining the cost of charging your Chevy Bolt at a charging station involves considering factors such as the electricity rate, charging station fees, and the capacity of your vehicle’s battery.
Let’s break down the cost calculations based on average numbers and the varying battery capacities of different Chevy Bolt models.
Average Cost of Electricity: The average residential electricity rate in the United States was around $0.13 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, rates can vary significantly by region.
Battery Capacities of Chevy Bolt Models:
- 2017–2019 Chevy Bolt: 60.0 kWh lithium-ion battery
- 2020–2021 Chevy Bolt: 66.0 kWh lithium-ion battery
- 2022+ Chevy Bolt EUV: 65.0 kWh lithium-ion battery
Charging Efficiency: To calculate the cost of charging, consider the efficiency of the charging process. Electric vehicle charging is not 100% efficient, and some energy is lost during the charging process. A common efficiency factor is around 85%.
Cost Calculation Formula: Cost=(Battery Capacity (kWh)Charging Efficiency)×Electricity Rate per kWhCost=(Charging EfficiencyBattery Capacity (kWh)​×Electricity Rate per kWh
Here’s a table summarizing the estimated charging costs for different Chevy Bolt models based on average electricity rates and charging efficiency:
| Chevy Bolt Model | Battery Capacity (kWh) | Charging Efficiency | Average Electricity Rate (per kWh) | Estimated Charging Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 Bolt | 60.0 | 85% | $0.13 | $8.47 |
| 2020–2021 Bolt | 66.0 | 85% | $0.13 | $9.31 |
| 2022+ Bolt EUV | 65.0 | 85% | $0.13 | $9.18 |
These estimates provide a general idea of the charging costs for each Chevy Bolt model, but keep in mind that actual costs may vary based on specific charging station fees, regional electricity rates, and other factors.
Also read: Chevy Volt Battery: Warranty, Replacement Cost, Lifespan, etc.
How Do You Charge a Chevy Bolt at a Charging Station?
1. Identify Compatible Charging Station: Look for stations equipped with the SAE J1772 connector for Level 2 charging or the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector for DC fast charging. To locate compatible charging stations use the myChevrolet app.
2. Prepare the Charging Equipment: For public charging, ensure you have the appropriate charging cable or adapter compatible with the station.
3. Connect the Charging Cable: Locate the charging port on your Chevy Bolt. It is located on the front driver’s side. Next, unlock the charging port on your Bolt using the key fob or the controls inside the vehicle. Then, connect the charging cable securely to the vehicle’s charging port. For Level 2 charging, use the SAE J1772 connector. For DC fast charging, use the CCS connector.
4. Initiate the Charging Process: Follow the instructions provided on the station or use any required RFID cards or mobile apps for authentication. Some charging stations may have a start/stop button or a mobile app for initiating the charging process. Follow the station-specific guidelines.
5. Monitor the Charging Process: Once the charging process begins, monitor the charging status on the station’s display or through the mobile app. You may also receive notifications on the completion of the charging session.
6. End the Charging Session: When the charging session is complete, either press the stop button on the charging station or use the mobile app to end the session. Then, disconnect the charging cable from your Chevy Bolt and securely place it back in the charging station.
7. Payment and Billing: Follow the payment instructions provided by the station or the mobile app. Some stations may use RFID cards, mobile payment apps, or credit cards for billing.
How Long Does it Take to Charge a Chevy Bolt at a Charging Station?
The charging time for a Chevy Bolt at a charging station depends on several factors, including the battery capacity, the charging station’s power level, and the state of charge of the battery when charging begins.
Let’s break down the charging times based on average numbers and the varying battery capacities of different Chevy Bolt models.
Charging Levels:
- Level 1 (120V): Typically slower charging, suitable for overnight charging at home.
- Level 2 (240V): Faster charging, common at public charging stations and suitable for home charging with the provided Dual Level cord.
- DC Fast Charging: Rapid charging option available at specific public stations, providing significantly faster charging speeds.
Charging Time Estimates:
1. 2017–2019 Chevy Bolt (60.0 kWh battery):
- Level 1 (120V): Approximately 25 miles of range per 8 hours.
- Level 2 (240V): Up to 25 miles of range per hour; full charge in about 10 hours.
- DC Fast Charging: Up to 90 miles of range in around 30 minutes.
2. 2020–2021 Chevy Bolt (66.0 kWh battery):
- Level 1 (120V): Approximately 27 miles of range per 8 hours.
- Level 2 (240V): Up to 25 miles of range per hour; full charge in about 11 hours.
- DC Fast Charging: Up to 100 miles of range in around 30 minutes.
3. 2022+ Chevy Bolt EUV (65.0 kWh battery):
- Level 1 (120V): Approximately 26 miles of range per 8 hours.
- Level 2 (240V): Up to 25 miles of range per hour; full charge in about 11 hours.
- DC Fast Charging: Up to 95 miles of range in around 30 minutes.
Here’s the full table:
| Chevy Bolt Model | Battery Capacity (kWh) | Charging Level | Charging Rate | Estimated Range Added per Hour | Estimated Full Charge Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 Bolt | 60.0 | Level 1 (120V) | ~25 miles | ~2 miles/hour | Up to 30 hours (from 0% to 100%) |
| 2017–2019 Bolt | 60.0 | Level 2 (240V) | Up to 25 miles/hour | Up to 25 miles | ~2.5 hours (from 0% to 100%) |
| 2017–2019 Bolt | 60.0 | DC Fast Charging | Up to 90 miles in ~30 minutes | ~180 miles in ~1 hour | ~1 hour (up to 80%) |
| 2020–2021 Bolt | 66.0 | Level 1 (120V) | ~27 miles | ~2.5 miles/hour | Up to 28 hours (from 0% to 100%) |
| 2020–2021 Bolt | 66.0 | Level 2 (240V) | Up to 25 miles/hour | Up to 25 miles | ~2.5 hours (from 0% to 100%) |
| 2020–2021 Bolt | 66.0 | DC Fast Charging | Up to 100 miles in ~30 minutes | ~200 miles in ~1 hour | ~1 hour (up to 80%) |
| 2022+ Bolt EUV | 65.0 | Level 1 (120V) | ~26 miles | ~2.4 miles/hour | Up to 27 hours (from 0% to 100%) |
| 2022+ Bolt EUV | 65.0 | Level 2 (240V) | Up to 25 miles/hour | Up to 25 miles | ~2.6 hours (from 0% to 100%) |
| 2022+ Bolt EUV | 65.0 | DC Fast Charging | Up to 95 miles in ~30 minutes | ~190 miles in ~1 hour | ~1 hour (up to 80%) |
Factors Affecting Charging Time:
- State of Charge: Charging from a lower state of charge to a higher one generally takes less time.
- Charging Station Power Output: Higher-power charging stations can deliver more energy to the battery per unit of time, reducing charging time.
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the battery’s charging efficiency, potentially influencing charging times.