Quick Facts About Charging a Chevy Bolt
- The Chevy Bolt has good value as a used electric vehicle (EV), with a 259-mile range and straightforward charging options at home or public stations.
- Charging times vary from Level 1, which gains four miles for every hour, to Level 2, which replenishes 39 miles per hour, to DC fast charging, which adds up to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes.
- Chevrolet discontinued the Bolt in 2023, but the upcoming 2027 model will feature faster charging rates than earlier models.
The Chevrolet Bolt might be one of the best values on the electric car market today — at least the used car market for now. Chevy discontinued this affordable EV in late 2023, but the company is on track to build the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV by the end of this year.
Earlier models of the Bolt remain popular. Its respectable battery range compared to the competition makes it a great daily driver or commuting EV. We’ll tell you about charging this all-electric subcompact hatchback.
- Chevy Bolt Charging Times
- How to Charge a Chevy Bolt
- Where to Charge Your Chevy Bolt
- How Long Does It Take to Charge a Chevy Bolt?
Chevy Bolt Charging Times
The Chevy Bolt can handle EV charging levels from the slowest Level 1 to the DC fast charging of Level 3. There is only one battery available. That means there is no long-range model, unlike some other popular EVs. The estimated range for the Bolt is 259 miles on a full charge. The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is a slightly larger variant with 247 miles of range. Below are the estimated Chevrolet Bolt charging times for each charging type.
- Level 1 – Adds about four miles of range per hour.
- Level 2 – Adds about 39 miles of range per hour.
- Level 3 – Adds up to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes.
The charging rate for Bolt models up to 2023 topped out at 55 kilowatts (kW). The 2027 model year will use a platform that supports faster charging, which is projected to be 150 kW.
How to Charge a Chevy Bolt
Charging your Chevy Bolt is straightforward. The same rules apply whether it’s a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charger. The equipment may look different, but the process of using each charger is the same.
At-Home Charging
The most convenient place to charge your Bolt is at home. You can do this two ways: with a basic Level 1 portable charging cable or an installed Level 2 charger. Read our EV charger buying guide to learn about your options.
The Level 1 charger is easy to use, especially if it’s your first time charging an EV. Early Bolt models sold new had a Level 1 charging cord included as standard equipment. Setting up this charger may seem familiar. All you need is access to any 3-prong, 110-volt household alternating current (AC) outlet for this option. Plug the charging cable into a wall outlet, then insert the J1772 connector into the Bolt’s charging port on the other end. While it’s easy to set up and use your Level 1 charger, it’s also the slowest type of charging. Chevrolet recommends this option for “topping off” your vehicle overnight.
The second at-home option is using a Level 2 wall charger. These chargers require installation on a dedicated 240-volt circuit by a qualified electrician. After installation, using a Level 2 wall charger is similar to plugging in with a Level 1 charging cord. It’s the best option for recharging after daily driving or charging to capacity before a longer trip.
After the car’s 2022 refresh, Bolt models included an 11.5-kW charger for Level 2 charging. This charger is essentially a Level 2 charger that does not require wall installation. The charge cord is compatible with 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, making it portable. This option adds about 25 miles of range per hour of charging.
Public Charging
The fastest way to charge your Bolt is to plug it into a Level 3 charger for a dose of direct current (DC) to its battery. These charging stations, called DC fast chargers, are located primarily in urban areas and locations near interstate highway exits. They are not available for home installation. Chevy Bolt owners can also connect to Tesla Superchargers using an adapter. However, only select stations are or soon will be available. Using DC fast chargers costs more than other types because it’s quicker to replenish the battery’s energy. Using DC fast chargers is the best way to quickly replenish a car’s battery when away from home. The plug the Bolt uses for Level 3 charging is called a CCS connector.
There are more than 73,000 DC fast charging stations in the United States, often with multiple chargers. For comparison, there are more than 62,000 Level 2 chargers in public locations, such as shopping centers, parking garages, and hotels. In addition, there are semi-public chargers in apartment complexes for residents and at workplaces for employees to use.
Plug in your Bolt at a public station and initialize charging. When the session is complete, the cost of charging the EV is applied to your charger network account.
MORE: Are Electric Cars Low-Maintenance?
Where to Charge a Chevy Bolt
As with other EVs, you can charge the Chevrolet Bolt at home or public charging stations equipped with either a J1227 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging or a CCS Combo connector for DC fast charging. Typically, most EV owners charge their electric cars at home. Still, finding a public charger in most regions isn’t difficult, but can be a challenge in rural locations or states. The Bolt’s onboard navigation system can locate nearby stations. If you’re planning a road trip, the myChevrolet mobile app can help map out charging stations along your route.
Do I Get Free Charging for the Chevrolet Bolt?
New EVs sometimes include a credit at major charging networks or rebates for installing home charging stations. Since Bolt inventory is limited to used models until the 2027 relaunch, you’ll need to pay for public charging. However, some communities, workplaces, hotels, and shopping centers offer limited free Level 2 charging for EV drivers using their services. Remember to look for incentives and discounts on electricity rates from your utility provider.
MORE: Electric Car Pros and Cons
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Chevy Bolt?
Chevy says Bolt drivers can add 15 to 100 miles in 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. Charging the vehicle fully takes longer. Generally, the time it takes to charge any EV battery to 80% is about the same as charging from 80% to 100%. Charging above 80% is unnecessary for daily driving. Keeping the state of charge (SOC) between 20% and 80% helps maintain battery health and maximize battery pack lifespan.
| Bolt Charging Time Table | ||
| Level 1 (120-volt) | ~1kW | ~60 hours |
| Level 2 (240-volt / 48-amp) | 11/5kW | ~6 hours |
| DC Fast (55-kW CCS) | 55kW | ~1 hour |
At a Level 2 charger, adding seven to 40 miles to the Bolt takes one hour. Replenishing the battery using a Level 2 charger takes six to seven hours.
When plugged into a standard household outlet, it would take more than 60 hours to replenish a depleted battery. Keep in mind that most people drive less than 40 miles per day, and they can recharge at home regularly, and be fully charged and ready to go when needed.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.