After driving a gas-guzzling car for years, you’ve decided it’s time to switch to an electric vehicle. Not just any EV, but the 2024 Chevy Bolt! Sure, it was an initial investment, but you know it will save you money on gas in the long run. Now you just have to figure out this whole “charging” thing. How long does it take to charge a chevy Bolt battery from empty to full? Is this something you can do overnight while sleeping? Or will you really need to schedule time during your day for charging? Lucky for you, we’re going to break down how long it takes to charge a Chevy Bolt in 2024 so you can plan your electrified adventures accordingly!
Charging Options for the Chevy Bolt in 2024
Chevy Bolt in 2024 comes with a few ways to charge its battery and keep you on the road. The most convenient option is charging at home. At-home charging is the most convenient since you can plug in overnight while you sleep. You’ll want to install a Level 2 charger, which can charge the Bolt’s 65 kWh battery in under 10 hours. The charger connects to a 240-volt outlet, like those used for electric dryers. While the upfront cost of a home charger and installation may seem high, many utilities offer rebates and tax incentives to help offset the cost. Plus, charging at home is way cheaper than public charging.
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Public Charging
For longer trips or if you can’t charge at home, look for public charging stations along your route. The Bolt can charge on Level 2 or Level 3 DC fast chargers. Level 2 will get you 25 miles of range per hour of charging. DC fast charging provides up to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes by charging at up to 100 kW. While fast charging is convenient, repeated use can degrade the battery over time. Only use when necessary for longer trips.
Emergency Charging Options
In a pinch, you can add some charge to your Chevrolet Bolt using a regular 120-volt outlet, but it will be very slow. You’ll only get about 4 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. It’s OK for an emergency top-off to get you to a charger, but not a long-term solution. Some RV parks and campgrounds also offer Level 2 charging for electric vehicles. Call ahead to check availability and rates, which typically charge by the hour or kilowatt-hour.
As more Bolts hit the road, the charging infrastructure will continue to expand with more Level 2 and DC fast chargers available along major travel routes and in public areas. The future is bright for convenient and fast electric vehicle charging! Stay plugged into the latest developments in charging technology to get the most out of your Chevrolet Bolt.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Chevy Bolt on a Level 1 Charger?
If you’re charging your Chevy Bolt on a standard Level 1 charger, it will take quite a while to fully recharge the battery. A Level 1 charger provides alternating current (AC) power at 120 volts, the standard voltage for most household electrical outlets.
Over 24 hours for a full charge
Using a Level 1 charger, it can take 24 hours or more to fully recharge a Chevy Bolt’s 60 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack from empty. The actual charge time will depend on the current state of charge of your battery when you plug it in. If your battery is extremely low, it will take the full 24 hours. If you have some charge left, it may take 12-18 hours.
Charge overnight for typical driving
For most daily driving needs, you can easily charge overnight using a Level 1 charger. If you drive 30-50 miles a day, an overnight charge of 8-12 hours will likely replenish the energy you use and ensure you have a full “tank” for the next day.
Consider a Level 2 charger for quicker charging
If you need to charge more quickly or drive longer distances, you should consider installing a Level 2 charger. A Level 2 charger can provide 240-volt power and charge a Chevy Bolt in under 10 hours. Some Level 2 chargers offer even faster charging, providing a full charge in 4 hours or less.
While a Level 1 charger is certainly convenient if you have time and want to save money, the slow charging speed may not meet the needs of all Chevy Bolt owners. If you need a quicker charge to keep up with your driving demands, check into options for upgrading to Level 2 charging at home.
How Long Does It Take to Fully Charge a Chevy Bolt on a Level 2 or DC Fast Charger?
So you’ve purchased a new 2024 Chevy Bolt—congratulations! Now it’s time to charge up your new electric vehicle (EV) and hit the road. The time it takes to fully recharge your Bolt will depend on the type of charger you use.
Level 2 Charger
A Level 2 charger, which you can install at home, will typically take 9 to 11 hours to fully recharge your Chevy Bolt’s battery from empty. The exact time will depend on the amperage rating of your Level 2 charger—the higher the amps, the faster the charge. Most residential Level 2 chargers provide 3.3 to 7.2 kilowatts, which adds about 25-50 miles of range per hour of charging. If possible, charge overnight while you sleep for maximum convenience.
Public Level 2 Chargers
You can also use public Level 2 chargers, but charge times will typically be on the longer end of the range, around 10-11 hours for a full recharge. Public chargers are best used when making short stops, as some retail locations may limit how long you can stay plugged in. Check with the location for their specific policy before relying on a public Level 2 charger for a full recharge.
DC Fast Charger
For faster charging, look for a DC fast charging station. A DC fast charger can provide up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes of charging. The time for a full recharge on a DC fast charger is typically 3 to 4.5 hours. DC fast charging does cause more battery degradation over time compared to Level 2 charging, so only use it when needed for long trips.
The time it takes to charge your Chevy Bolt can vary significantly based on the type of charger used. Whenever possible, charge at home overnight to ensure you have a full battery and maximum range for all your daily driving needs. When road-tripping, plan your route to include DC fast charging stations for quick top-offs to keep you moving. Happy and safe driving!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How long does it take to fully charge a Chevy Bolt?
Charging times can vary depending on the type of charger. A Level 1 charger, which comes standard with the Bolt, plugs into a regular 120V outlet and adds about 4 miles of range per hour of charging—so to fully charge the Bolt’s 238-mile battery would take nearly 60 hours. Not ideal! A Level 2 charger is faster and what most Bolt owners opt for. It can charge the battery in 9 to 11 hours. Level 3 DC fast charging, available at some public charging stations, can add up to 100 miles in 30 minutes by charging at up to 50kW.
How much does it cost to charge a Chevy Bolt?
Charging at home using a Level 2 charger costs between $0.12 to $0.20 per kilowatt-hour, depending on your local utility rates. A full charge would cost around $2 to $3.50. Public DC fast charging typically costs between $0.30 to $0.40 per minute, so a 30-minute boost could cost $10 to $15. The actual charging is free, but you pay for the time your vehicle occupies the station. Charging on the go definitely adds to the cost of fueling an electric vehicle.
Can I charge my Chevy Bolt outside?
You can charge your Chevy Bolt outside using a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, but there are some precautions to keep in mind. Make sure any outdoor outlets you use are weather-resistant and equipped with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. The charging cord and plug should also be rated for outdoor use. It’s best to charge in a covered area like a carport or garage if possible, to shield from environmental elements. Extreme cold can reduce charging speed and range, so you may need to consider an indoor option in very cold climates. With the proper equipment, charging outside is fine but charging inside is optimal when you can.
How long will a Chevy Bolt battery last?
The Chevy Bolt uses a lithium-ion battery pack that should retain up to 60% of its maximum range (around 140 miles) after 10 years of normal use. The battery is warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles, so you can expect it to still have decent range and capacity during that time. Battery technology is constantly improving, so replacement packs available in a few years may offer even better range and durability. With proper care and maintenance, the Bolt’s battery should provide sufficient range for the typical vehicle lifespan.