8 Tips for Charging your Chevy Bolt EV

America’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV) is the Chevy Bolt. This sleek model features cutting-edge technology, allowing it to handle all three EV charging levels, from the slowest to the fastest. Charging this highly efficient vehicle via a home charger is recommended.

The US News & World Report named the 2023 Chevy Bolt EV the best electric car for the money. Its starting price is an attractive $26,500. Drivers who qualify for the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit save up to $7,500 on their purchase, helping them defray their costs.

Charging the Chevy Bolt EV is as easy as plugging in a smartphone. Drivers have plenty of charging options on the road with a selection of 40,000 public charging stations. But juicing up the EV is best done at home—the Chevy Bolt is equipped to handle this with ease.

Available with the Bolt EV is a dual level charge cord. This handy piece of equipment allows owners to seamlessly switch between Level 1 (120-volt) and Level 2 (240-volt). Chevrolet even covers the cost of a standard Level 2 installation charging outlet with the purchase of a 2023 Bolt EV.

What are tips for charging the Chevy Bolt EV?

Charging the fun and functional Bolt EV can be quickly done from a public or home charging station. Whether it’s a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charger, the process is straightforward and can be handled by even first-time EV owners.

Homeowners using a Level 1 charger add approximately 4 miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger delivers about 39 miles of range per hour. The public Level 3 charger—the fastest on the market—gives the car about 100 miles of range within 30 minutes.

Tip 1: Plug in with a no-installation Level 1 charger.

Chevy Bolt EV owners can charge their car at home using a Level 1 charger—it’s easy to use but provides the slowest charge. Plug the charging cable into a 3-prong, 110-volt AC outlet, then insert the J1772 connector into the car’s charging port.

Tip 2: Plug in with a Level 2 charger for convenience.

A Level 2 wall charger is a second option for owners who want to charge their vehicle at home. Level 2 chargers require professional installation on a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Once installed, the charger functions with the same ease and convenience as a Level 1 charger.

Tip 3: Use Chevy’s dual-level charge cord.

Chevy’s dual-level charge cord can alternately be used to juice up the Bolt EV. The charge cord does not require wall installation. It’s compatible with both 120- and 240-volt outlets, which makes it portable. Per hour of charging, the cord adds about 25 miles of range.

Tip 4: Charge at public charging stations for speed.

Plugging into a Level 3 charger is the fastest way to charge the Bolt EV. DC fast charging stations, which supply a dose of direct current to the vehicle, are primarily located near interstate highway exits but can also be found in parking lots of restaurants, workplaces, and retail stores.

Tip 5: Be aware of higher prices at public stations.

Using Level 3 chargers at public stations costs more than utilizing a Level 1 or Level 2 charger at home. The difference in cost is primarily due to the speed at which they charge. However, it’s the best way to quickly replenish a car’s battery.

Average rates to charge at a public charging station range from $0.31 to $0.69 per kWh. A full charge at one of these stations costs drivers anywhere from $20.15 to $44.85. Conversely, charging up at home can cost as low as $60 per month.

Tip 6: Expect added fees at public stations.

Prices at public charging stations include additional charges, such as session fees or charging fees. Drivers may even be hit with idling fees if they linger at the station after their car is fully charged. Public stations are ideal, however, for long drives and road trips.

Tip 7: Use DC fast chargers infrequently.

DC fast chargers are not only fast but powerful; they can add 100 miles of range in half an hour. It also means these chargers stress the car’s battery. To protect the battery, EV owners are advised to avoid relying on Level 3 chargers as their primary charging method.

Tip 8: Use an at-home Level 2 charger regularly.

A Level 2 charger installed at home is the safest and most cost-efficient way to charge a Chevy Bolt EV. While the Level 1 charger requires zero installation, it offers the slowest charge. Homeowners who upgrade to a Level 2 charger conveniently charge their cars in a reasonable time frame.

Rising gas prices and concerns for the environment prompt drivers to seek alternatives, like the Chevy Bolt EV. For those who make the switch, an electric car charger is ideal. Nu-Trend will professionally install an efficient Level 2 or Level 3 charger at your home or workplace.

Whether you own or are planning to own a Chevy Bolt EV or any other EV model, you’ll need a reliable power source. Nu-Trend installs charging stations that are compatible with a wide range of makes, including BMW, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Kia and more.

Nu-Trend’s teams of certified electricians install your choice of charger so that it is integrated into the home or business’s electrical system. Prior to installation, we perform inspections to ensure the system can handle the level of power required. We can rewire the system, if necessary.

• Home and business owners can expect impeccable workmanship, respect for their space, and a timely installation from Nu-Trend.
• We handle the entire process, from obtaining permits to professional installation and quality maintenance and repairs.
• Specialists also perform a final inspection.

Choose Nu-Trend for your EV charging station installation needs, like countless satisfied homeowners and commercial property owners in Schaumburg, Illinois, and the surrounding areas, continue to do. We stand behind our work, giving you maximum peace of mind. Call today to schedule an onsite visit and obtain a quote.