how long does it take to charge chevy bolt ev

How Long Does It Take to Charge Chevy Bolt EV?

The Chevy Bolt EV is an all-electric vehicle that has gained popularity for its impressive range and eco-friendly operation. One common concern among potential buyers is how long it takes to charge the Chevy Bolt EV. In this article, we will explore the different charging options available for the Chevy Bolt EV and provide detailed information on the charging times for each option. So, if you're considering purchasing a Chevy Bolt EV, keep reading to find out how long it takes to charge this electric vehicle and how to optimize your charging experience.

Charging Options for Chevy Bolt EV

Before diving into the charging times, it's important to understand the different charging options available for the Chevy Bolt EV. There are three main types of charging options:

1. Level 1 Charging:

Level 1 charging refers to using a basic household outlet to charge your Chevy Bolt EV. The charging cable that comes with the vehicle can be plugged directly into a standard 120-volt outlet. While this option is the slowest, it is also the most accessible and can be used anywhere with a standard outlet. Level 1 charging typically adds about 4 miles of range per hour of charging.

2. Level 2 Charging:

Level 2 charging provides a faster charging option compared to Level 1. This is achieved by using a 240-volt charging station or installing a home charging station. Level 2 charging offers a more convenient and efficient way to charge your Chevy Bolt EV, allowing you to add about 25 miles of range per hour of charging. Home charging stations can be purchased and installed at your residence, enabling you to charge your vehicle overnight.

3. DC Fast Charging:

DC Fast Charging, also known as Level 3 charging, is the fastest charging option available for the Chevy Bolt EV. These charging stations utilize high-powered direct current (DC) to quickly charge the vehicle's battery. DC Fast Charging stations can replenish up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes of charging time. However, it's important to note that DC Fast Chargers are less common compared to Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the different charging options for the Chevy Bolt EV, let's move on to the specifics of how long it takes to charge this electric vehicle with each option.

Charging Times for Chevy Bolt EV

1. Level 1 Charging:

As mentioned earlier, Level 1 charging involves plugging your Chevy Bolt EV into a standard 120-volt household outlet. This charging method is the slowest but is widely accessible. The charging cable that comes with the vehicle has a power rating of 12 amps, allowing for a maximum charge rate of 1.44 kilowatts (kW). The Chevy Bolt EV has a total battery capacity of 66 kilowatt-hours (kWh), so it would theoretically take 45.8 hours to fully charge the vehicle from 0% to 100% using Level 1 charging.

However, it's important to note that charging to 100% is not always necessary. Many EV owners opt for a charging strategy known as "topping off." Topping off involves charging the vehicle to a certain percentage, usually between 80% and 90%, to avoid waiting for a full charge. It is generally faster to charge from 0% to 80% compared to going from 80% to 100% due to the battery's charging curve.

Considering this, if you were to charge your Chevy Bolt EV from 0% to 80% using Level 1 charging, it would take approximately 36.6 hours (80% of 45.8 hours). This may seem like a significant amount of time, but it's important to remember that Level 1 charging is best suited for overnight charging or situations where you can leave your vehicle plugged in for an extended period.

2. Level 2 Charging:

Level 2 charging provides a quicker and more efficient charging option compared to Level 1. This is achieved by using a 240-volt charging station or installing a home charging station with a higher power rating. The Chevy Bolt EV's onboard charger has a maximum power rating of 7.2 kW, allowing for a faster charging rate compared to Level 1.

With Level 2 charging, the actual charging time will depend on several factors, including the power rating of the charging station, the battery's state of charge, and the available amperage. Assuming a 32-amp Level 2 charger, you can add approximately 25 miles of range per hour of charging. Therefore, it would take approximately 10.5 hours to fully charge the Chevy Bolt EV from 0% to 100% using Level 2 charging.

If we consider the more common practice of charging to 80% instead of 100%, it would take approximately 8.4 hours (80% of 10.5 hours) to charge your Chevy Bolt EV from 0% to 80% using Level 2 charging. This makes Level 2 charging a viable option for overnight charging, allowing you to start each day with a fully charged vehicle.

3. DC Fast Charging:

DC Fast Charging is the fastest charging option available for the Chevy Bolt EV. These charging stations utilize high-powered direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC) used in Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Currently, Chevy Bolt EVs can utilize CCS (Combined Charging System) DC Fast Chargers, which are becoming increasingly available throughout the United States.