Can a Chevy Bolt use a level 3 charger?
The short answer is no, the Chevy Bolt electric vehicle (EV) cannot use a Level 3 or DC fast charger. The Bolt is only compatible with Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations. To understand the reasons behind this, let's dive deeper into the different charging levels and the Bolt's charging capabilities.
Charging Levels Explained
Electric vehicles can be charged using different levels of charging stations, each with varying power output and charging speeds:
- Level 1 Charging: This is the slowest charging method, using a standard 120V household outlet. Level 1 charging provides around 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Level 2 Charging: This uses a 240V outlet, similar to what is used for electric dryers or ovens. Level 2 charging can provide 10-20 miles of range per hour of charging.
- Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging): Also known as DC fast charging, this is the fastest charging method, providing up to 200 miles of range in just 15-30 minutes. Level 3 chargers use high-voltage direct current (DC) power, rather than the alternating current (AC) used in Levels 1 and 2.
The Chevy Bolt is only equipped with a Level 1 and Level 2 charging system, and does not have the necessary hardware to support Level 3 DC fast charging.
Why Can't the Chevy Bolt Use a Level 3 Charger?
The Chevy Bolt's battery and charging system are designed to work with Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations, but not with the high-voltage DC power used in Level 3 chargers. The Bolt's onboard charger can only handle AC power, not the DC power provided by Level 3 stations. To use a Level 3 charger, the Bolt would need additional hardware and modifications to its charging system, which Chevrolet did not include in the vehicle's design.
While the lack of Level 3 charging capability may be a limitation for some Bolt owners, the vehicle is still capable of efficient charging using the more widely available Level 1 and Level 2 stations. For most daily driving needs, the Bolt's Level 2 charging speed of 10-20 miles per hour is sufficient.
