Can a Chevy Bolt use a Tesla charger?
The short answer is no, a Chevy Bolt cannot directly use a Tesla charger. The Chevy Bolt uses a different charging port and electrical system than Tesla vehicles, making them incompatible. However, there are some workarounds that can allow Bolt owners to charge at Tesla charging stations.
Differences in Charging Systems
The Chevy Bolt uses a Combined Charging System (CCS) port, also known as a SAE J1772 Combo connector. This is the standard charging port for most non-Tesla electric vehicles in North America. In contrast, Tesla vehicles use a proprietary Tesla charging port, which is not compatible with the Bolt's CCS port.
The electrical systems and charging voltages also differ between the Bolt and Tesla vehicles. Tesla uses a higher-voltage 480-volt DC fast charging system, while the Bolt is designed for 240-volt Level 2 charging and 50-160 kW DC fast charging.
Workarounds for Charging at Tesla Stations
- Use a CCS-to-Tesla adapter: There are third-party adapters available that allow non-Tesla EVs to plug into Tesla charging stations. However, these adapters only provide Level 2 charging, not the faster Tesla Supercharging.
- Charge at a Tesla destination charger: Some Tesla destination chargers, which are installed at hotels, restaurants, and other locations, have a standard J1772 plug that can be used by non-Tesla EVs.
- Charge at a public charging station: Many public charging stations, including those operated by companies like ChargePoint and Electrify America, are compatible with the Chevy Bolt's CCS charging port.
While the Chevy Bolt cannot directly use Tesla's Supercharger network, there are still options for Bolt owners to charge their vehicles at various public and private charging stations, including some Tesla destination chargers.
