Can I charge a Chevy Bolt with a regular outlet?

You can charge a Chevy Bolt from a standard 120-volt household outlet, but it’s a slow method best suited for topping up the battery rather than daily charging. This article explains how Level 1 charging works, what to expect in terms of time and safety, and how to speed things up if you need more daily charging speed.

Below we break down the practical details, safety considerations, and practical steps to take if you’re plugging in at home or looking to upgrade to faster at-home charging.

How Level 1 charging works on the Chevy Bolt

Level 1 charging uses a regular 120-volt outlet and the Bolt’s included portable charging cord. The car’s onboard charger limits how much power it draws, so charging is relatively slow but reliable for occasional use.

• Charging rate: roughly 3–6 miles of range per hour, depending on the exact circuit, temperature, and battery state. Expect around 1.4–1.8 kW of power.


• Time to a full charge: from empty, a 60 kWh Bolt battery can take roughly 30–42 hours on a standard 120V circuit.


• Best use: ideal for overnight topping up or days when you don’t need a high daily driving range.


• Limitations: slow compared with Level 2 charging; not practical for daily full recharges or long trips without access to higher-power charging.

In practice, Level 1 charging provides convenience when you’re parked at a location for an extended period, but most Bolt owners rely on Level 2 charging for regular daily charging to save time.

Safety considerations and setup

Charging from a regular outlet requires careful attention to electrical safety and circuit capacity to avoid nuisance trips or overheating.

1. Confirm circuit capacity: use a 120V, 15A (or higher) circuit and avoid overloading the same circuit with other high-draw devices while charging.


2. Avoid extension cords when possible: if you must use one, use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cord and keep it as short as practical to minimize voltage drop and heat.


3. Use the included Level 1 EVSE as intended: do not modify plugs or adapters, and ensure the outlet is in good condition with proper grounding.


4. Monitor for heat and tripping breakers: if the outlet or charger gets unusually warm or the breaker trips, unplug and consult an electrician.


5. Keep safety in mind in multi-unit dwellings: follow building guidelines and, if needed, have a licensed electrician assess the best approach for charging in common areas or garages.

With proper setup and cautious use, Level 1 charging is a safe option for Bolt owners who primarily need occasional top-ups or who don’t have access to faster Level 2 charging at home.

Speeding up at home: Level 2 charging options

For most daily needs, Level 2 charging is the practical upgrade. It uses a 240-volt circuit and a dedicated EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) to deliver faster charging.

• What you’ll gain: typical Level 2 setups run at 16–32 amps, delivering roughly 10–30 miles of range per hour, depending on the EVSE and installation. The Bolt’s onboard charger can accept up to about 7.2 kW, so a 32A/240V setup is common and effective.


• Typical home install: a licensed electrician can install a dedicated 240-volt circuit (often 40A or 30A breakers with compatible outlets) and mount a wall-mounted EVSE or hardwired unit.


• Outlets and equipment: many riders choose a NEMA 14-50 or dedicated hardwired EVSE; some opt for a corded unit that plugs into a 240V outlet, depending on local codes and charger choice.


• Practical impact: a full charge from near empty can take about 6–10 hours on most Level 2 setups, making daily charging quick and predictable.

Upgrading to Level 2 at home is typically the most impactful way to make daily charging convenient, predictable, and time-efficient for a Chevy Bolt.

Summary

You can indeed charge a Chevy Bolt using a regular 120-volt outlet, but this Level 1 approach is slow and best reserved for top-ups or emergency use. For regular daily charging, most Bolt owners install a Level 2 240-volt setup at home to significantly cut charging times. Always prioritize electrical safety: use the proper equipment, avoid overloading circuits, and consult a licensed electrician for any home installation. In short, regular outlets work, but Level 2 charging offers a much faster and more convenient charging experience for everyday use.

Can you plug a Chevy Bolt into a regular outlet?

The available Dual Level Charger,* our Level 1 charging option, works in most standard electrical outlets when connected with a 120-volt plug and is conveniently portable.

Is it safe to plug an electric car into a regular outlet?

Home Charging
Level 1: Electric cars come standard with a 120-volt Level 1 portable charger. Yes, these chargers can be plugged into a simple household outlet, and don't require any special installation. Pretty cool, right?

Can you charge a Chevy Bolt with a 120V outlet?

Charging Your Chevy Bolt: Three Electric Car Charger Options
A Level 1 Chevy car charger is easy to stow in the glove box and allows you to charge anywhere that has a 120-volt, three-prong outlet. A 12-hour charge gives you about 48 miles of range, which is plenty if you only use your car for short errands.

Can I charge my EV with a normal plug socket?

Yes, you can charge an electric car at home using a standard household plug, but it is the slowest method (called Level 1 charging) and only adds about 3-5 miles of range per hour. This is sufficient for drivers with short daily commutes and is convenient because it doesn't require any special equipment beyond the charging cord that often comes with the vehicle. 
You can watch this video to learn how to charge an EV with a regular plug: 58sDave Takes It OnYouTube · Sep 25, 2024
Advantages of using a normal plug

• No extra cost: You can start charging immediately with the equipment that came with your car, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 
• Convenience: It is as simple as plugging in the cord, similar to charging a phone, and works for many people with short daily drives. 

Disadvantages and considerations

• Slow charging speed: It takes a long time to fully charge, potentially 20-40 hours for larger batteries. 
• Suitability: It is best for those who drive less than 40 miles per day or have plug-in hybrid vehicles, but it may not be practical for long commutes or for drivers with fully electric vehicles who need a faster charge. 
• Dedicated circuit recommended: To avoid tripping breakers, it is best to use an outlet on a dedicated circuit that can handle the continuous load without overheating. An electrician can help ensure the outlet is set up properly, notes HedgeHog Electric. 

This video explains the EV basics of Level 1 charging at home: 59sZero E-MichiganYouTube · Aug 27, 2024