Home FAQ

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

Yes. You can charge a Chevy Bolt using a standard 120V household outlet with the car’s bundled portable charger. This is the slowest charging option (Level 1), typically adding roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour, making it best for occasional top-ups or overnight charging when a 240V setup isn’t available.

What Level 1 charging on 120V entails

To understand how charging with a 120V outlet works, it helps to know the practical limits and what affects the rate. The Bolt’s onboard charger accepts 120V input and generally tops out around 12 amps (about 1.4 kW). Your actual charging speed depends on the outlet/circuit, cable quality, and the car’s current state of charge and temperature.

Factors that influence the actual charge rate on a 120V outlet include the following:

Onboard charger limit for 120V input (typically around 12 A or about 1.4 kW)

Available circuit rating (15 A vs 20 A, with a dedicated circuit recommended)

Battery temperature and current state of charge

Quality and length of the charging cable or any adapters used

In practice, Level 1 charging on a standard 120V outlet is best for overnight top-ups or situations where you have plenty of time to recharge between drives.

Level 1 vs Level 2 charging: which is right for you?

Level 2 charging uses a 240V supply and is significantly faster for most daily needs. The Bolt supports up to about 7.2 kW on Level 2 with an appropriate home charging setup, enabling much quicker replenishment of the battery. If you frequently drive longer distances or want shorter stops for charging, a Level 2 install is typically worth pursuing.

Key differences and capabilities:

Level 1 (120V) adds a slower rate of charge, typically 3–5 miles per hour, depending on conditions.

Level 2 (240V) provides several times faster charging, often 20–30+ miles per hour depending on the charger and vehicle settings.

Level 2 requires a dedicated 240V circuit and an appropriate EVSE (often a wall box) installed at home.

For most drivers who rely on daily commuting with shorter trips, Level 2 is the more convenient long-term solution. Level 1 remains a viable option for emergencies, travel, or when a 240V install isn’t feasible.

Safety and setup tips for Level 1 charging

To charge safely on 120V, follow these guidelines and best practices:

Use the included or manufacturer-approved portable EVSE designed for 120V charging.

Prefer a dedicated 120V circuit when possible; avoid sharing the circuit with high-draw appliances.

Avoid using extension cords; if necessary, only use a heavy-gauge cord rated for the intended load and in accordance with the EVSE’s instructions.

Ensure the outlet is GFCI-protected and in good condition; inspect the charging cable for wear or damage.

Keep the charging area clear of moisture and heat sources; disconnect if you notice overheating or damage.

Following these safety considerations helps ensure consistent, safe Level 1 charging whenever you rely on a 120V outlet.

Practical recommendations for everyday use

If your daily routine involves short trips and you park at home each night, Level 1 can be adequate as a backup or convenience charging method. If you have a longer commute or want to minimize charging time between trips, consider installing a Level 2 charger at home and using 240V charging whenever possible.

Summary

Charging a Chevy Bolt with a 120V outlet is possible and commonly referred to as Level 1 charging. It’s the slowest option, adding a modest amount of range per hour and is best suited for overnight top-ups or emergency use. For faster daily charging, a Level 2 setup on a 240V circuit is usually the preferred long-term solution, though Level 1 remains a valid option when a 240V installation isn’t available.

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?

How long does it take to charge a Chevy Bolt on 120V?

Chevy Bolt Level 1 Charge Time: 4 Miles / Hour
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 you charge a Chevy Bolt with 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. Available Level 2* Wall Chargers require a 240-volt appliance-like outlet or can be directly hardwired into your home.

Can I charge my EV with a 110V outlet?

Yes, you can charge an EV with a 110V outlet using the standard Level 1 charger that typically comes with the car, but it is a slow process. This method is most suitable for drivers with shorter daily commutes, as it adds about 4 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. For a full charge, it can take 24 hours or even longer, so it is often best for overnight charging to get enough range for the next day.
This video demonstrates the process of charging a Blazer EV overnight using a 110V outlet: 53sKicking TiresYouTube · Feb 16, 2025
Benefits of using a 110V outlet

Convenient: It is easy to use, as you can plug your car into any standard household outlet.
Cost-effective: It's the cheapest option, as it doesn't require any extra installation costs for a new outlet.
Good for low mileage drivers: It can provide enough range for many daily commutes with an overnight charge.

This video explains the limitations of charging an EV with a 120V outlet, focusing on charge time and range: 59sCars Made SimpleYouTube · Jan 26, 2023
Downsides of using a 110V outlet

Slow charging: The charging speed is very slow, with an average of 4-5 miles of range per hour.
Long charging times: A full charge can take 24 hours or more.
Circuit issues: It is important to ensure the outlet is on a dedicated circuit to prevent tripping the breaker, especially if other appliances are on the same circuit.
Long-term costs: While initially cost-effective, the slow charging may lead to higher electricity costs over the long run compared to faster methods.

When to consider a faster charger

If you have a longer daily commute (over 40 miles).
If you want a faster charging experience that can provide a full charge in a few hours.
If you need to charge the vehicle more frequently than overnight.
For these scenarios, installing a Level 2 (240V) charger is recommended, though it involves additional installation costs.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.