Can you lock the charger on a Chevy Bolt?

Yes, you can lock the charger on a Chevy Bolt electric vehicle. This feature helps prevent unauthorized access to the charging port and ensures the safety and security of your vehicle during the charging process.

Locking the Charger on a Chevy Bolt

The Chevy Bolt, a popular all-electric vehicle, offers a convenient way to lock the charging port to prevent tampering or theft. This feature is particularly useful when charging your Bolt in public places or when leaving the vehicle unattended during the charging session.

To lock the charger on a Chevy Bolt, follow these steps:

• Plug in the charging cable to your Bolt's charging port.


• On the vehicle's infotainment system, navigate to the charging settings menu.


• Look for an option to "Lock Charge Port" or "Lock Charger" and enable it.


• Once activated, the charging port will be locked, and the charger will be secured in place.

This locking feature helps ensure that your Bolt's charging cable remains connected and secure, preventing unauthorized individuals from unplugging the charger or accessing the charging port.

Benefits of Locking the Charger

Locking the charger on a Chevy Bolt provides several benefits:

• Security: It helps prevent theft or tampering with the charging cable and port, protecting your vehicle and the charging equipment.


• Convenience: You can leave your Bolt unattended during the charging process without worrying about someone disconnecting the charger.


• Peace of mind: Knowing that your Bolt's charging port is locked can give you a sense of security, especially when charging in public areas.

The ability to lock the charger on a Chevy Bolt is a valuable feature that enhances the overall charging experience and helps ensure the safety and security of your electric vehicle.

Can someone unplug my EV charger?

If the charger has a free cable (untethered) or the car's plug is not locked, anyone can physically remove it. Many modern public chargers implement a connector locking feature while charging: the charger or the vehicle electrically or mechanically locks the connector to prevent removal until charging stops.

How to prevent EV charger theft?

To prevent EV charger theft, use physical locks and securing methods like padlocks, cable locks, and storage boxes. Deter thieves with security cameras, motion-activated lights, and by keeping the charger in a visible but secure location, such as a garage or well-lit area. For public charging, stay with your car or use your vehicle's built-in locking features, if available.
 
This video demonstrates how to protect your EV charger from theft using various methods: 28sChargedEVYouTube · Feb 6, 2025
Physical security

• Use locks: A simple padlock can secure the cable to your car's wheel spoke or a fixed object. Many home chargers also have built-in software or hardware locks that require a PIN or app to activate. 
• Secure the charger: When not in use, store the portable charging cable in a secure location, such as a lockable box in your car's trunk, or bring it inside your home. 
• Consider a tethered charger: For home charging, a tethered unit has the cable permanently attached to the unit, making it harder to steal. 
• Use tamper-proof screws: Secure the charging station itself to the wall using tamper-proof screws to prevent its removal. 

Deterrents and visibility

• Install security cameras: Use motion-activated cameras with floodlights to monitor your property and deter potential thieves. 
• Improve lighting: Ensure your charging area is well-lit, as this makes thieves less likely to act. 
• Hide the charger: Park your car in a garage or in a location that is less visible from the street. 

Public charging

• Stay with your car: Keep an eye on your vehicle and the charging cable while it is in a public area. 
• Use your car's locking feature: Many EVs have a system that locks the charger to the car when plugged in and can send an alert if it's tampered with. 
• Consider official charging networks: These often have their own security features and may be a safer option than using untethered chargers. 

How do I stop other people from using my EV charger?

1. Enclose it in a locked enclosure. 2. Have an electrician change the plug on the charger and create a non standard adapter. 3. Consider a camera to monitor the charger. 4. Trip the breaker and turn off power. 5. Alternatively, instal a wirelessly controlled relay or contactor and turn it off and on remotely.

How to lock an electric charger?

You can lock an EV charger by using a physical padlock through a hole in the connector or by looping it through your car's wheel, by enabling the in-car locking feature which secures the cable once plugged in, or by using the app-based lock feature on smart chargers to control charging times and prevent unauthorized use. For home use, consider installing a lockable security box to store the charger when not in use.
 
This video demonstrates how to lock your EV charger with a physical padlock: 1mEverything HomeYouTube · Oct 21, 2020
Methods to lock an EV charger
This video shows how to secure your EV charger using a padlock: 1mWe Power Your CarYouTube · Sep 14, 2023

• Physical padlock:
  • Use a long-shackle padlock to loop through a hole in the charging cable's trigger or plug. 
  • Loop the cable through a wheel spoke and secure it with a padlock. 
  • Attach a wall ring anchor to your garage or wall and use a padlock to secure the cable to it. 
• In-car locking features:
  • Many modern EVs have a built-in system that automatically locks the charging cable when it's connected. 
  • You can often manage this through the car's infotainment system, with settings like "always lock" or "lock while charging". 

This video explains the charging connector locking feature on the Kia EV9: 48sKia How ToYouTube · Jan 17, 2024

• Smart charger app features:
  • Some smart chargers have a "Charger Lock" feature in their mobile app. 
  • This allows you to lock the charger remotely, preventing power from being dispensed during specific times (like a "Holiday Lock") or only allowing charging during scheduled smart-charging periods. 
• Physical security box:
  • Install a lockable metal box on the wall with a slot for the cable. 
  • When charging, the charger can be locked inside the box, exposing only the cable to the car. 
  • You can also store an untethered cable inside a lockable box when not in use. 

This video demonstrates how to protect your EV charging cable from theft with a lockable box: 43sGreenway ElectricYouTube · May 26, 2024