How many amps is a Chevy Bolt charger?
The Bolt's onboard charger is rated for up to 32 amps on a 240-volt circuit—roughly 7.2 kilowatts of AC charging.
In addition to AC charging, the Bolt supports DC fast charging via a CCS port capable of up to 55 kW. The actual amperage at a DC charger varies with the station and voltage and is not fixed to 32A.
AC charging: what the 32A ceiling means
When you plug into Level 2 power, the Bolt and the charging station negotiate the current up to the 32A maximum the vehicle’s onboard charger can draw. This translates to about 7.2 kW on a 240V circuit, assuming favorable conditions and equipment.
Several factors determine the actual charging current you experience with AC charging on the Bolt. The list below covers the key elements.
- Onboard charger maximum: 32A (roughly 7.2 kW at 240V).
- Power supply capability from the charging station: some public Level 2 stations can deliver 16–32A; others offer higher or lower amperage.
- Circuit wiring and breaker sizing: typical home Level 2 installations use 40A circuits with appropriate wiring to support 32A charging; a smaller circuit may limit the rate.
- Battery temperature and state of charge: charging can taper as the battery approaches full; the charger may reduce current to manage heat and battery health.
In practical terms, most drivers charging with a Level 2 charger will see a steady charging rate near 7.2 kW when the station and circuit support it.
DC fast charging: higher power, different rules
The Chevy Bolt’s DC fast charging is handled through the CCS port and can deliver up to 55 kW under favorable conditions. The current at the charger is not fixed to a single amperage; it depends on the charging station voltage and fault protections, but roughly corresponds to the 55 kW capability at peak conditions.
Key notes about DC fast charging:
- Maximum DC power: up to 55 kW (peak; real-world rates depend on battery temperature, current state of charge, and station capabilities).
- Amperage varies with voltage; at typical CCS voltages, this can translate to roughly 100–150+ amps during peak charging near the start of a session, tapering as the battery fills.
- Charge rate tapers as the battery approaches higher states of charge to protect the battery and extend life.
Despite the high power, DC fast charging performance depends on many external factors, and the car’s rate will vary by model year and condition.
Model-year notes
GM has kept the Bolt's 32A onboard AC charging spec largely consistent across model years, while DC fast charging specs and battery management behavior have seen incremental changes. For the most accurate numbers for your exact vehicle, consult GM’s official specifications or the owner’s manual for your year and trim (Bolt EV vs Bolt EUV).
Summary
The Chevy Bolt’s AC charging is limited by an onboard charger that can draw up to 32 amps from a 240-volt supply, equating to about 7.2 kW of charging power. DC fast charging uses the CCS port and can push up to 55 kW, with current levels determined by the charger and battery conditions. In practice, you’ll typically see around 7.2 kW on Level 2 at optimal stations, and high-power DC charging when you’re at a compatible fast charger, though real-world rates vary.
Do you need 30 amp or 50 amp for electric car charging?
Amps Required: Charging set for Level 2 generally requires 20-50 amps. The most popular home scale setup is between 30 and 40 amps, which gives you an excellent balance between inadequate speed of charging and overloading your home electrical system.
Can I use a 40 amp breaker for an EV charger?
General NEC Rule for EV Charging
Determining your minimum breaker size is simple. Working example: 40 amps divided by 0.8 = 50 amps. Hence, your breaker should be rated for 50 amps to avoid being overloaded during lengthy charging.
Can I charge my bolt at 12 amps?
Depends on how much range you need to add. Assuming you have a 15A or better 120V outlet you can tell the Bolt to charge at 12A. If you have a 10A circuit you should tell the Bolt to charge at 8A. At 12A you will get about 4 miles of range back per hour of charging.
Do I need a 200 amp panel for EV charger?
Most EV chargers pull 30-50 amps of current. If the EV charger were the only thing on the whole panel you'd be fine either way. In reality, other appliances need amps, too. If your home has a 100-amp panel you likely need to upgrade to a 200-amp panel before using your Level 2 EV charger.
