How much charge can a Chevy Bolt take?

The Chevy Bolt, an all-electric vehicle, can take a significant amount of charge to power its battery and provide a long driving range. According to the latest information, the Chevy Bolt has a battery capacity of 66 kWh and can be charged to 80% in around 1 hour using a Level 2 charger.

Battery Capacity and Charging Speeds

The Chevy Bolt has a 66 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides an EPA-estimated range of 259 miles on a full charge. The Bolt can be charged using a Level 1 household outlet, a Level 2 charger, or a DC fast charger. Using a Level 1 outlet, the Bolt can add about 4 miles of range per hour of charging. With a Level 2 charger, the Bolt can add up to 25 miles of range per hour of charging. And with a DC fast charger, the Bolt can add up to 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes.

Charging Times and Efficiency

The time it takes to fully charge a Chevy Bolt depends on the type of charger used:

• Level 1 (120V household outlet): 24-50 hours to fully charge


• Level 2 (240V): 9-10 hours to fully charge


• DC Fast Charger: 30 minutes to 80% charge, 1 hour to 100% charge

The Bolt's charging efficiency is also impressive, with the vehicle able to recover up to 90% of its battery capacity during charging. This high efficiency helps maximize the Bolt's driving range and reduces the time needed to recharge the battery.

Charging Considerations

When charging a Chevy Bolt, it's important to consider factors like the available charging infrastructure, the cost of electricity, and the driver's daily commute and charging needs. Owners can take advantage of time-of-use electricity rates and off-peak charging to minimize the cost of recharging the Bolt's battery. Additionally, many public charging stations, workplaces, and homes now offer Level 2 charging, making it easier for Bolt owners to keep their vehicles charged and ready to go.

What is the maximum charge rate for a Chevy Bolt?

55 kW
The maximum charge rate for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV 1LT is 55 kW when using a DC fast charger. For Level 2 charging (240- volt), it can charge at up to 11 kW, achieving a full charge in about 7 hours. Level 1 charging (120-volt) provides about 4 miles of range per hour. Jonathan Comeau ah I should have thought!

Can a Chevy Bolt use a 350 kW charger?

Yes, a Chevy Bolt can use a 350 kW charger, but it will not charge any faster than its maximum DC fast charging rate of about 55 kW. The car will simply draw the power it can handle and ignore the excess capacity of the charger. On older models (pre-March 2017), the weight of the heavy 350 kW charging cable can sometimes prevent it from making a proper connection, which may require you to support the cable during startup. 
This video explains the issue of the Chevy Bolt charging on a 350 kW charger: 1mNews CoulombYouTube · Dec 19, 2018
Why it works (and why it's not ideal)

• Vehicle controls the rate: The car's onboard charging system determines how much power to accept, not the charger. It will pull the power it needs and ignore the rest. 
• Not faster: The car's maximum charging speed is around 55 kW, so a 350 kW charger won't be able to charge it any faster. 
• Potential for slower charging: Some users have reported slower charging speeds on 350 kW chargers compared to 150 kW chargers, possibly due to the charger's configuration. 
• Older models may have a physical issue: Early Chevy Bolt models might have trouble initiating a charge on a 350 kW charger because the heavy cable can be difficult for the actuator to connect. You may need to support the cable during the handshake process. 

This video shows how to charge a Chevy Bolt EV on a 350 kW charger: 57sNews CoulombYouTube · Dec 19, 2022
What you should do

• If a lower-powered charger (like a 150 kW or even a 50 kW) is available, it may be a better choice. 
• If you must use a 350 kW charger, be prepared to hold the heavy cable to ensure it connects properly, especially with older models. 
• Be mindful of charging etiquette and leave the 350 kW charger for vehicles that can actually utilize its high-power capabilities. 

Is it better to charge to 80% or 100%?

Charging to around 80% is better for long-term battery health because it puts less stress on the battery. However, charging to 100% is perfectly acceptable for everyday use, and you can charge to 100% when you need the full capacity, such as for a long day out or a trip. 
Benefits of charging to 80%

• Reduces strain: Keeping the battery between 20% and 80% minimizes stress on the battery cells, which slows down the natural degradation process. 
• Extends lifespan: By reducing wear and tear, this practice can extend the overall lifespan of your battery. 
• Uses modern features: Many phones have built-in "optimized battery charging" features that can manage this for you, delaying the charge past 80% until you typically need it. 

When to charge to 100%

• When needed: It's fine to charge to 100% when you need the maximum battery life, like before a long trip. 
• For convenience: Charging to 100% is not going to immediately damage your phone, and modern phones have algorithms to manage this cycle. 
• If you're always near a charger: If you're at home or the office and frequently plug in, you can charge to 100% without much concern, as you won't be keeping it at that level for extremely long periods. 

Key takeaway
The ideal method depends on your usage and priorities. For maximum battery longevity, stick to the 80% limit when you can. For maximum convenience and power, charging to 100% is a practical choice that is supported by modern phone technology.

Do Chevy Bolts have fast charging?

With a GM-estimated 255 miles of range* , Bolt gives you the confidence and flexibility to go where you want. Plus, you'll enjoy DC Fast charging (more than 2.5x faster than Bolt EUV) from most public chargers — including Tesla Superchargers.* The new battery and standard NACS DC port make it all possible.