How much does it cost to charge a Chevy Volt at a charging station?

A typical public-charge fill for a Chevy Volt costs roughly $4 to $9, depending on price per kilowatt-hour and any per-session or idle fees. The Volt’s battery capacity is 18.4 kWh, and the car uses AC charging only (no DC fast charging).

What determines the cost of charging a Volt in public networks

The following list outlines the main factors that influence how much you pay to charge a Volt at a public station.

• Price per kilowatt-hour (kWh): Public networks commonly charge about $0.20 to $0.50 per kWh, with regional variations.


• Per-session or connection fees: Some networks bill a flat fee to start a charging session, ranging from $0 to a few dollars.


• Idle or “stay connected” fees: If you leave the charging port occupied after full charge, you may incur idle fees.


• Memberships and time-of-use pricing: Frequent users can save with memberships; off-peak or time-based rates can lower costs.

Understanding these elements helps explain why charging costs can swing from roughly a few dollars to more than ten dollars per session, depending on how you charge and where you plug in.

How long does it take to charge a Volt on public stations?

The Chevy Volt is designed for Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) AC charging. It does not support DC fast charging, so charging speed hinges on the power available at the outlet and the vehicle’s onboard charger.

• Level 1 charging (120V): Typical full-charge times are around 12 to 14 hours from near empty, depending on the actual current provided.


• Level 2 charging (3.3 kW): Expect about 5.5 to 6 hours for a full charge when using a 3.3 kW charger.


• Level 2 charging (6.6 kW, when available): Roughly 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge, assuming the charger and vehicle support 6.6 kW.


• Note on speed limits: The Volt’s onboard charger limits how much power it can draw; not all Level 2 stations will deliver the maximum 6.6 kW.

Because the battery capacity is fixed at 18.4 kWh, actual charging times depend on how much energy is already in the battery and the exact power the station can supply.

Regional variations and practical tips for saving money

Charging costs vary by region, network, and local electricity pricing. Urban areas with dense charging networks tend to have higher per-kWh rates but offer more station availability, while rural areas may have lower prices but fewer options. If you want to minimize costs on a Volt, consider these approaches.

• Choose networks with lower per-kWh rates or favorable memberships where you drive frequently.


• Charge during off-peak hours when time-of-use pricing applies, if available in your area.


• Keep an eye out for promotions or bundled deals that reduce the per-kWh price.

In practice, staying aware of the charging network, price structure, and any fees can substantially influence the overall cost of keeping the Volt’s electric portion topped up.

Summary

For a Chevy Volt, expect to pay roughly $4–$9 to fully charge its 18.4 kWh battery at public stations, with costs driven by per-kWh rates, session fees, idle charges, and any memberships. Charging times depend on the power level: about 12–14 hours on Level 1, 5–6 hours on Level 2 at 3.3 kW, and around 2.5–3 hours on Level 2 at 6.6 kW. The Volt does not support DC fast charging, so you’ll rely on AC charging options. Regional pricing and networks will heavily influence the final cost, so plan accordingly and look for cost-saving opportunities where available.

Is it cheaper to charge an EV at home or at a charging station?

It is almost always cheaper to charge an electric car at home than at a public charging station, which is often significantly more expensive. While home charging requires an initial investment in equipment, the lower cost of residential electricity rates and the potential for off-peak charging can lead to significant long-term savings. 
Charging at home

• Pros: Cheaper per kilowatt-hour (kWh), offers the convenience of charging overnight, and can be even cheaper if you have a time-of-use electricity plan.
• Cons: Requires an upfront cost for a charging unit and installation. 

Charging at a public station

• Pros: Faster charging times (especially with DC fast chargers) and widely available for drivers without home charging options. 
• Cons: Typically much more expensive per kWh than home charging, as prices are marked up. Some stations may also charge by the hour instead of the kWh. 

How to estimate your costs

• Home: Find your home electricity rate (cost per kWh) on your utility bill and multiply it by the battery's capacity (in kWh).
• Public: Look for the cost per kWh on the charging station or the company's app. This is usually higher than your home rate. 

Key takeaway
For cost savings, home charging is the clear winner, though public stations provide a necessary and faster alternative when you are away from home.

How much does it cost to charge a Chevy Bolt at a charging station?

Charging a Chevy Bolt at a public station can cost anywhere from around $9.75 for a full Level 2 charge to $40 or more for a full DC fast charge, but this varies significantly by location and the specific charging level. Level 2 charging costs can average $0.20–$0.25 per kWh, while DC fast charging is often in the $0.40–$0.60+ per kWh range. 
Factors that influence the cost

• Charging Level: Level 2 charging is slower and less expensive per kWh than DC fast charging. 
• Location: Rates are highly dependent on your geographic region and local electricity prices. 
• Station Provider: Different companies (like ChargePoint, EVgo, etc.) have different pricing structures, which can be per kWh, per minute, or a combination. Some may offer subscriptions that lower per-minute or per-kWh rates. 
• Time of Day: Some networks use time-of-use rates, meaning charging is cheaper during off-peak hours. 

Estimated costs for a full charge (65 kWh battery)

• Level 2: Approximately $10.37 to $16.25, assuming a rate of around $0.25/kWh. 
• DC Fast Charge: Roughly $26 to $39 or more, depending on the station and location. Some examples include: 
  • ChargePoint: Around $3.24 to $3.56, based on a specific calculation from EV Adept. 
  • Blink: Approximately $15.12 to $16.63, based on a specific calculation from EV Adept. 

How much does it cost to charge a Chevy Volt?

The cost to charge a Chevy Volt varies significantly based on your location's electricity rates and where you charge, with home charging being the cheapest option. To calculate the cost, multiply the battery's kilowatt-hour (kWh) capacity by the price per kWh, or use a general estimate like $5 to $10 per full charge at home, assuming a typical 10.5 kWh battery and average residential rates. Public charging can be much more expensive, ranging from around $0.20 to over $0.50 per kWh or charged by the minute, depending on the provider and location. 
Factors that influence the cost

• Home electricity rates: This is the most affordable way to charge. Rates vary by state and even by time of day, so check your local utility's pricing. 
• Public charging costs: Prices are typically higher and can be based on either kWh used or the time it takes to charge. 
• Level of charge: The price is based on the amount of energy added to the battery, not the time it takes to charge. 
• Charging speed: Level 2 charging is faster and more expensive than Level 1, while DC fast charging is the most expensive, as noted on Edmunds. 

How to estimate the cost

1. Find your battery capacity: A Chevy Volt has an approximate 10.5 kWh battery. 
2. Find your cost per kWh: Look up the rate from your local utility company or a public charging provider. 
3. Calculate the cost: Multiply the battery capacity by the cost per kWh. For a full charge: 10.5 kWh×Your Rate ($/kWh)10.5 kWh cross Your Rate open paren $ / kWh close paren10.5 kWh×Your Rate ($/kWh). 

Examples

• Home charging (at $0.15/kWh$ 0.15 / kWh$0.15/kWh): 10.5 kWh×$0.15=$1.5810.5 kWh cross $ 0.15 equals $ 1.5810.5 kWh×$0.15=$1.58 per full charge. 
• Public charging (at $0.48/kWh$ 0.48 / kWh$0.48/kWh): 10.5 kWh×$0.48=$5.0410.5 kWh cross $ 0.48 equals $ 5.0410.5 kWh×$0.48=$5.04 per full charge. 
• Public charging (by the minute): Some providers charge by the minute, so the total cost can vary depending on the charging speed of the station and how long it takes to charge your vehicle. 

Can you charge a Chevy Volt at a charging station?

All Chevrolet EVs can be charged using Level 1, Level 2 (the same as home chargers), and public DC Fast Charging. Charge times vary by vehicle.