How much does it cost to fill up a Chevy Bolt?
For a Chevy Bolt, a full 0–100% charge costs about $10–$12 at typical U.S. home electricity rates; charging at public DC fast networks can cost roughly $15–$35 to reach full charge, depending on the network and how much energy you draw. This article explains the factors and provides practical estimates for common charging scenarios.
Key factors behind the number
Understanding the numbers behind the cost involves knowing the Bolt's battery size, typical efficiency, and how electricity is priced where you charge.
Battery size and energy use
The Chevy Bolt EV has a battery pack around 64 kWh of usable energy (65 kWh gross). A full 0–100% charge draws about 64 kWh of energy to restore the usable capacity, though real-world charging losses mean you may pull slightly more energy from the grid.
Electricity prices by charging method
Costs vary significantly by how you charge: home Level 2 charging uses your residential rate, while DC fast charging uses network-based per-kWh or per-session pricing that can be higher per kWh and may include session fees.
Before the list: If you charge exclusively at home using a Level 2 charger, the price you pay per kWh largely follows your local electricity rate. The figures below use typical U.S. residential rates as a baseline.
Home charging (Level 2) cost estimate
Before this list: If you charge exclusively at home using a Level 2 charger, the price you pay per kWh largely follows your local electricity rate. The figures below use typical U.S. residential rates as a baseline.
- Usable battery energy: 64 kWh
- Typical residential electricity price: about 12–20 cents per kWh (varies by region and rate plan)
- Estimated full-charge cost: 64 kWh × $0.12–$0.20 ≈ $7.68–$12.80
- Factor for charging losses and safety margin: modestly increases the estimate to roughly $8–$13
Conclusion: For a full recharge at home, most Bolt owners pay roughly $8–$13 depending on local rates and charging efficiency.
Public DC fast charging cost estimate
Before this list: Public DC fast charging is convenient for long trips but typically costs more per kWh and may include session fees. The numbers below reflect common pricing ranges from U.S. networks as of recent years.
- Typical DC fast charging price: about $0.25–$0.60 per kWh (net price can vary by network and time)
- Estimated energy for a full 64 kWh usable pack at DCFC: 64 kWh × $0.25–$0.60 ≈ $16–$38
- Possible session fees: some networks add a small per-session fee ($0–$5) on top of the per-kWh price
- Charging only up to 80% or 90% to protect battery life can reduce energy delivered to roughly 52–58 kWh, lowering costs to about $13–$35 depending on rate
Conclusion: Public DC fast charging typically costs more than home charging. A full charge from empty can range roughly from the mid-teens to the high thirties, depending on the network and how much energy is actually delivered.
Summary and practical takeaways
Bottom line: A Chevy Bolt’s full charge is inexpensive at home and more costly on public networks. To estimate your costs, multiply the usable battery capacity (about 64 kWh) by your local price per kWh (home) or by the DCFC rate (public). Consider factors like time-of-use rates, battery health, and how full you typically charge. For many daily drivers, charging to 80% via home Level 2 is a good balance of cost and battery longevity.
Notes for Bolt owners
Prices shown are representative ranges and can vary with electricity plans, regional rates, time-of-use pricing, and network policies. Always check your latest electricity rate and the charging network's current price per kWh and any session fees when planning a long trip.
