How much does it cost to fully charge a Chevy Bolt EV?
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, many
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, a trusted auto service provider, I'm often asked about the costs associated with electric vehicle (EV) ownership. One of the most common questions is how much it costs to fully charge a Chevy Bolt EV, a popular all-electric hatchback. In this article, I'll provide a detailed breakdown of the charging costs for the Bolt EV to help our customers make informed decisions about their transportation needs.
Chevy Bolt EV Battery Capacity and Charging Costs
The Chevy Bolt EV has a battery capacity of 66 kWh. To fully charge the battery from empty, it will require 66 kWh of electricity. The cost to charge the Bolt EV will depend on the electricity rate in your local area, but on average, it costs between $7 to $12 to fully charge the vehicle.
For example, if the average electricity rate in your area is $0.12 per kWh, the cost to fully charge the Bolt EV would be:
- 66 kWh x $0.12 per kWh = $7.92
On the other hand, if the electricity rate is higher at $0.18 per kWh, the full charge cost would be:
- 66 kWh x $0.18 per kWh = $11.88
Factors Affecting Charging Costs
Several factors can influence the actual cost to charge a Chevy Bolt EV:
- Electricity Rates: As mentioned, the local electricity rate per kWh is the primary driver of charging costs. Rates can vary significantly by region and utility provider.
- Charging Method: Charging at home using a Level 2 charger (240V) is generally more cost-effective than using a public Level 3 DC fast charger, which can be more expensive.
- Battery State of Charge: The cost to charge the Bolt EV will be lower if you only need to top up the battery rather than charging it from empty.
- Electricity Plan: Some utility companies offer special electricity plans or rates for EV owners, which can further reduce charging costs.
Maximizing Charging Efficiency and Cost Savings
To get the most out of your Chevy Bolt EV and minimize charging costs, consider the following tips:
- Charge your vehicle at home using a Level 2 charger whenever possible, as this is the most cost-effective option.
- Check with your local utility provider to see if they offer any special electricity rates or incentives for EV owners.
- Monitor your battery state of charge and try to top up the battery rather than charging from empty whenever feasible.
- Plan your driving routes and charging stops to minimize the use of more expensive public DC fast chargers.
By understanding the factors that influence charging costs and implementing these strategies, Chevy Bolt EV owners can enjoy the benefits of electric vehicle ownership while keeping their fuel expenses low. If you have any other questions about the Bolt EV or electric vehicle charging, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts at Kevin's Autos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fully charge a Chevy Bolt at home?
around 9.5 hours
Level 2 charging is the most common type of charger used by EV drivers, generating around 25 miles of charge per hour. You can recharge from an empty battery in around 9.5 hours, meaning you can plug your Chevy Bolt in after dinner and have it ready for your Decatur commute the next morning!
Should I keep my Chevy Bolt fully charged?
If you keep it plugged in it's best to limit charge level to 90% or less. Charge up to 100% if you're going to leave soon and you need the extra range. Once charged, the battery will pull little to no extra power (no effect on utility bill).
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV at a charging station?
Drivers in California may expect to pay 30 cents per kWh to charge on Level 2, and 40 cents per kWh for DC fast charging. At these rates, the same Nissan LEAF with a 150-mile range and 40-kWh battery would cost about $12 to fully charge (from empty to full) using Level 2, and $16 with DC fast charging.
How long will a bolt battery last?
2023 Chevy Bolt EV batteries normally last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on the type of battery, weather conditions, driving habits, and more. You can prolong the life of your Bolt EV battery by: Proactively testing your battery.
How much does it cost to fully charge a Chevy Bolt?
The average public charging station rates range anywhere from $0.31 to $0.69 per kWh. So, you're spending an average of $20.15 to $44.85 for a full charge at one of these stations.
Are public charging stations free?
The average cost to charge a vehicle at a public EV station is around $0.30- $0.60 kWh. This means to fully charge an electric vehicle ranges from $11 to $50.
Is charging an electric car cheaper than gas?
But how do EV charging costs compare to the price of gas? In short, running an EV is considerably cheaper than fueling a gas-powered car, even in states with high electricity costs.
How much does it cost to charge a Chevy Volt at home?
The cost to charge a Chevy Volt depends on electric rates where you live. Around the U.S., electric rates generally range from around 10 to 20 cents per kWh. This means that, in general, it will likely cost you somewhere between around $2-5 to charge your Chevy Volt from empty.
How long does it take to charge a Chevy Bolt at a charging station?
Level 3 Super Fast: DC Fast Charging
Only available at public stations, the DC Fast Charger gets you 100 miles of range in just 30 minutes, 160 miles of range each hour.
Is it cheaper to charge EV at home or charging station?
According to a 2017 report, a person charging an EV at home pays an average of $0.11 per kWh, while a public charging station costs an average of $0.17 per kWh1. To fully refuel a car with a 90-kWh battery-among the largest batteries available today-would add less than 13 dollars to a monthly electric bill.