How to charge a Chevy Bolt to 80%?
To charge a Chevy Bolt to 80%, set the vehicle’s Charge Limit to 80% using the in-car menu or the MyChevrolet app, and use a Level 2 charger for daily charging. Charging to 80% helps maximize battery longevity while still providing ample daily range. For trips that require more range, you can temporarily charge higher by adjusting the limit or charging to full when needed.
Why charging to 80% matters
Battery health guidance across electric vehicles often emphasizes avoiding daily full charges to 100%, which can stress the battery over time. Capping the Bolts’ charge at 80% reduces thermal stress and grid wear while still delivering sufficient daily range for most commutes. You can exceed 80% when a longer trip is planned, but using 80% as a default helps extend battery life.
In-car steps to set the 80% limit
The quickest way to enforce a daily cap is through the Bolt’s touchscreen. Follow these steps to set 80% as the maximum charge level:
- Start the vehicle and open the Charging or Settings menu on the infotainment screen.
- Navigate to Charge Settings or Charge Limit (wording varies by software version).
- Select 80% as the maximum charge level.
- Confirm the selection and exit the menu; the dash will indicate the active limit.
- If you use a scheduled charging feature, ensure it aligns with the 80% cap for daily use.
Setting a daily 80% limit helps preserve battery health and keeps your typical driving range predictable. You can temporarily raise the limit for special trips if needed.
What happens after you set 80%
When an 80% limit is active, charging sessions will stop at or very close to 80% on Level 2 charging. Some software versions may display a small tolerance and may occasionally adjust within a narrow range, but the intent is to maintain the cap you selected.
Using the MyChevrolet app to set 80% (remote charging)
Remote charging controls are available for many Bolt configurations. If your vehicle supports it, you can set the 80% limit from the app:
- Open the MyChevrolet app and select your Bolt.
- Navigate to Charging or Charge Settings (path varies by app version).
- Choose Charge Limit and set it to 80%.
- Start charging or schedule charging to begin at a convenient time; the vehicle will honor the 80% cap.
- Check the in-app status to verify the limit is active.
Remote control is convenient when you can’t access the car directly, but confirm the limit is active once charging begins.
Practical charging guidelines
To balance battery longevity with daily practicality, consider these best practices:
- Prefer Level 2 charging at home for daily use rather than frequent DC fast charging, which can introduce more heat and stress the battery over time.
- Charge to 80% most days; reserve 100% for days when you need extra range and can afford longer charging times.
- Avoid charging to 100% immediately after long drives if possible; let the battery cool and then top up as needed.
- Keep the vehicle in a moderate-temperature environment, as extreme heat or cold can affect charging efficiency and battery health.
Following these guidelines helps protect battery health while providing reliable daily range. Adjust the limit for trips that require extra range, then revert to 80% for regular use.
Summary
Charging a Chevy Bolt to 80% is a straightforward, health-conscious practice enabled by the vehicle’s Charge Limit setting and, where available, the MyChevrolet app. Using a Level 2 charger at home with an 80% cap supports battery longevity without sacrificing typical daily range. For longer trips, temporarily charging higher is practical; just remember to revert to 80% for everyday driving. Regular software updates may modify menu labels, but the option to cap charge at a chosen percentage remains a standard feature.
