Should I keep my Chevy Bolt fully charged?
Short answer: No. For everyday driving, keep the battery at a moderate charge (around 80%), and only charge to 100% when you know you’ll need the extra range for a trip. This helps minimize stress on the cells and can preserve battery capacity over time.
Details: Battery health is influenced by how high the state of charge sits, how temperatures fluctuate, and how deeply the battery is discharged. GM designs Bolt charging with configurable limits to help owners balance daily range needs with long-term durability. This article explains the reasoning behind charging habits, Bolt-specific settings, and practical routines for different driving habits and climates, including considerations for long trips and recalls that have affected Bolt batteries.
Charging fundamentals for the Chevy Bolt
Electric-vehicle batteries operate best when you avoid frequent long stints at 100% SOC, especially in hot conditions. Keeping SOC within a moderate range reduces high-voltage stress and can slow degradation over years of use. The Bolt includes a configurable “Daily Charge Limit” so you can routinely hold the battery at a target level without manually stopping the charge at the exact percentage each time.
How state of charge and battery health relate
In lithium-ion cells, the highest voltage point (near 100% SOC) is where stress and chemical aging accelerate. Temperature compounds this effect. By maintaining a daily charge limit below full, drivers can preserve capacity and achieve more consistent range over the vehicle’s life. For many owners, this means fewer surprises when they need to rely on the battery for daily trips or a spontaneous weekend getaway.
Daily charging patterns
To help you set a practical routine, consider these guidelines that apply to most Bolt owners in typical driving scenarios.
- Default to a daily charge limit around 80% in the Bolt’s settings. Increase to 90–100% only if you anticipate a longer trip in the near future.
- Prefer regular top‑ups and avoid letting the battery regularly drop into very low SOC. Regular, modest charging can be gentler on the pack than deep discharges.
- Avoid leaving the battery at 100% for extended periods, especially in hot weather or when the vehicle will be parked for days.
- In cold climates, precondition the battery while plugged in before driving to maximize efficiency and preserve range. This minimizes the extra current draw from the battery once you start driving.
These practices aim to balance daily range with long-term battery health, giving you reliable performance without sacrificing longevity.
Long trips and trip planning
For trips that demand more range, adapt your charging strategy to the distance and available charging infrastructure. The Bolt’s charging settings and navigation can help you optimize stops and total time on the road.
- Charge to 100% only when you know you’ll need every watt for a particularly long leg of the trip, or when you’re leaving home with enough time to reach a far checkpoint.
- If possible, plan charging stops to coincide with natural meal or rest breaks, and avoid repeatedly charging to 100% at every stop which can increase dwell time and may heighten battery stress in some conditions.
- Use preconditioning while plugged in to warm or cool the battery and cabin before departure, improving efficiency and preserving range on the move.
For many drivers, a strategy of 80% most days and 100% only for longer trips provides a practical balance between daily usability and long-term health.
Maintenance, recalls, and battery health considerations
Battery health in Bolts has been affected by notable recalls involving battery modules. As of recent years, GM has conducted recalls and service campaigns to address safety concerns, including battery issues. If your Bolt is under recall, follow GM’s instructions and have any affected components replaced or repaired at an authorized service center. You can verify recall status with your vehicle’s VIN via GM’s official channels or the NHTSA database.
- Check for active recalls affecting your Bolt by VIN, and promptly complete any remedies recommended by GM.
- Keep your vehicle’s software up to date, as firmware updates can improve charging control and battery management.
- Follow general maintenance guidance from GM to protect electrical systems and climate control, which can indirectly influence battery performance.
Staying informed about recalls and keeping the battery management software current helps ensure you’re taking advantage of any improvements designed to improve safety and longevity.
Summary
For most Chevy Bolt owners, the best practice is to avoid keeping the battery at 100% all the time. Set a daily charging limit around 80% for everyday driving, and only push to 100% when a longer trip is planned. Use regular top-ups, preconditioning, and smart trip planning to maximize both range and longevity. Stay aware of recalls and software updates, which can influence overall battery health and safety. With these habits, you can maintain reliable range for daily needs while preserving the battery’s capacity over many years of ownership.
