When it comes to electric cars, the Chevrolet Bolt is one of the best EVs on the market today. It’s also one of the most affordable electric vehicles, starting at $26,500. Some buyers may qualify for a $7,500 federal tax incentive, and other discounts and incentives may be offered to help you defray costs and better your charging experience. With its respectable battery range compared to the competition, it’s a great daily driver or commuting EV. We’ll tell you about charging this compact EV.
The Chevy Bolt can handle all three EV charging levels, from the slowest Level 1 to the DC fast charging of Level 3. There is only one battery available. That means there is no long-range model, unlike some other popular EVs. The estimated range for the Bolt is 259 miles on a full charge. Chevy also offers the Bolt EUV, a slightly larger variant with 247 miles of range. Below are the estimated Chevrolet Bolt charging times for each charger type.
Charging your Chevy Bolt is a straightforward process. The same rules for charging apply, whether it’s a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charger. The equipment may look different, but the process of using each charger is the same.
The most convenient place to charge your Bolt is at home. You can do this in two ways: with a basic Level 1 charging cable or an installed Level 2 charger.
The Level 1 charger is easy to use, especially if it’s your first time charging an EV. Bolts come standard with the Level 1 charging cord, and setting up this charger may seem familiar. All you need is access to any 3-prong, 110-volt household alternating current (AC) outlet for this option. Plug the charging cable into a wall outlet, then insert the J1772 connecter on the other end into the Bolt’s charging port. While it’s easy to set up and use your Level 1 charger, it’s also the slowest type of charging. Chevrolet recommends this option for “topping off” your vehicle overnight.
The second at-home option is using a Level 2 wall charger. These chargers require installation on a dedicated 240-volt circuit by a qualified electrician. After installation, using a Level 2 wall charger is similar to plugging in with a Level 1 charging cord. It’s the best option for recharging after daily driving or charging to capacity before a longer trip.
Chevrolet also has a dual-level charging cord, which is technically a Level 2 charger that does not require wall installation. The charge cord is compatible with 120- and 240-volt outlets, making it portable. This option adds about 25 miles of range per hour of charging. Chevy recommends this for your everyday charging needs.
The fastest way to charge your Bolt is to plug it into a Level 3 charger for a dose of direct current (DC) to its battery. These charging stations, called DC fast chargers, are located primarily in urban areas and locations near interstate highway exits. Chevy Bolt owners can also connect to Tesla Superchargers using an adapter. However, only select stations are or soon will be available. Using DC fast chargers costs more than other types because it’s also faster. Using DC fast chargers is the best way to replenish a car’s battery quickly when away from home. The plug the Bolt uses for Level 3 charging is called a CCS Combo connecter.
There are more than 9,000 DC fast charging stations in the United States, often with multiple chargers. For comparison, there are more than 68,000 Level 2 public chargers. Many are located in shopping center parking lots, apartment complexes, hotels, and workplaces for employee use.
Plug in your Bolt at a public station and initialize charging. The cost of charging the EV is applied to your charger network account when the session is complete.
As with other EVs, you can charge the Chevrolet Bolt at home or public charging stations equipped with either a J1227 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging or a CCS Combo connector for DC fast charging. Typically, most EV owners charge their electric cars at home. Still, finding a public charger in most regions isn’t difficult but can be a challenge in rural locations or states. The Bolt’s onboard navigation system can locate nearby stations. If you’re planning a road trip, the myChevrolet mobile app can help map out charging stations along your route.
One of the perks of buying a Bolt is charging station discounts. Chevrolet and charging network EVgo have a partnership to bring drivers savings. Also, some Bolt owners can charge for free using manufacturer credit at EVgo stations for fast charging when out and about. Also, GM may provide up to $250 toward permitting and up to $1,000 for the installation of a Level 2 at-home charger.
Chevy says Bolt drivers can add 15 to 100 miles in 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. Charging the vehicle fully could take more than an hour at that speed.
At a Level 2 charger, adding seven to 40 miles to the Bolt takes one hour. In other words, it takes an estimated 7 hours for a Level 2 charger to replenish the battery completely.
It would take more than 64 hours to recharge when plugged into a standard household outlet. Luckily, most people only drive 32 miles per day and can recharge at home regularly and be fully charged and ready to go when needed.
Part of the perks of owning a Tesla is exclusive access to its market-leading charging infrastructure. But this advantage will soon become a thing of the past.
In 2021, Tesla took a significant step by opening up its Supercharger Network to non-Tesla electric vehicles in select European countries as part of a limited pilot project. Tesla CEO Elon Musk later announced the company's plans to allow EVs from select carmakers access to 7,500 Tesla Superchargers and Destination Chargers deployed across the county by the end of 2024. This move positions Tesla to tap into a portion of the $7.5 billion federal funds allocated for EV charging network expansion.
If you can't wait until the end of next year to utilize the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for your non-Tesla EV, there are ways you can do so right here, right now.
Until recently, the Tesla Supercharger Network was exclusively reserved for Tesla vehicles, providing Tesla owners with a distinct advantage in terms of access to fast and convenient charging stations. But even before carmakers began retrofitting their new releases with the NACS port, charger adapters have been the longtime heroes championing inclusivity.
All EVs sold in North America - except for Teslas of course - use the J1772 connector for charging. Think of Teslas as the iPhones of the EV world with the proprietary Lightning charger (at least, before the 2023 models), while all non-Tesla vehicles are the Androids using the generic USB-C charger. A Tesla to J1772 adapter allows J1772 vehicles access to Tesla chargers, including the Mobile Connector, Wall Connector, and Tesla Destination Chargers. So, a Chevy Bolt, for example, can pull up at a Destination Charger and use an adapter for up to 48 amps of charging.
Tesla Superchargers are the equivalent of DC Fast Chargers used by non-Tesla cars. Tesla was the first to build a rapid charging network, which remains as the biggest in the country. Superchargers can produce up to 250kW of charging output, which promises up to 200 miles of range in 15 minutes.
Until last year, this powerful charging network was exclusive to Tesla EVs. But early in 2023, Tesla began introducing "Magic Dock" adapters at select Superchargers across the country. These docks enable certain Superchargers to work seamlessly with any EV equipped with a CCS (Combined Charging System) plug, which is a standard feature in modern EVs.
Charging through CCS can vary in speed, but it's known for its rapid capabilities, often delivering fast charging rates comparable to Tesla Superchargers, ensuring a swift and efficient charging experience for a wide range of electric vehicles.
This now gives owners of EVs made by Volvo, Mercedes, Ford, BMW, and scores of others access to many Supercharger stations, making long-distance travel easier than ever.
For non-Tesla owners looking to enjoy fast charging using Tesla's proprietary connector, several Tesla-to-J1772 adapters are available on the market. Lectron offers convenient dongle-like adapters that simplify the process of connecting your J1772 plug to Tesla charging infrastructure.
The Lectron Tesla to J1772 EV Adapter | 250V | 48 Amp is unique in the market as it supports a maximum current of 48 Amps and a maximum voltage of 250V. Its high specifications make it an excellent choice for rapid charging.
These Tesla-to-J1772 adapters are compatible with various Tesla charging solutions, including the Tesla Wall Connector, Mobile Connector, and Destination Charger. This compatibility opens up access to more than 15,000 charging stations, extending the convenience of fast charging to non-Tesla EV owners.
Choosing the best adapter for your car depends on several factors, including your specific electric vehicle model and your charging needs. Here are some considerations to help you determine the ideal adapter for your car:
Connector Compatibility: Ensure that the adapter you select is compatible with the charging port of your non-Tesla electric vehicle. Most modern EVs use the J1772 connector, making a Tesla-to-J1772 adapter a widely suitable choice.
Charging Speed: Look for an adapter that supports your desired charging speed. If you prefer faster charging, consider an adapter with higher amperage and voltage ratings.
Build Quality: Opt for adapters from reputable manufacturers known for their quality and durability. A well-made adapter ensures a safe and reliable charging experience.
User Reviews: Read reviews from other non-Tesla EV owners who have used the adapter with their vehicles. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into an adapter's performance and compatibility.
Price: Consider your budget when choosing an adapter. While quality is essential, there are various adapter options available at different price points to suit your needs.
Charging Station Compatibility: Ensure that the adapter you choose is compatible with the Tesla charging stations you plan to use, such as Tesla Wall Connectors, Mobile Connectors, or Destination Chargers.
Ultimately, the best adapter for your car is one that meets your specific requirements, fits your budget, and is compatible with both your electric vehicle and the Tesla charging infrastructure you intend to use. Conduct thorough research and, if necessary, consult with other EV owners or professionals to make an informed decision.
Proprietary Technology: Tesla's Supercharger network uses proprietary technology and connectors that are different from the industry standard connectors used by most other EV manufacturers. Tesla has chosen to use a unique charging connector design for its vehicles, which means that non-Tesla EVs cannot physically plug into Tesla Superchargers without an adapter.
Business Strategy: Tesla has invested heavily in building out its Supercharger network as a competitive advantage for its own EVs. Allowing non-Tesla EVs to use Superchargers could potentially lead to congestion and longer wait times for Tesla owners, which might discourage Tesla customers from choosing their brand.
Charging Speed: Tesla Superchargers are designed to deliver high charging speeds to Tesla vehicles. If non-Tesla EVs were allowed to use Superchargers, it could slow down charging for Tesla owners since the charging infrastructure might not be able to handle the increased demand without significant upgrades.
Profit Model: Tesla has, in some regions, charged a fee for using Superchargers. Allowing non-Tesla EVs to use the Supercharger network could potentially dilute this revenue stream, making it less financially attractive for Tesla.
Safety and Compatibility: There are safety and compatibility concerns associated with allowing non-Tesla vehicles to use Tesla Superchargers. Ensuring that non-Tesla EVs are electrically compatible and safe to charge on Tesla's network would require extensive testing and certification processes.
The Mobile Connector, Wall Connector, and Destination Charger can be used by other electric cars with the proper adapter. Tesla to J1772 adapters that support charging at 40 amps/250 volts are your best bet.
While there currently aren't any Supercharger adapters available in the market, these fast charging stations are set to open to non-Tesla EV drivers in North America by the end of 2024 following a successful pilot project in select European cities.
Non-Tesla drivers must use at least version 4.18.0 of the Tesla app. Press the Charge Your Non Tesla option and a prompt will ask you to add a payment method to begin charging. Other electric cars can use CCS common connections with Superchargers. There isn't an official per kWh price for non-Tesla EVs using Superchargers yet, but rates will vary depending on the location.
Yes. There are Tesla-to-J1722 adapters that let other EVs use Tesla chargers. Lectron has adapters that will let you connect your J1772 to Tesla, supporting 48 Amps of maximum current and 250V of maximum voltage.
Yes, you can use Tesla chargers for other electric cars with the help of adapters. Tesla chargers, including the Mobile Connector, Wall Connector, and Destination Charger can accommodate J1772 EVs with the use of Tesla to J1772 charger adapters. More recently, Tesla has rolled out the Magic Dock to select Supercharging locations to allow EVs that use CCS connectors access to fast charging.
Yes, just as non-Tesla EVs can use Tesla chargers, Teslas can access J1772 and CCS fast charging stations using J1772 to Tesla and CCS adapters.