How to Charge Your Chevy Bolt

Posted 07/28/2025

The Chevy Bolt is one of the most popular electric vehicles (EVs) around—and for good reason. Its all-electric range, affordability, and smooth ride make it a favorite among both new and experienced EV drivers.

However, even the best EV is only as good as its charging setup. In this quick guide, we’ll discuss how to charge a Chevy Bolt at home, at work, or on the go so you can get the most out of every drive.

Basics for Charging a Chevy Bolt

If you’re new to EV driving, charging can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Fortunately, learning how to charge Chevy Bolt EVs is surprisingly straightforward.

Understanding EV Charging Levels

There are three main types of charging: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging (also known as Level 3). Each delivers a different amount of power:

Level 1: Uses a standard household outlet (120 volts), adding about 3–5 miles of range per hour.
Level 2: Uses a 240-volt outlet and typically adds 25–30 miles of range per hour, depending on charger amperage and your vehicle’s onboard charging capacity.
DC fast charging: Can add up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes.

We’ll dive deeper into how and when to use each charging level in the next section.

Chevy Bolt Charging Port and Connectors

Every Bolt is equipped with a combined charging port located on the front driver-side fender. The port supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging through a J1772 connector (the standard plug used across North America). For faster charging, you’ll need to use a CCS (Combined Charging System) connector. The CCS plug features two additional pins, enabling high-powered charging at compatible stations.

Chevy Bolt Charging Options

With multiple charging options available, you can power up a Chevy Bolt almost anywhere. That said, selecting the correct level of charge is essential. Let’s break down your options in more detail.

Level 1 (Standard Outlet)

Level 1 charging is the slowest option. It requires no special equipment beyond the portable charger that comes with your Bolt and a wall outlet. However, a full charge can take over 48 hours, so it’s only practical for extremely low daily mileage or emergency use—and even then, probably only in a pinch.

Level 2 (Home & Public)

Level 2 offers significantly faster charging. It’s what most EV drivers rely on for everyday home and public charging. With a home charger, you can fully charge your Bolt overnight in a home garage. Or if you live in an apartment or multifamily building, you can use a commercial Level 2 charger like the Blink Series 7 ISO to charge in your surface lot or parking garage. Alternatively, there are thousands of public Level 2 stations located in convenient spaces nationwide.

DC Fast Charging (Level 3)

DC fast charging bypasses your Bolt’s onboard charger and sends power directly to the battery, making it ideal for road trips, long drives, or quick top-ups when you’re short on time. Generally speaking, you can expect to charge your Chevy Bolt in under an hour when using a Blink DC fast charger, although this time may vary depending on your EV's capabilities and the charger’s power level.

Note: Most newer Chevy Bolt models include DC fast charging capability, but it was optional on some earlier model years (especially pre-2021). Ensure your Bolt is equipped with a CCS port before attempting to use a DC fast charger. Note that while CCS is the standard for DCFC, a NACS adapter is required to charge at a NACS charger.

How to Charge Your Chevy Bolt at Home

Home is by far the easiest and most convenient place to charge, as Level 2 charging can fully top off your Bolt in 7–10 hours, making overnight charging practical for most drivers. However, Level 1 charging can take over 48 hours for a full charge.

To charge your Chevy Bolt at home, you’ll need a charging cable and a matching power outlet. Once again, your Bolt comes with a Level 1 portable charger, best used in a pinch or for emergencies. When using a charging cable, park as close as possible to the wall outlet and avoid draping the cable across a walkway, as this can create a tripping hazard.

For Level 2 home charging, you’ll need a dedicated 240-volt circuit with either a hardwired charger or a compatible NEMA 14-50 wall outlet. In most cases, adding these features is a straightforward task for a licensed electrician, who will assess your electrical panel, install the new circuit, and ensure everything complies with local codes and safety standards.

If your multifamily community has commercial chargers, such as the Blink Series 7 ISO or Series 8 ISO, ask your property manager for instructions on accessing the charging stations. Depending on your community, you might receive discounted rates as a resident amenity.

How to Charge a Chevy Bolt at a Charging Station

How do you charge a Chevy Bolt if you travel a lot or don’t have access to a home charger? That’s where public charging comes in.

Finding Charging Stations

Most Chevy Bolts have built-in navigation to nearby chargers, although many drivers prefer using websites or apps for real-time data. Download the Blink Charging app to view station availability, connector types, and charging speeds. You can also use web platforms like Google Maps or PlugShare.

Using DC Fast Charging

Not sure how it works? Here’s how to use a Blink DC fast charger with your Chevy Bolt:

Park and plug in: Locate the CCS connector and plug it into your Bolt’s charging port.
Start the session: Use the Blink Charging app, a Blink RFID card, or select the guest payment option to begin charging.
Monitor progress: Track charging speed, battery percentage, and session time via the app or on the station screen.
Unplug and go: Once you’ve hit your target range, stop the session, unplug, and move your vehicle so the next driver can plug in.

Charging to 80% (recommended for optimal battery health and efficiency) typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on your battery’s current charge and the station’s power output.

Costs

Wondering how to charge Chevy Bolt EVs more cost-effectively? Home charging is typically the most affordable way, averaging around 16–17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Public charging averages 20–25 cents per kWh for Level 2 and 40–60 cents per kWh for DC fast charging. That said, energy rates vary by location and time of day, so it’s best to check current pricing to plan ahead.

The Blink Charging app shows a breakdown of any applicable charging rates: kWh energy fee, duration-based occupancy fee, start fee, and sales tax. Note that depending on the contract, pricing may be set by the station host or by Blink’s market-based rates.

Payments

Most charging stations accept app-based payment or RFID cards, and some even have credit card readers. Many also offer membership options that unlock discounted rates, rewards, and access to extra features, including Blink.

Charging Networks

While many networks offer similar services, some are more user-friendly than others. Chevy Bolt drivers can plug into Blink charging stations with confidence thanks to our nationwide coverage, easy-to-use app, real-time station updates, and full compatibility with J1772 and CCS connectors.

Chevy Bolt Charging Tips and Troubleshooting

Efficient, safe, and reliable charging is essential for maximizing the range, performance, and long-term value. Here are a few top tips to help you charge your Bolt smarter.

An EV driver standing at a Blink Series 8 EV charging station views the Blink Mobile App

Road Trip Charging Tips:

Here are a few tips for charging your Chevy Bolt on a road trip.

Plan your route ahead using the Blink Charging app or in-car navigation to locate the best charging stations.
Build in a buffer for wait time at charging stops, especially if you’re traveling during peak hours or holiday weekends.
Use naturally occurring downtime. The Blink network has numerous charging stations near retail centers and restaurants, making it easy to plug in while you grab lunch.

Maximizing Battery Health:

Here are a few tips to help maximize your Chevy Bolt's battery health.

Stick to 80–90% charges instead of aiming for 100%. Leaving your battery at a high charge level for too long can speed up wear over time.
Minimize excessive DC fast charging. It’s great for road trips, but frequent use will eventually stress your battery. Use a Level 2 charger for daily use.
Use scheduled charging to reduce strain on your local grid and take advantage of off-peak energy rates.

Common Chevy Bolt Charging Issues

Here are a few tips for troubleshooting Chevy Bolt charging issues.

If your preferred charger is occupied, check the app for estimated availability time and nearby alternatives.
If charging won’t start, double-check that you’ve fully inserted the connector, then restart your session. If the problem persists, try using a different cable.
If charging is slow and you’re not charging to above 80% or sharing power at the charge station, switch stations or contact customer support.
If charging is complete but the connector is still locked into the port, check that your vehicle is unlocked. Often, pressing the “unlock” button a few times releases the connector. If the problem persists, call your dealership.

As you can see, a little charging know-how goes a long way, helping you save time, protect your battery, and keep your Bolt running at its best.

Power Your Chevy Bolt with Blink

Figuring out how to charge your Chevy Bolt becomes far less complicated once you know your options. That’s where Blink comes in.

Blink’s user-friendly app and flexible charging solutions are built to support your lifestyle. From everyday Level 2 home charging to fast, reliable top-ups at our DC fast charging stations, we make it easy to keep your Bolt powered, wherever the road takes you.

Download the Blink Charging app today!