10 Chevy Bolt Charging Best Practices

The Chevy Bolt is a great car, but it can be a bit tricky to charge. In this article, we’ll go over 10 best practices for charging your Chevy Bolt. By following these tips, you can extend the range of your car and make sure that you’re always able to get where you need to go.

1. Don’t charge to 100%

The Bolt’s battery is designed to last longest when it’s kept between 20% and 80% charged. So, if you can, avoid charging all the way to 100%.

Of course, there will be times when you need to charge to 100%, like when you’re taking a long road trip. But, in general, it’s best to keep your Bolt’s battery between 20% and 80% charged.

2. Use a timer on your charger

When you’re charging your car, you want to make sure that you don’t overcharge the battery. This can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. By using a timer, you can set it for the amount of time you need to charge the battery, and then walk away. The timer will shut off the charger when the time is up, so you don’t have to worry about it.

This is especially important if you’re going to be away from your car for a while, like overnight. You don’t want to come back to find that your battery is damaged because you forgot to turn off the charger.

Using a timer is one of the best ways to prolong the life of your Chevy Bolt’s battery, so be sure to use one every time you charge.

3. Charge at home (Level 1) most of the time

Level 1 charging is the slowest way to charge, but it’s also the most convenient and typically the cheapest. That’s because you can do it overnight while you sleep, and you don’t need any special equipment beyond a standard 120-volt outlet.

If you have access to Level 2 or 3 charging, you can use those when you need a faster charge, but try to stick to Level 1 as much as possible.

4. Use Level 2 charging when you need it

Level 2 charging is up to 10 times faster than Level 1 charging, so if you need to charge your Bolt quickly, it’s the way to go. Additionally, Level 2 chargers are much more widely available than Level 3 chargers, so you’re likely to find one when you need it.

However, Level 2 charging does require a special charger, which can be expensive. If you don’t need the speed of Level 2 charging, or you don’t want to invest in the charger, Level 1 charging will work just fine.

5. Use DC fast charging only in emergencies

DC fast charging is much faster than Level 2 AC charging, but it’s also much harder on the battery. So if you can avoid using DC fast charging, your battery will last longer.

Of course, there are times when you might need to use DC fast charging, like if you’re running low on battery and can’t make it to a Level 2 charger in time. But in general, it’s best to stick with Level 2 charging whenever possible.

6. Keep an eye on battery temperature

The battery in the Chevy Bolt is a lithium-ion battery, and like all lithium-ion batteries, it is temperature sensitive. When the battery gets too hot, it can degrade faster. Conversely, when the battery gets too cold, it can’t accept a charge as well.

Ideally, you want to keep the battery between about 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. That’s about 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are a few ways to do this. One is to use a battery charger that has a built-in fan, like the one from EVSE LLC. This will help keep the battery cool while it’s charging.

Another way to keep the battery cool is to park in the shade. If you’re going to be parked for a while, consider covering the car with a tarp or blanket to keep the sun off of it.

Finally, if you have access to a Level 2 charger, you can charge the battery more quickly, which will help keep the battery cooler since it won’t be charging for as long.

7. Park in the shade if possible

The Bolt’s battery is located under the floor of the car, and when it gets hot, the battery can actually lose some of its charge. So if you’re going to be parked for a while, try to find a spot in the shade.

It’s also a good idea to plug in your charger before you park, so that the car can start charging as soon as you turn it off. That way, you’ll get the most possible charge while you’re parked.

8. Avoid hot weather and cold temperatures

Hot weather can cause your battery to overheat, which can lead to reduced range and decreased performance. In extreme cases, it can even damage the battery.

Cold weather can also have a negative impact on your battery. In cold temperatures, the battery’s chemical reaction slows down, which means it takes longer to charge. Additionally, the battery will lose power faster when it’s cold, so you’ll have to charge more often.

9. Check tire pressure regularly

The Bolt uses a lot of electricity to move, and that means the tires have to work harder than usual. If they’re not properly inflated, they can overheat and cause a blowout.

It’s also important to check the pressure in the spare tire. You never know when you might need it, and you don’t want to be stranded with a flat.

Finally, make sure you keep the charging cord in good condition. A frayed or damaged cord can cause an electrical fire.

10. Drive gently

The Chevy Bolt has a range of 238 miles, but that range can vary based on driving habits. If you’re constantly flooring it and braking hard, your range will suffer. But if you drive more gently, you can actually improve your range.

One way to think about it is like this: the harder you accelerate, the more energy you use. And the more energy you use, the faster your battery will drain. So if you want to maximize your range, take it easy on the accelerator and brake pedal.