Chevrolet Bolt EV Charging Calculator
This calculator helps you estimate the charging time, cost, and other details for your Chevrolet Bolt EV. Enter the required details and optional settings to get started.
- Select your Chevrolet Bolt EV battery capacity (60 kWh for 2017-2019 models or 66 kWh for 2020+ models).
- Enter the current charge level (e.g., 20%).
- Enter the desired charge level (e.g., 80%).
- Enter the charging power in kW (e.g., 7.2 kW for Level 2 charging).
- Select the temperature condition (cold, normal, or hot).
- Use optional settings for advanced calculations.
- Click “Calculate” to see the results.
What Is the Chevrolet Bolt EV Charging Calculator?
The Chevrolet Bolt EV Charging Calculator is a tool designed to estimate charging times and costs based on battery capacity, charge levels, charger power, and external conditions. The Chevy Bolt EV is a popular electric vehicle (EV) with a 66 kWh battery for 2020+ models, making it an excellent choice for daily commuting and road trips.
This calculator helps Chevrolet Bolt EV owners optimize their charging strategy, reduce energy costs, and extend battery lifespan by following best charging practices.
How to Use the Chevrolet Bolt EV Charging Calculator
To estimate charging time and costs, enter the following details:
1. Battery Capacity (kWh)
- Select your Chevrolet Bolt EV battery variant:
- 60 kWh (2017-2019 Models)
- 66 kWh (2020+ Models)
- The larger battery pack provides a longer driving range but requires more charging time.
2. Current Charge Level (%)
- Enter your battery’s current charge percentage.
- Example: If the charge level is 10%, enter 10.
3. Desired Charge Level (%)
- Enter the target charge level.
- Example: If charging from 10% to 90%, enter 90.
4. Charging Power (kW)
- Enter the charging station’s power output:
- Level 1 Charger (120V Home Outlet): 1.5-3 kW
- Level 2 Charger (240V Home Charging Station): 7-11 kW
- DC Fast Charger (Public Stations): 50-55 kW (Bolt EV max charge rate)
- The Chevy Bolt EV supports DC fast charging, allowing for quick charging on long trips.
5. Temperature Condition
- Choose Normal, Cold, or Hot.
- Cold weather can slow down charging and reduce battery efficiency.
Additional Optional Settings
6. Battery Health (%)
- 100% represents a new battery.
- Over time, battery degradation may slightly reduce charging efficiency.
7. Electricity Cost ($/kWh)
- Enter your electricity rate per kWh.
- Helps estimate the total charging cost.
8. Time-of-Use Rate ($/kWh)
- If your utility provider offers off-peak electricity rates, enter the lower price.
- Charging during off-peak hours can significantly lower costs.
9. Battery Preconditioning
- If enabled, preconditioning warms up the battery before charging, improving efficiency in cold weather.
After inputting these values, click Calculate to get your estimated charging time and cost.
How Charging Time Is Calculated
The calculator estimates charging time using the following formula:
Charging Time Formula:
\[ \text{Charging Time} = \frac{\text{Battery Capacity} \times (\text{Desired Charge Level} – \text{Current Charge Level})}{\text{Charging Power} \times \text{Charging Efficiency}} \]Where:
- Battery Capacity = 60 kWh (2017-2019) or 66 kWh (2020+ Models)
- Desired and Current Charge Levels = Expressed as percentages
- Charging Power = Charger output in kW
- Charging Efficiency = Estimated power loss (~90%-95%)
Example Calculation:
- Battery Capacity: 66 kWh (2020+ model)
- Current Charge Level: 10%
- Desired Charge Level: 90%
- Charging Power: 50 kW (DC Fast Charger)
- Charging Efficiency: 90%
Thus, it would take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to charge a Chevy Bolt EV (2020+ model) from 10% to 90% using a 50 kW DC fast charger.
Why Use the Chevrolet Bolt EV Charging Calculator?
1. Charging Time Estimation
Helps Bolt EV owners schedule charging sessions efficiently.
2. Cost Calculation
Provides an estimated charging cost based on electricity rates.
3. Optimized Charging Strategy
Guides users on when and where to charge for the best efficiency and savings.
4. Maximizing Battery Lifespan
Encourages best charging practices to preserve battery health.
Tips for Efficient Charging
- Use DC fast chargers for quick top-ups on long trips.
- Charge during off-peak hours to lower electricity costs.
- Enable battery preconditioning in cold weather for faster charging.
- Avoid frequent deep discharges (charging from 0% to 100% too often can reduce battery lifespan).
- Monitor charging costs using energy plans with discounted EV rates.
