EV Charging FAQ
Considering going electric? Here are the answers to some common questions that drivers have about charging electric vehicles.
General charging
How often do I need to charge an EV?
Many factors play a role when it comes to the frequency of charging your EV. Your vehicle’s efficiency, the size of its battery pack, your driving habits, and even the weather can influence your vehicle’s battery life. For instance, cold temperatures tend to reduce the efficiency of EV batteries. Driving habits and your vehicle’s range will be the largest factors in determining how often you charge your EV — but you’ll still have flexibility in deciding when to charge. For example, the Chevrolet Bolt EV provides a range of 259 miles on a full charge.1 If you have a 20-mile daily commute, you may only decide to charge your vehicle every few days — or your could top off its battery every day after you get home. The choice is yours!
Do I have to charge my EV to 100% every time?
Your EV’s battery doesn’t need to be charged to 100%. In order to maximize your vehicle’s battery life, auto experts suggest keeping the battery between 20% and 80% of its full charge most of the time. However, if you’re planning a big road trip or a long-distance drive, feel free to juice up your vehicle with a full charge.
Public charging
Where can I find a public charging station?
While EV charging stations aren’t currently as common as gas stations, there are plenty of places to publicly charge your vehicle. At Dave Kehl Chevrolet, we have a public EV charging station where you can juice up your car’s battery. You can also download the myChevrolet mobile app to easily find other public chargers around Mechanicsburg. And in addition to helping you find charging stations, this handy app can also help you plan energy-efficient routes, pay for charging services, and set charging alerts.
Can I charge my EV at any public charging station?
Your Chevrolet EV will be compatible with the vast majority of charging stations. Models like the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV come equipped with a J1772 port, which accepts Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Some vehicles support Level 3 DC fast charging. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is one such model — and it has a port that’s compatible with all three levels of charging.
The vast majority of charging stations have J1772 charging plugs, where you can easily recharge any Chevy EV. Some public stations also offer Level 3 DC fast charging, allowing your compatible vehicle to get back on the road faster. To make sure you’re headed to a compatible charging point, consult the myChevrolet mobile app.
Home charging
How long does it take to charge an EV at home?
At home, you’ll have access to Level 1 charging by plugging your vehicle into a standard electrical outlet. This will allow a Chevy Bolt EV to regain about 4 miles of range for every hour it stays plugged in. 1 If left plugged in overnight for eight hours, your Bolt will regain about 32 miles of range. A Level 2 charger is considerably faster — it can give your Bolt EV about 26 miles of range per hour. 1
Should I install a Level 2 charger at home?
An at-home Level 2 charger can provide plenty of convenience — you’ll be able to bring your EV to full charge overnight and quickly top off its battery whenever you’d like. And when you choose a Chevy EV, it won’t break the bank. If you want anytime access to faster charging, Chevrolet will provide free installation of a Level 2 charger with the purchase of any 2022 or 2023 Bolt EV or EUV.
At Dave Kehl Chevrolet, we’re here to answer all of your questions — and if you’d like to go electric, our friendly sales team will help you find the perfect Chevy EV to meet your needs. For more information or to schedule a test drive, contact us online, give us a call, or stop by Dave Kehl Chevrolet in Mechanicsburg, Ohio.
1) EPA estimated. Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, use and maintenance.