Chevy EV Chargers and Charging - What You Need to Know
In this guide, we take a closer look at charging Chevy EVs including Chevy EV chargers, charging options, speed, and best practices for an optimal driving experience.
Charging a Chevy electric vehicle (EV), such as the Bolt EV, Blazer EV, or Equinox EV, is a streamlined process. All Chevy EVs come equipped with a standard SAE J1772 charging port for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, and many models also support DC fast charging through the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector.
At home, Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V household outlet, while Level 2 charging requires a 240V outlet for significantly faster speeds.
To begin charging, simply connect your Chevy EV to the appropriate charger. The vehicle’s onboard charger handles power management, and users can monitor progress via the myChevrolet mobile app.
Is there a Chevy EV Charger?
Chevrolet does offer a branded home charging solution provided in partnership with GM Energy. There are several options available including level 1, level 2, and bidirectional option.
- Dual Level Charger Level 1 - a 120V, 12 amp plug-in option offering up to 4 miles / hour of charge without bluetooth or smart connectivity.
- Dual Level Charger Level 2 - a 240V, 32 amp plug-in option offering up to 12 miles / hour of charge without bluetooth or smart connectivity.
- GM PowerUp 2 Level 2 - this bluetooth, smart connected charger can be hardwired to provide up to 19 miles / hour of charge thanks to 48amps of power.
- GM Energy PowerShift Bidirectional - this charger provides up to 80 amps of power and up to 32 miles / hour of charge, smart connectivity and bidirectionallity, but must be hardwired.
While these options are not proprietary in the sense of using a unique connector, they are branded, GM-backed products designed for optimal performance with Chevy EVs.
How Fast Does a Chevy EV Charge?
Charging speed depends on the model, charger type, and power source:
- Level 1 (120V outlet): Adds about 4 miles of range per hour — best for emergency or overnight trickle charging.
- Level 2 (240V outlet): Adds 25–37 miles of range per hour, depending on amperage and the vehicle’s onboard charging capability. For example:
- Chevy Bolt EV: Up to 11.5 kW with a full charge in around 9 hours using a 48-amp charger.
- Chevy Blazer EV: Supports up to 19.2 kW AC charging for a full recharge in under 7 hours, if paired with the high-output charger.
Best Practices for Charging Your Chevy EV
To get the most out of your Chevy EV and protect the longevity of your battery, it’s important to establish smart charging habits. For everyday use, it’s recommended to charge your vehicle using a Level 2 home charger, which strikes the best balance between speed and efficiency. Charging to 100% should be reserved for long trips; otherwise, keeping the battery between 20% and 80% can help reduce degradation over time.
Whenever possible, schedule your charging sessions during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This not only saves money but can reduce strain on the power grid. Additionally, take advantage of the preconditioning feature in the myChevrolet app, which warms or cools the battery while the car is plugged in, improving performance and range without impacting battery charge. Finally, avoid excessive reliance on DC fast charging, which, while convenient, can accelerate battery wear when used too frequently.
Recommended Non-Proprietary Chargers for Chevy EVs
In addition to the aforementioned Chevy EV chargers, many third-party EV charging units are fully compatible with Chevy models. Highly recommended non-proprietary options include:
- Emporia Level 2 EV Charger: Offers excellent value with smart features, adjustable amperage (up to 48A), and integration with energy management systems.
- Tesla Universal Wall Connector: Offers premium charging experience with smart features, up to 48A of power.
- ChargePoint Home Flex: A premium choice with flexible installation options (up to 50A), app controls, and real-time usage tracking.
- Wallbox Pulsar Plus: A compact yet powerful charger with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth support, solar integration capabilities, and a sleek design ideal for garage setups.
These chargers all utilize the J1772 connector standard and are compatible with the full Chevy EV lineup.
Charge Your Chevy EV at Home
ChargerPro makes it easy for Chevy EV owners to power up at home with fast, affordable, and hassle-free charger installation. We've helped hundreds of Chevy drivers get set up with reliable Level 2 charging right in their garages and driveways. Whether you're installing a GM-branded charger or a trusted third-party unit, our experienced team ensures a smooth process from start to finish. You can chat with a ChargerPro expert or get an instant quote online—charging your Chevy has never been simpler.
