What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Your home supply might push forty amps or higher, but this car caps its intake at thirty-two amps. You need a 32 A Level 2 setup to match the vehicle limit. Plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40 A breaker or hardwire the unit.
The numbers
| Maximum AC charging rate | 7.2 kW (32 A) |
|---|---|
| Charger size to buy | 32 A |
| Circuit breaker required | 40 A |
| Outlet / connection | NEMA 14-50 outlet on a 40 A breaker, or hardwired |
| Charge port | J1772 |
| Full charge on Level 2 | about 10.3 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) | about 25 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 52 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 5.0 miles |
| EPA rated range | 259 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 74.2 kWh at the wall |
Why 32 amps and not more
The onboard charger maxes out at 7.2 kilowatts. Buying a bigger charger will not speed up your daily turnaround because the car drops excess current. A 32 A supply fills the 74.2 kWh pack from empty in 10.3 hours. You get 25 miles of range per hour of charging. Standard Level 1 gear only delivers 5.0 miles per hour and takes 52 hours for a full tank.
What the install involves
Set up a 40 A breaker to feed the hardware. Hardwiring works, or you can plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet. Hire a licensed electrician for the wiring work. Panel capacity and wire gauge must match local electrical codes before you flip the switch.
Chargers that match this car
Rugged metal enclosure, built for outdoor use.
Portable cordset. Works on 120 V or a 240 V outlet.
Plugs into an existing 14-50 outlet, no hardwiring.
Worth having as well
Common questions
- Do I need a 40 amp breaker for a 32 amp charger?
- Yes. Continuous loads require a breaker rated 125 percent above the draw.
- Can I use public stations with this car?
- Yes. The J1772 plug fits standard Level 2 hardware found anywhere in North America.
- How many miles do I add overnight?
- You recover 25 miles of range for every hour plugged into Level 2 power. A full 259-mile battery takes 10.3 hours.
- Is hardwiring better than a plug?
- Hardwiring removes a point of failure at the plug interface. Both methods deliver the exact same power if wired correctly.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV. Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.