When it comes to charging your Chevy Volt, understanding the time it takes to recharge your vehicle fully is crucial for planning your day and maximising the efficiency of your electric car. But how long is that exactly?
The time it takes to charge a Chevy Volt can vary from as little as three hours to well over thirteen hours. The charging speed will depend on several factors, such as the battery size and the power supply charging the vehicle.
With various charging options and factors affecting the charge time, knowing what works best for your needs is essential to always be prepared for your next journey. Read on for all the information you need to charge your Chevy Volt efficiently.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Chevy Volt
Charging a Chevy Volt can take anywhere from four hours to thirteen hours, depending on the type of charger you use. A Level 1 home charging socket may take approximately twelve or thirteen, while a Level 2 charging station can significantly reduce the charging time to three to four hours.
This substantial difference in charging times requires consideration when choosing the most suitable charger for your lifestyle.
Remember that your charging speed may also be affected by factors such as the battery’s current charge level and the charging station’s power output. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make informed decisions on charging your Chevy Volt and ensure you are always ready to hit the road with a fully charged battery.
Charging Time Factors
The three most prominent factors that affect the charging time for a Chevy Volt are its battery size, what charging equipment you have in your home, and the available power supply you’re using to charge the vehicle.
Battery Size
The battery size is crucial in determining how long it takes to charge your Chevy Volt. The larger the battery, the longer it will take to charge. The Chevy Volt comes with an 18.4 kWh battery, which is smaller than some other electric vehicles like the Chevy Bolt.
This battery takes about thirteen hours to fully charge a Chevy Volt using a standard 120-volt charger, which provides a charging speed of about 6.5 km/hour. Naturally, a smaller battery or a different charger will speed up how long it takes for the battery to charge.
Keep in mind that you won’t always be charging your Chevy Volt battery from empty every time. More often than not, your battery will still have some charge, so it won’t take the same amount of time to charge it as it would if it were empty.
Charging Equipment Type
Different charging equipment types can affect the charging time for your Chevy Volt. These include:
- Level 1 Charging – This is the standard 120-volt charger included with your Chevy Volt. It provides a charging speed of around 6.5 km/hour and takes approximately twelve-thirteen hours to charge the car fully.
- Level 2 Charging – A Level 2 charging system is a 240-volt charger and can significantly reduce charging time. These chargers can add about 20 km of range per hour, fully charging your Chevy Volt’s battery in about four and a half hours.
Available Power Supply
The power supply available in your charging location can also affect the charging time. This includes the amperage and voltage of the electrical circuit that you are using. Charging at eight amps will take significantly longer than charging at 12 amps. When using a Level 2 charger, you may need a dedicated 240-volt outlet to maximise the charging speed.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging is the standard way of charging a Chevy Volt. Requiring only a 3-prong, 120-volt outlet, level 1 charging is relatively quick and efficient, keeping your vehicle charged and ready to go at all times.
Standard Wall Outlet
When charging your Chevy Volt using Level 1 charging, you’re utilising a standard 120-volt AC (alternating current) wall outlet found in most homes.
It’s as simple as plugging in the charging cord that comes with your vehicle into a typical 3-prong outlet, much like charging your cell phone or laptop. For many people, this is more than enough.
Even though it’s not the fastest way of charging the Chevy Volt, the fact that almost every home can charge this way without any alterations is a huge day-to-day convenience that most people appreciate.
Level 1 Charging Time Estimate
With level 1 charging, you can expect to add about 6.5 km of range per hour of charging. Keep in mind that level 1 charging provides a slower rate of charging than other methods but will still keep your car charged and running for regular daily use.
If your Chevy Volt’s battery is empty, it will take approximately 12 hours to recharge fully. While Level 1 charging is suitable for occasional top-offs or overnight charging, it is not the most efficient method available, especially if you need a quick charge.
If you require faster charging times for your Chevy Volt, consider exploring other options, such as Level 2 charging stations.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 charging stations utilise a 240-volt charging system to quickly and efficiently charge your Chevy Volt. Although not all homes have this by default, many will naturally have a 240-volt capacity output in areas like the garage.
240 Volt Home Charging Station
For more efficient and faster charging of your Chevy Volt, a Level 2 charging station is recommended.
This requires a 240-volt outlet, which can typically be found in settings such as a garage or where large appliances are located. Upgrading to a Level 2 charging station is particularly useful if you don’t have 12 hours each day to recharge your car or want to make multiple longer trips in a day 1.
When you’re ready to set up a Level 2 home charging station, you may consider purchasing a portable EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).
For example, the BougeRV Level 2 Charger Cable is compatible with Level 1 and Level 2 charging and has a NEMA6-20 plug with an adapter for NEMA5-152.
Level 2 Charging Time Estimate
A Level 2 charging system adds approximately 25-40 km of range per hour to your Chevy Volt, allowing you to fully recharge your battery in about four and a half hours.
This is significantly faster than the standard Level 1 charging method, where you would need to plug your car into a regular 120-volt wall outlet and wait about 12 hours to add the same range1.
Remember to keep these charging times in mind when planning your daily car use, so you can ensure that your Chevy Volt is always charged and ready to go whenever you need it.
Direct Current Fast Charging
Direct current fast charging offers a rapid charging option for those who need it. While not recommended for daily use, DC fast charging stations found throughout major roads and cities, depending on where you live, are an excellent way to help you get to your destination if your charge is getting low.
Public Charging Stations
When you’re on the go and need to charge your Chevy Volt quickly, direct current (DC) fast charging stations can be a lifesaver.
These public charging stations offer much faster charging rates than Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, helping you get back on the road in the shortest amount of time.
It’s essential to precondition your battery by starting DC fast-charging battery conditioning approximately 30 minutes before you reach the station. This will bring the battery to an optimal temperature for improved charging performance.
Direct Current Fast Charging Time Estimate
The charging time for your Chevy Volt at a DC fast charging station will vary based on several factors, such as the charger’s power output and the battery’s state of charge. However, DC fast charging can typically charge a battery electric vehicle (BEV) to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Although most plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) currently on the market do not work with fast chargers, this technology continues to advance, and many future models will likely have this capability.
While DC fast charging is undoubtedly a convenient option for charging your Chevy Volt, it’s crucial to remember that using these facilities too frequently can decrease your battery’s longevity. That’s why it’s recommended to utilise Level 1 or Level 2 charging options for daily charging needs and rely on DC fast charging for occasional, quick top-ups when needed.
Ways to Reduce Charging Time
The charging time of your Chevy Volt can be affected by various factors like temperature, charger type, and battery state of charge. By ensuring optimal charging conditions, you can reduce the time it takes to charge your Volt.
Some of the best ways to reduce the charging time for a Chevy Volt include:
- Efficient Charging Stations – Use a Level 2 home charging unit or a public charging station. A Level 2 charger can provide your Volt with more power than a Level 1 charger, which means it will take less time to charge.
- Correct Charging Voltage – Use a 240-volt charger when possible. A 240-volt charger can provide up to 6-kilowatt hours of power per hour of charging time (depending on your car’s battery state of charge).
- Keep the Car Cool – It’s well documented that higher heat can negatively affect the internal battery’s condition and the charging speeds. If possible, ensure your car is kept shaded as much as possible, especially in summer, while charging.
Conclusion
The Volt is a great car that will make you feel like you can go anywhere. However, knowing how to charge it properly helps to ensure that it lasts for many years to come. If you have access to a good charging system, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying all the benefits the Volt has to offer.
