[voltlover]

We just purchased a new Bolt. We had a Volt with the Voltec charger 220V. I am thinking of getting the 32 amp AeroVironment charger. But my question, I see in the Bolt a setting for "max current" of either 8 amps or 12 amps. How would a 32 amp charger work in a Bolt? Thanks

 

[edk-austin]

That 8/12 setting is for 120VAC only

 

[Sean Nelson]

We just purchased a new Bolt. We had a Volt with the Voltec charger 220V. I am thinking of getting the 32 amp AeroVironment charger. But my question, I see in the Bolt a setting for "max current" of either 8 amps or 12 amps. How would a 32 amp charger work in a Bolt? Thanks

That 8/12 setting is for 120VAC only

...and for 220V charging the car will use whatever the charger (technically known as the "EVSE") advertises, up to a maximum of 32A.

 

[llninja]

So any L2 EVSE will work, but a 32A one would work better than a 20 or 25A one. You could also get a 40A one, but then the bolt won't utilize the full capability of that EVSE. it does help futureproof a bit for your next bigger EV. But then again, who knows whether some new technology might render a 40A L2 EVSE useless.

Is your bolt equipped with the DC charging option? If money has no limit, you could spend $10k for your own personal DC charger for about $10k plus installation (and maybe your own personal transformer).

 

[jcanoe]

We just purchased a new Bolt. We had a Volt with the Voltec charger 220V. I am thinking of getting the 32 amp AeroVironment charger. But my question, I see in the Bolt a setting for "max current" of either 8 amps or 12 amps. How would a 32 amp charger work in a Bolt? Thanks

The Volt only draws a maximum of 15 amps at 240V so your current Voltec circuit only has to be rated for 20 amps. If you want to charge your Bolt using a 240V EVSE rated for 32 amps (7.7kw maximum) you need to have an electrician verify that the breaker, wiring for your current Voltec 240V EVSE is rated for a minimum of 40 amps. If you end up putting in another dedicated circuit for your new Bolt then consider a 50 amp circuit if your current service panel can handle the additional load.

 

[Qinsp]

Some things to consider:

Will the Bolt be your last EV? If not, also check prices on 40 amp EVSE's too. If there is no difference, get the 40. A 50 amp breaker in your panel for 240vac cost the same as a 40 amp breaker, and the 50 amp breaker will support a "14-50" NEMA plug in connector. This is the most common RV/EV high power wall plug.

Will you ever go camping or travel cross country in your Bolt? If so, get an EVSE that is removable (like a JuiceBox or Clipper Creek) and has a 14-50 end on it. This way you can charge at RV parks quickly.

Select a Time of Use electrical plan if available, and set your charging time to your super off peak rate time. Now, program everything else in your house that you can that uses power to that same window. Like pool pumps, washing machines, driers, etc.


NOTE: I refer to normal house power as 120vac and 240vac, since that is how many volts most modern homes are supplied with. You can hear it called 110, 115, 220, 230 as well.

NOTE2: If you are using Southern California Edison, there is an additional $450 rebate you can apply for besides the Federal and State rebates.

 

[Loboc]

If you only drive 40-50mi/day, you need less than [email protected] to charge in 4 hours. No matter how big the battery capacity.

 

[Tom17]

Go with a 40 amp plug-in charger for future proofing. A 50 amp breaker with 50 amp cable spec. Use a "14-50" NEMA outlet.

 

[ColMosby]

The only way I can see the value of a residential DC fast charger is if the household has three or more EVs, all used daily. A lot!