What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV?
Thirty-two amps is the peak rate for this car. Hooking up a 32 amp Level 2 setup refills the battery from empty in 10.3 hours. Plug it in after dinner, unplug it by morning. Skip the smaller gear.
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
Your car accepts a maximum of 32 amps on AC power. Buying a 40 amp or 50 amp charger changes nothing for the charging speed because the onboard hardware caps the draw. Hooking this car to a bigger 48 amp circuit yields the exact same 7.2 kW output. Money spent on larger EVSE capacity gets wasted on hardware your car cannot use. Stick to the 32 amp specification for peak performance.
What the install involves
You need a 40 amp breaker feeding your circuit. The setup accepts a NEMA 14-50 outlet or hardwiring directly to the wall. Hire a licensed electrician to pull the wire and mount the box. Code requires a dedicated breaker with zero shared loads on the line. Do not attempt DIY wiring unless you hold an electrical license.
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
- Can I use a Level 1 household outlet?
- Yes, but it takes 52 hours for a full charge. You only gain 5 miles of range per hour of charging.
- What connector does the car use?
- The car uses a J1772 connector. Every non-Tesla EV sold in North America through 2024 uses this standard for AC Level 2 charging.
- Will a 40 amp charger charge my car faster than a 32 amp charger?
- No. The car's onboard charger limits intake to 32 amps max.
- What is the EPA rated charge time?
- The EPA rates a full Level 2 charge at 10.0 hours. This differs slightly from the car's maximum onboard rate due to standard testing variables.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2020 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.