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Cbullard

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Or just a 240 outlet for level 2 charging? Dealership said I only need an outlet and the level1/2 cord that comes with the car. Also will a Qmerit installer do both the outlet and the charging station? Or should I go with my own electrician?
thanks!
 
If GM is still subsidizing the cost of installation, I say go for the level 2 charger. Look at it in terms of future-proofing your home. Having the flexibility to fast charge at home is a nice option. Also, I suggest looking at your local electric company providers to see if they have options that will be even more beneficial, specifically electric companies that may offer free nights/weekends on electricity. Imagine charging your vehicle for free.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
If GM is still subsidizing the cost of installation, I say go for the level 2 charger. Look at it in terms of future-proofing your home. Having the flexibility to fast charge at home is a nice option. Also, I suggest looking at your local electric company providers to see if they have options that will be even more beneficial, specifically electric companies that may offer free nights/weekends on electricity. Imagine charging your vehicle for free.
I definitely need a level 2 charger, just making sure I don’t need an EVSE also
 
I'm curious if there is anything significantly different between the Bolt's standard EVSE and the optional, $295, dual-cord unit. Specifically, if there's a difference in amperage, i.e., standard = 16A, extra-cost = 32A?

Frankly, I sincerely hope that's the case. If not, the $295 is for nothing more than the 14-50 adapter, and one of those can be made for around a tenth of the cost of the optional unit.
 
But I don’t need to buy a separate charging station? I can just use what comes with the car and plug into a 240 outlet?
Every time you plug and unplug it there is wear on the receptacle, eventually it will lose tension causing a bad connection and creating a fire hazard. Most experts now reccomend either a dedicated EVSE that stays plugged in all the time or a hardwired unit. Hardwired is the best safety wise.
 
Can you not leave the one that comes with the car plugged in all the time?
Yes just leave it plugged in. Not sure what all the fuss is about.
I unplug mine about 6 times per year when the motorhome is in the driveway getting loaded for a trip. 4 years now without any noticeable wear on anything.
If you don't have an RV then just leave it plugged in.
The nice thing with buying a Bolt is that it is all taken care of for you....GM pays to install the receptacle and everything else you need comes with the car (the EVSE and the cord etc.)
 
CBullard, absolutely you can just use the EVSE that comes with the car. And if you plug it in to a 240v outlet it will charge faster than if you plug it into a standard outlet. If I were you I would just start with that. If it turns out you need more, you can buy a faster (but still L2) EVSE that plugs into the 240v outlet. But there is no need to rush into it. Take your time, get the hang of things before deciding whether to buy still more stuff. It will be fine.
 
I'm curious if there is anything significantly different between the Bolt's standard EVSE and the optional, $295, dual-cord unit. Specifically, if there's a difference in amperage, i.e., standard = 16A, extra-cost = 32A?

Frankly, I sincerely hope that's the case. If not, the $295 is for nothing more than the 14-50 adapter, and one of those can be made for around a tenth of the cost of the optional unit.
I believe it’s the same cord. $295 is an option on the Bolt EV but standard equipment on the Bolt EUV. The cord that comes with earlier model Bolt EV is only level 1 120V/12A.
 
I believe it’s the same cord. $295 is an option on the Bolt EV but standard equipment on the Bolt EUV. The cord that comes with earlier model Bolt EV is only level 1 120V/12A.
The optional $295 cord is 120V 12A or 240V 32A. The "standard cord" for the EV is the 120V only cord (which can be hacked to use a 240V outlet with adapters at 12A).

In terms of charging speed:
120V 12A = 1.44kW
240V 12A = 2.88kW
240V 32A = 7.68kW

If you use your own electrician, you can request a $500 EVGo credit in place of the QMerit installation, EVGo and Chargepoint have roaming agreements, so you can use the credits on either.

IRS has a 30% credit for EVSE purchase and install, at least through 2022 (unsure if it continues in 2023). Many utilities offer credits/rebates to buy and install EV charging as well. So, in the end, using your own electrician + EVGo credit could be far more advantageous.
 
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