[schoening]

I've had my 2018 Bolt for a few months now, charging it with the 110 outlet, which works fine because I don't do much driving.

I'll be going on a trip to northern California soon, and I'll want to use the fast chargers on the way. How do I find out if my Bolt is equipped for level 3 DC fast charge? Are all newer Bolts capable of using fast chargers?

 

[DucRider]

I've had my 2018 Bolt for a few months now, charging it with the 110 outlet, which works fine because I don't do much driving.

I'll be going on a trip to northern California soon, and I'll want to use the fast chargers on the way. How do I find out if my Bolt is equipped for level 3 DC fast charge? Are all newer Bolts capable of using fast chargers?

If there is an orange flap below your normal charge port covering 2 additional pins, then your Bolt has the DCFC option.

 

[schoening]

Thanks! My car has the flap.

 

[SparkE]

Thanks! My car has the flap.

Now you need to create an account on PlugShare to find all the DCFCs (fast chargers) enroute, if you haven't already. And (well before you leave) join the network(s) that have DCFCs on the route(s) you might be using (especially if you can join for free, like greenlots, chargepoint, and EVgo).

 

[One1whaoo.]

And you need to activate the Chargepoint account that came with the car.

 

[GlenandhisBolt1!]

You don't need to create an account to access the Plugshare map. Look for the green icons: these are the chargers available to the public. Make sure the charging station you want is a DCFC station.

The Chargepoint card only works with Chargepoint chargers, and you won't have access to private Chargepoint chargers. Using Plugshare, check for chargers available to the public on your planned route. Different charger networks have different rules for use: Chargepoint uses an RFID card that is linked to a credit card, while others simply use a credit card at the charger (Blink), while others offer a discount for customers who have an account (Blink and EVgo). Prices vary dramatically. Some 'public' chargers are in parking lots that charge for parking, so you have to pay for parking as well as charging.

 

[GJETSON]

You don't need to create an account to access the Plugshare map. Look for the green icons: these are the chargers available to the public. Make sure the charging station you want is a DCFC station.

The Chargepoint card only works with Chargepoint chargers, and you won't have access to private Chargepoint chargers. Using Plugshare, check for chargers available to the public on your planned route. Different charger networks have different rules for use: Chargepoint uses an RFID card that is linked to a credit card, while others simply use a credit card at the charger (Blink), while others offer a discount for customers who have an account (Blink and EVgo). Prices vary dramatically. Some 'public' chargers are in parking lots that charge for parking, so you have to pay for parking as well as charging.

Yes. There is no non-Tesla charging "system", only cats fighting over a ball of string.

 

[SparkE]

... Different charger networks have different rules for use: Chargepoint uses an RFID card that is linked to a credit card, while others simply use a credit card at the charger (Blink), while others offer a discount for customers who have an account (Blink and EVgo). ...

And many networks (including the 3 I mentioned) have an app available for your smartphone that allows you to start a charge (if you have cell phone service at the location ). Which is why it is a good idea to get free accounts when you can - some of the networks (greenlots, chargepoint for example - and others) have free charging stations available, but you do need an account to use them.

Edit: ChargePoint (currently / sometime ), for example, has a free fast charge unit at their headquarters in Campbell, next to San Jose in the SF Bay Area. Nice to know, since you are going to "northern CA" and may be driving nearby.

Personally, I find ChargePoint's (and EVgo's) apps easier/better to use than PlugShare - but PlugShare will show ALL the charging possibilities, not just the ones on one (or just a few) network. PlugShare also shows "not networked" charging locations - so it's a great place to start. But I would highly suggest accounts on the 'big 3' networks, and adding their apps to your phone.

 

[GregBrew]

You might consider the 101, rather than the 5. More DCFC charging options on the 101.

 

[quirkySquirt]

@schoening, don't forget to practice a fast charge near home before you NEED a DCFC session! The process might be scary to a new comer since it will have a locking mechanism that prevents you from pulling the CCS handle out from your Bolt. You must literally charge to completion or end the charging session via the stop button on the DCFC station or the Stop GUI button inside your Bolt and on the infotainment screen.

I haven't tried, but I don't know if the button on the CCS handle will stop the charge session since the port on your Bolt swings a metal thingy to prevent you pulling the CCS handle off your Bolt during DCFC.

 

[Sean Nelson]

I haven't tried, but I don't know if the button on the CCS handle will stop the charge session...

The button on the handle will stop a DC Fast Charge charge session, after which the lock will disengage so that you can remove the plug from the car. Just don't try to pull on the plug until you've confirmed that the session has stopped, since that could potentially jam the interlock and prevent it from disengaging.

 

[NoMoPetrol]

You might consider the 101, rather than the 5...

You would want to take the 101 regardless so you don't die of boredom somewhere between Buttonwillow and Los Banos.

 

[bro1999]

You would want to take the 101 regardless so you don't die of boredom somewhere between Buttonwillow and Los Banos.

Driving 5 is one of the most mind numbing experiences I've ever gone through.

 

[GregBrew]

Driving 5 is one of the most mind numbing experiences I've ever gone through.

...but it's quite a bit faster than the 101. Good music and an interesting companion will take care of the boredom.

 

[Wally]

Now you need to create an account on PlugShare to find all the DCFCs (fast chargers) enroute, if you haven't already. And (well before you leave) join the network(s) that have DCFCs on the route(s) you might be using (especially if you can join for free, like greenlots, chargepoint, and EVgo).

Can the DCFC option be added to a Bolt that didn't come with it?

 

[zzzing]

Can the DCFC option be added to a Bolt that didn't come with it?

No, it cannot be added later

 

[Redens17]

I recommend this video from Professor Kelly. All about charging standards.
There is no such thing as a Level 3 EV charger

 

[The Other Tom]

I recommend this video from Professor Kelly. All about charging standards.
There is no such thing as a Level 3 EV charger

I have a lot of respect for professor Kelly and he is, or course, correct. Unfortunately, the term "Level 3" has crept into our lexicon and it'll be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. It's kinda like the term "charger" which most people, including me, use instead of EVSE.

 

[XJ12]

It's kinda like the term "charger" which most people, including me, use instead of EVSE.

I've been trying to use the term "charge cord" instead of EVSE.