Pretty sure you need to set up an account, which is free, and use the app on your phone to start the charge. Just go to chargepoint FAQ's and read about it.

 

Thanks Bill. I can do that.

Scott

 

My car came with a plastic ChargePoint card. I think it was with the manual and other documents. I set up an account and never added money to it. I've used a free ChargePoint a few times and all I ever did was use the card to start it.

 

Yes, if it is a branded charger like CharePoint you will need a ChargePoint account (free) to use the charger. Be aware that there are many ChargePoint chargers that are not overly clear on if there is a fee to charge. I thought the one at the Harley Davidson dealer was free (it was not) and did not know until a $$ sign showed up about 5 minutes into the charge.

You may also find chargers at stores or parks that require no accounts. Pull up and plug. Our main City Park and Zoo both have free L2 public chargers as well as our Library Downtown. These are great of you are going to stay at the location for a while but don't plan on using it as the main source of charge as you will be sitting a long time.

I also invested in a Tesla Tap. An adapter that allows me to use a Tesla Destination Charger (NOT Supercharger). I keep it in the car for emergencies or if I happen along one.

 

I also invested in a Tesla Tap. An adapter that allows me to use a Tesla Destination Charger (NOT Supercharger). I keep it in the car for emergencies or if I happen along one.

But, for newbies - be aware that Tesla Destination (L2) chargers are often found with J1772 at the same site, or close by. The number L2 sites according to afdc.energy.gov:

J1772: 36,509 sites with 73,625 plugs (what Bolt uses)
Tesla Destination: 4,577 sites with 11,571 plugs (what Bolt + Adapter can use)

Unless you regularly go to places with only Tesla Destination chargers, the Tesla Tap and similar are a costly option that may get used rarely. Nice to have, sure. But generally not essential. Make sure you use Plugshare to see what is available at places you will regularly go and will need a charge.

Also, these J1772 L2 chargers are being added at a pretty fast pace, so the gap will no doubt widen.

Tesla offers free Destination chargers to businesses, and will also install J1772 at no cost to the business if the business buys to J1772 unit(s). Given the rapid increase in J1772 compatible EVs, many businesses are choosing to install both types of units to appeal to a wider audience.

 

When I bought my Bolt in 2017, it came with a Chevy-branded ChargePoint RFID card. The salesman helped me set it up. In my case, I was trading in a Leaf so I already had an account and we just linked the new card to the account. I take it Chevy doesn't provide these any more?

 

We got one with our 2020.

 

It might be interesting to start a thread of photos showing what charging equipment different people are carrying with them in their car...

 

Yes I have come across a nice Tesla brushed nickel Ironman-esque destination charger with a J connector. So don't just drive away if you only see a Tesla charger. Get out have a look.

 

Wow is this forum always touchy feelings?? I like it.

 

Well, I never wanted to be the cause of bad feelings or start a posting war. However, many good recommendations have been thrown out and I have already signed up at Charge Point. Thank you very much. The charging station I mentioned seems to never be busy and it is really close by so I will keep it in mind when I need to top off for a longer than usual trip. I bought the Bolt (2022 EV 2LT) for around town use to avoid the daily trips with our HEMI Jeep Grand Cherokee. Mileage with that sucks big time in town. On the highway it's acceptable in the 24-29 mpg range if you keep a soft touch on the throttle. Again my thanks for all the great information.

Scott
P.S. Big time fan of South Park, "you must respect my au-thor-a-tay" Eric Cartman.

 

I bought my tesla adapter back in 2018 shortly after I got my Bolt and I've used it exactly once. I didn't even need to use it, I just had it for over a year at that point and wanted to make sure it worked.

I've got a pack of every adapter under the sun for plugs I could encounter and don't even carry them with me anymore. I used to be cautious about not running the battery down but after having gotten into the low single digits a couple of times, I know the range estimation is extremely reliable for my driving. If I have 50 miles to drive and it says I have 55 left, I know I won't need to bother finding a charger.

 

o

This is what I did
I hooked up to my dryer outlet, so I plug my car in and leave it plugged in all night

 

Back to the OP's questions about ChargePoint and having an account. You generally need an account, get the card (mine came with the car) but also have the phone app. Just last week I was visiting friends in the proverbial middle of nowhere. A town of 372 people and one ChargePoint level 2. The card reader doesn't work but activating with the app was simple. Just part of always trying to have a Plan B.

 

Oh, OP was scared off long ago, sold his Bolt and has now moved the Tesla forum where they are far more mature.

 

Oh, OP was scared off long ago, sold his Bolt and has now moved the Tesla forum where they are far more mature.

Oh, not so. Worried about violence but not scared off. OK maybe a little scared but you all seem like a nice bunch of Bolters underneath that rough outer layer. Thanks for all the usable charging information.

Scott

 

I got one with the car but I requested a free RFID card from Chargepoint on sign up.