rdm431
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:58 pm

Newbie. Waiting on my 2020 Bolt EV LT

Just an hello. New to the EV world, will be my first EV. Just waiting on my 2020 Bolt EV LT to arrive. Trying to real everything on EV, watching every youtube on owning an EV. Located in the midwest where it gets really cold and really hot. I am retired and drive maybe 3 times a week, short jaunts. Walmart, fast food, grocery store, appointments, that's about it. So I'm thinking that the slow charger which comes with the Bolt will be more than sufficient as my car usually sits in the garage for days at a time. Plus, public charging units are available nearby and seldom occupied because this is after all a combustion engine state. I use to see EV's every once in a while, but I think they all moved west out to CA and AZ. The Bolt I purchased was a one owner and actually leased in CA.

So, what I wanted to ask, or get an idea of is how 120v home charging might affect the electric bill? I mean, is a Bolt EV plugged into the wall outlet like plugging in an electric room heater? Is it that extreme considering draw on electric usage? In my case I could see plugging in the Bolt for 2 - 3 days at a time. I know it will eventually fully charge or reach a set capacity limit, but how hard is this on the electric bill? And, exactly how much does it cost to charge using a public charger? How is it done? Do I need to join charging clubs or services like Electrify America and PlugShare?

I may sound a little paranoid about owning an EV, but actually the experience sounds like a real opportunity. A geeky thing for sure. But I think my case is unique where I seldom drive, and am retired so I don't need to go out on a daily basis, and I'm not in a hurry per se.
To me, owning an EV is like flying a plane. You plan your route, your trip, and make sure you don't run out of fuel in the middle of nowhere or five thousand feet in the air. :D
Thanks!
BoltEV
Posts: 444
Joined: Thu Feb 01, 2018 5:58 am

Re: Newbie. Waiting on my 2020 Bolt EV LT

It's crickets here; everyone moved over to www.chevybolt.org
Last edited by BoltEV on Sat Feb 04, 2023 10:46 am, edited 3 times in total.
BoltEV
Posts: 444
Joined: Thu Feb 01, 2018 5:58 am

Re: Newbie. Waiting on my 2020 Bolt EV LT

Don't know your electrical rates; they are somewhat higher here in LA.

When I first leased my 2017 Bolt EV, I was retired, had stopped driving Uber and would drive up to see a friend in Santa Cruz once every couple of months.

My electric bill went up about $40 per month.

When I started driving Uber again and full time, driving 800-1,000 miles per week, my electric bill was about $275-300 extra per month

Relax; you will enjoy driving your Bolt!
rdm431
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:58 pm

Re: Newbie. Waiting on my 2020 Bolt EV LT

Thanks and thanks

Return to “General / Main Chevy Bolt Owners Forum”