Fast Charging Frustrations with My Bolt EV

I got my 2022 Bolt EV 2LT in September and have loved driving it for the 9,000 miles I've put on it. I usually charge at home using the 240V outlet Qmerit installed. That system works great. I decided to try DC Fast Charging for the first time. honestly, it was a frustrating experience. In about 45 minutes, I only gained 60 miles of range. The session was capped at 60 minutes, and it stopped at 80% battery capacity, which means I’d need multiple sessions on a long trip. Charging cost me $8.70, but when I compared it to gas prices (around $2.75/gallon here), it ended up being more expensive than driving my Cadillac, which gets 22 MPG!

I still love my Bolt and will continue charging at home, but I can’t see myself relying on fast chargers for road trips after this.

So, yes, the charging speed is influenced by many factors, such as the specific charger's power. battery state, and temperature. Have you tried doing it in warmer conditions maybe? Just start with a lower battery state and on a warmer day.
Also, next time use the PlugShare app to see reviews about specific charging stations. Some have issues. In the end, not all the DCFC stations are bad. Don't let one experience create an ultimate view over them. And of course, charging at home is the best.

Grobyc_1125 said:

I got my 2022 Bolt EV 2LT in September and have loved driving it for the 9,000 miles I've put on it. I usually charge at home using the 240V outlet Qmerit installed. That system works great. I decided to try DC Fast Charging for the first time. honestly, it was a frustrating experience. In about 45 minutes, I only gained 60 miles of range. The session was capped at 60 minutes, and it stopped at 80% battery capacity, which means I’d need multiple sessions on a long trip. Charging cost me $8.70, but when I compared it to gas prices (around $2.75/gallon here), it ended up being more expensive than driving my Cadillac, which gets 22 MPG!

I still love my Bolt and will continue charging at home, but I can’t see myself relying on fast chargers for road trips after this.

Click to expand...

What I have found on Interstate charging is that the first hour charges much faster than the second hour so, you're not missing much, if you only charge to 80%. (192 miles). Most Interstate routes have level 3 locations set up 150 miles apart.
You'll be driving for 2 hrs and dining for 1 hr until dusk where you plug into a J1772 where the battery will be 100% when you're ready to ride again. That's the goal I set

I own EVs with DC fast charging capabilities, but I'm still worried about running out of battery. There aren't enough fast chargers where I live, and I don't like having to charge my car when it's only half full.

have you look into getting a NACS adaptor to access Tesla supercharging stations ?

use link below with option "SuperchargerS Open to NACS" ::

https://www.tesla.com/findus?v=2&bo...oom=12&filters=nacs&search=Los Gatos, CA, USA

summit said:

have you look into getting a NACS adaptor to access Tesla supercharging stations ?

use link below with option "SuperchargerS Open to NACS" ::

https://www.tesla.com/findus?v=2&bo...oom=12&filters=nacs&search=Los Gatos, CA, USA

Click to expand...

None listed in USA. 8 listed over seas

TanGent said:

I own EVs with DC fast charging capabilities, but I'm still worried about running out of battery. There aren't enough fast chargers where I live, and I don't like having to charge my car when it's only half full.

Click to expand...

Here's a thought. We should contact our representative in our state government requesting CCS chargers in all rest stops for with procedes dedicated to roadway updates. They'd make a killing.

Grobyc_1125 said:

I got my 2022 Bolt EV 2LT in September and have loved driving it for the 9,000 miles I've put on it. I usually charge at home using the 240V outlet Qmerit installed. That system works great. I decided to try DC Fast Charging for the first time. honestly, it was a frustrating experience. In about 45 minutes, I only gained 60 miles of range. The session was capped at 60 minutes, and it stopped at 80% battery capacity, which means I’d need multiple sessions on a long trip. Charging cost me $8.70, but when I compared it to gas prices (around $2.75/gallon here), it ended up being more expensive than driving my Cadillac, which gets 22 MPG!

I still love my Bolt and will continue charging at home, but I can’t see myself relying on fast chargers for road trips after this.

Click to expand...

Help is around the corner if u you come to Minnesota
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July 11, 2024
Latest news releases

MnDOT announces locations of 13 electric vehicle fast charging stations​

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation announces that 13 grantees have been selected to move to the next step in the process to receive funding from National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The funds will be used to build and maintain EV fast charging stations across the state. Grant dollars are a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which is designed to provide a convenient, affordable, reliable and equitable national network of EV chargers.
"This is a critical step in our efforts to make sure no matter where you travel in this great state, you're able to quickly charge your electric vehicle and get back on the road exploring Minnesota," said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. "The NEVI program provides every state the opportunity to build out much needed fast charging stations for electric vehicles. We appreciate hearing from so many Minnesotans in this process and your input will help to continue building this infrastructure across our state."
MnDOT selected 13 locations from 38 applicants along the designated I-94 and I-35 Alternative Fuel Corridors. Combined, those selected will receive more than $7.8 million in funding to build, own and operate fast charging stations.

Locations selected​

• Circle K Stores, Moorhead - $497,735
• Pilot Travel Centers, Alexandria - $783,554
• Circle K Stores, Sauk Center - $497,735
• Universal EV, St. Cloud - $590,952
• Kwik Trip, St. Michael - $660,662
• Francis Energy Charging, Brooklyn Park - $758,677
• Circle K Stores, Proctor - $497,735
• Circle K Stores, Pine City - $302,281
• Kwik Trip, North Branch - $596,035
• Kwik Trip, Moose Lake - $746,764
• Circle K Stores, Forest Lake - $497,735
• Francis Energy Charging, Burnsville - $828,952
• Tesla, Albert Lea - $546,512

The sites that were selected met the following requirements:

• Located no more than 50 miles apart along the Alternative Fuel Corridor
• Located less than one mile driving distance from an interstate exit
• Have a minimum of four 150 kW charging ports able to operate simultaneously
• Are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no entry fee to access the chargers

The next steps for the 13 locations include finalizing contracts, conducting environmental reviews and finalizing site designs. Station installations are expected within the next year.
MnDOT is also planning for the next round of funding and has begun outreach efforts to learn more about what Minnesotans think about possible locations and additional priorities that can help in the selection process.
To learn more, sign up for updates or to take the survey, go to talk.dot.state.mn.us/mnevina. Additional information can be found on the NEVI webpage at mndot.gov/nevi.

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Let's talk about the planning of a trip. I use plugshare.com. I use it to investigate charging stations there is a lot of information that previous log, any hook up problems, etc.
I like to fuel up from 25% to 80% rather than 80% to full tank because charging time is faster, like on last Fri. It took 17 minutes on a Electrify America,'s 350 Kw machine.