Charging Guide: Silverado EV, Equinox EV, Blazer EV
Why Charging Your Chevy EV is EZ
With Chevrolet’s new electric lineup, charging is simple—at home, on the go, or on a road trip. All models support home charging, Level 2 (faster), and DC Fast Charging. Chevrolet, GM Energy, and Dave Gill Chevy make it even easier with 4 hours/day of free on-site charging, charging perks, and a huge public charging network—all in your myChevrolet app.
Ready to power up? Let’s cover everything you need to know.
Types of Charging: Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast
Type | Voltage | Speed* | Best For | Which Chevy EVs? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Level 1 | 120V | ~3-5 mi/hr | Basic overnight top-ups | All |
Level 2 | 240V | ~25-50 mi/hr (up to 52 mi/hr on Silverado EV) | Home/work/daily full charges | All (11.5–19.2 kW max varies by model/charger) |
DC Fast Charging | 400–800V | ~75–100+ mi in 10 min | Road trips, fast top-ups | All (up to 350 kW on Silverado EV, 150-190 kW on others) |
*Range/hour varies by model, battery size, and ambient temperature. All new Chevy EVs support every charging type, including Tesla Superchargers (with included adapter).
Charging at Home
- All models include a Level 1 charge cord—plug into any standard outlet for basic overnight charging (~30-40 miles added by morning).
- For real convenience, most owners install a Level 2 charger (240V). Chevy partners with Qmerit for home install. Level 2 is strongly recommended for daily use.
- Level 2 at home adds 25–50 miles/hour (Silverado EV with 19.2 kW charger can add over 50 mi/hr; Equinox/Blazer: ~34-40 mi/hr).
- Scheduling: Set your EV to finish charging right before departure (saves battery life and can use lower night rates).
- It’s safe to leave your EV plugged in every night—charging stops automatically at your set level.
Most electric utilities offer rebates for installing a 240V charger at home—ask about incentives!
Public Charging
- Find stations using the myChevrolet app (Energy Assist), in-car Google Maps, PlugShare, or ChargePoint.
- Chevy EVs can now use Tesla Superchargers—just bring your NACS adapter (provided by GM).
- Pay by app, credit card, or network membership. Many stations support “Plug & Charge” (auto authentication).
- DC Fast Charging is best for road trips or quick boosts (not for daily use).
- Charging etiquette: Only occupy a charger while charging; unplug and move when finished.
Planning a trip? Set your destination in your Chevy’s navigation or app—it’ll route you to chargers along the way.
DC Fast Charging & Fast Charge Prep
- Use DC Fast Charging for rapid range: Silverado EV adds ~100 miles in 10 min (at 350 kW); Blazer EV/Equinox EV add ~70–80 mi in 10 min.
- Best practice: Stop charging at 80–90% for quicker stops. Above 80%, charging slows down and it’s easier on the battery.
- In cold weather, or before a fast charge, use “Fast Charge Prep” (in app or car) to precondition the battery—warms/cools battery for peak speed. Navigation to a DCFC will auto-activate this on most models.
- Monitor charging status and costs live in your myChevrolet app.
To save time, plan to arrive at fast chargers with 10–20% battery and leave at ~80%. Fastest charging is from 10–60%.
One-Pedal Drive & Regenerative Braking
- Enable “One-Pedal Drive” in the drive mode menu (or with a center console toggle).
- Perfect for stop-and-go city driving, hills, and traffic—car slows and even stops just by lifting off the accelerator.
- All three EVs also include Regen on Demand™ (steering wheel paddle) for instant energy recapture.
- Prolongs brake life and boosts range, especially in urban driving.
- If the battery is full or very cold, regen will be limited until warmed/space is available (car notifies you).
Practice one-pedal drive in an empty lot for 10 minutes—you’ll master smooth stops in no time!
Preconditioning for Fast Charging & Comfort
- Preconditioning heats or cools the battery before fast charging (activated automatically when navigating to a charger, or manually in settings).
- Preconditioning the cabin while plugged in (via app or key fob remote start) ensures more range and a comfy ride—draws power from the wall, not your battery.
- Always precondition before a DC fast charge, especially in cold or very hot weather, for fastest results.
- Schedule departure time in the app/car so your Chevy is ready to drive and already at optimal temp.
Set up scheduled preconditioning for workdays; your EV will always be ready with a full, warm (or cool) battery!
Battery Health & Best Practices
- Keep battery between 20–80% for daily driving—charge to 100% only for long trips.
- Avoid running to 0% or sitting at 100% for long periods. (The car manages this for you if left plugged in.)
- Limit DC fast charging to trips/occasional use—Level 2 is gentler for daily charging.
- Extreme heat/cold can affect range; precondition battery/cabin when possible.
- All Chevy EVs have an 8yr/100,000mi battery warranty.
Use the charging scheduler so the car finishes charging right before you leave—max battery health and comfort!
GM & Chevy EV Charging Perks
- Free Charging at Dave Gill Chevy: 4 hours/day of free Level 2 charging for all EV customers.
- Chevy public charging credit: New EV buyers may qualify for a $500+ EVgo credit or $1,000 home charger install credit (ask at purchase).
- myChevrolet app: Real-time charging status, route planning, charger locator, remote climate control, software updates.
- OnStar & roadside: 24/7 help and navigation support—press the blue button in your Chevy anytime.
- NACS (Tesla) adapter included: Use Tesla Superchargers nationwide (from 2024+).
Top Customer Questions — Quick Answers
How far can I drive on a full charge?
Equinox EV (FWD): Up to 319 miles.
Blazer EV: Up to 320 miles.
Silverado EV: Up to 450 miles (WT) or 400 miles (RST).
Real-world range depends on speed, weather, and driving style—but you’ll almost always start your day full, so range anxiety is rare.
Blazer EV: Up to 320 miles.
Silverado EV: Up to 450 miles (WT) or 400 miles (RST).
Real-world range depends on speed, weather, and driving style—but you’ll almost always start your day full, so range anxiety is rare.
Can I use a Tesla Supercharger?
Yes! All new Chevy EVs include a NACS (Tesla) adapter and can use Tesla Superchargers. Plug in, follow prompts, and enjoy the largest fast-charging network in North America.
Is it safe to charge in rain or snow?
Absolutely. Chevy EV charge ports and high-voltage systems are weather-sealed and tested for all conditions. It’s safe to charge and drive in rain, snow, and even at an outdoor charger during a thunderstorm.
How much does it cost to charge?
Home charging: Typically $5–$15 for a full charge.
Public Level 2: Free or a few dollars per hour.
Fast charging: Usually $0.30–$0.50/kWh (still much less than gas per mile).
Dave Gill Chevy customers get 4 hours/day of free on-site Level 2 charging.
Public Level 2: Free or a few dollars per hour.
Fast charging: Usually $0.30–$0.50/kWh (still much less than gas per mile).
Dave Gill Chevy customers get 4 hours/day of free on-site Level 2 charging.
Top Customer Questions (FAQ)
Equinox EV (FWD): up to 319 mi. Blazer EV: up to 320 mi. Silverado EV: up to 450 mi (WT) or 400 mi (RST). Real-world range depends on speed, weather, and driving style. You’ll almost always start your day full, so range anxiety is rare.
Yes! All new Chevy EVs can use Tesla Superchargers with the GM-supplied adapter. Plug in, follow prompts, and enjoy the biggest fast-charging network in North America.
Absolutely. Chevy EV charge ports and high-voltage systems are weather-sealed. It’s safe to charge and drive in all normal weather—even at an outdoor charger during a thunderstorm.
Home charging averages $5–$15 for a full charge. Public Level 2 chargers may be free or a few dollars/hour. Fast charging typically costs $0.30–$0.50/kWh—much less than gas per mile. Dave Gill Chevy customers enjoy 4 hours/day free on-site charging.
The car gives plenty of low-battery warnings and shows nearby stations. If you ever do run out, call OnStar or Roadside—they’ll tow you to the nearest charger. In practice, running out is rare with good planning.
Not if used occasionally! Chevy’s battery system is managed for longevity. DC Fast Charging every day can cause more wear over many years, so use Level 2 at home for daily charging and reserve DC fast for trips.
Plug the included cord into a 120V outlet for basic charging, or install a 240V Level 2 charger for fast charging at home. Use a licensed electrician (Chevy partners with Qmerit for installs). Ask about utility rebates or the Chevy home charger credit.