Charging Your Chevy Volt: The Options and Limitations
This article explores the various charging options available for the Chevy Volt, detailing why it cannot be charged at Tesla Supercharger stations and other specific charging facilities. We also discuss the compatibility of the Chevy Volt with other public charging stations and the potential future changes with Tesla's CCS adaptors.
Can You Charge a Chevy Volt at a Tesla Station?
One of the common questions surrounding the Chevy Volt is whether it can be charged at a Tesla station. The short answer is no. Tesla Superchargers are designed specifically for Tesla vehicles and use a unique connector that is incompatible with the Chevy Volt's standard J1772 connector.
Specifically, the Chevy Volt uses a J1772 connector that is compatible with many public charging stations, but not with Tesla's proprietary charging infrastructure. This means that while you can't charge a Chevy Volt at a Tesla Supercharger station, you can charge it at other public charging stations that offer J1772 connectors, or at home using a standard outlet or Level 2 charger.
For those who need to charge a Chevy Volt, it is best to look for charging stations that support the J1772 connector. Many public charging stations offer this, making it a viable option for those who drive the Chevy Volt.
Special Considerations: Tesla Destination Chargers
While you can't usually charge a Chevy Volt at a Tesla Supercharger station, there is a limited exception for Tesla Destination chargers. These chargers are typically located at hotels and are Level 2 chargers. However, to charge your Chevy Volt at a Tesla Destination charger, you will need to purchase an adaptor, which can cost around $150. One such adaptor is the Lectron one.
Potential Future Changes With Tesla CCS Adaptors
As of August 28, 2022, there is a possible change on the horizon for Tesla. Tesla is currently working on adding CCS (Combined Charging System) adaptors to their supercharging stations, which could allow for more compatibility with vehicles like the Chevy Volt. While this change has not been implemented yet, it offers hope for future compatibility with Tesla's charging infrastructure.
Potential Compromises and Future Alternatives
The Volt was designed as a plug-in hybrid, and it came with its own set of compromises. One of the main compromises was the small capacity yet large size of the traction battery. This was partly due to the Volt's use of a T-shaped battery pack, which was designed to maximize space in the vehicle but limited seating to four instead of five. Additionally, the Volt used some patents from the failed EV-1, which sparked the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car" and inspired figures like Elon Musk to start Tesla.
Calling the Volt an electric vehicle (EV) was a bit of a stretch. While some of the Volt owners could commute entirely electrically, this was more characteristic of hardcore EV enthusiasts. The Volt is a plug-in hybrid, and with the advancement of vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 LR, which offers a much better balance between electric and gasoline drivetrains, the Volt has become outdated.
The additional compromise of having to carry around a gasoline engine that might only be used occasionally has made the Volt less appealing to many. The Tesla Model 3 LR, with its extended range and more versatile battery, provides a more practical and modern alternative for those who need the flexibility of both electric and gasoline power.