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How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Chevrolet Bolt EV in Montana?

Quick Answer

Charging a 2025 Chevrolet Bolt EV at home in Montana costs approximately $33/month — that's $0.033/mile and saves $1,186/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Montana's gas price of $3.70/gallon.

Hatchbacks deliver outstanding urban efficiency and are among the most cost-effective EVs to charge daily — especially on shorter commutes. Cold weather reduces EV range by 20–40% as the battery heats itself and the cabin. Use scheduled departure to pre-heat on shore power before driving.

Cost per Mile

$0.033

home charging

Monthly Cost

$33

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,186

vs. 28 MPG gas car

About the 2025 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the best value EV available at $27,495 — offering 259 miles of range at a price that makes it accessible to a wider audience than any other purpose-built EV. The 2025 model maintains its position as the most affordable new EV in America.

Advantages

✓$27,495 starting price — the most affordable new EV in the US

✓3.9 mi/kWh efficiency is among the best for any EV

✓GM's One Pedal Driving is intuitive and allows full stop without brakes

✓Regenerative braking paddle adds regen control without full One Pedal Driving

Considerations

✗55 kW DC fast charging cap is the biggest weakness — adds about 25 miles per 10 minutes

✗Interior materials feel budget-tier at the price point

✗259-mile range is adequate but below premium competitors

✗No NACS port standard — CCS only (adapter needed for Tesla Superchargers)

Ideal Buyer

Budget-conscious commuters who primarily charge at home overnight. Buyers who want an efficient daily driver without a luxury price tag. Second-car households where range is secondary to purchase price.

vs. Gas Equivalent

Competes with economy hatchbacks like Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic in price. As an EV, it undercuts the Nissan Leaf and competes with the Nissan Leaf Plus.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Charging Cost Breakdown in Montana

Montana's electricity rate of $0.13/kWh is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. At this rate, the Chevrolet Bolt EV's 65 kWh battery costs $8.45 for a full charge — a meaningful savings versus gas at current prices.

Charging Method

$/kWh

$/month

$/year

🏠 Home (Level 2)

$0.13

$33

$400

🔌 Public Level 2

$0.23

$60

$720

⚡ DC Fast Charger

$0.49

$126

$1,508

⛽ Gasoline (28 MPG)

$3.70/gal

$132

$1,586

Based on 1,000 miles/month. Public L2 estimated at 1.8× home rate. DC fast charging at national average of $0.49/kWh.

2025 Chevrolet Bolt EVSpecs & Charging Data

55 kW DCFC is the Bolt's Achilles heel — 80% charge takes approximately 60 minutes at a DC fast charger, far slower than competitors. At home on Level 2, the 65 kWh battery fully charges in approximately 7 hours at 32A.

Battery

65 kWh

EPA Range

259 miles

Efficiency

3.9 mi/kWh

kWh/100 miles

25.6 kWh

DC Fast Charge

55 kW max

10–80% Time

~71 min

Body Type

Hatchback

MSRP

$27,495

Full Charge Cost

$8.45

EV Ownership in Montana

Montana has low EV adoption due to its vast rural geography and limited charging infrastructure. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman are the primary markets. The state's scenic driving routes and outdoor culture are increasingly attracting EV road-trippers.

Incentives & Programs

Montana has no state EV tax credit. Federal incentives apply. NorthWestern Energy offers no dedicated EV rate plans currently, though this may change as the market grows.

Charging Infrastructure

I-90 and I-15 corridors have sparse DCFC coverage. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman have limited urban charging. Gaps of 100+ miles exist on many Montana routes — this is one of the most challenging EV states for long-distance driving.

Grid & Energy Source

Montana's grid is roughly 60% hydro and 30% coal — an unusual mix. The hydro-heavy portion makes Montana's EV charging fairly clean, though the coal-heavy Billings area is somewhat less so.

MontanaElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Montana is $0.13/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.70/gallon, Montana ranks as a favorable state for EV ownership.

Cold weather reduces EV range by 20–40% as the battery heats itself and the cabin. Use scheduled departure to pre-heat on shore power before driving. Your Chevrolet Bolt EV's 65 kWh battery provides up to 259 miles of EPA-rated range. Real-world range may vary by 10–30% depending on temperature, speed, and terrain.

Annual EV Cost (home)

$400

Chevrolet Bolt EV @ $0.13/kWh

Annual Gas Cost (28 MPG)

$1,586

@ $3.70/gallon in Montana

You save every year by driving electric in Montana

$1,186/year

That's $99/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Montana

Monthly cost comparison for 1,000 miles in a Chevrolet Bolt EV:

🏠 Home L2

$33

$33/mo

🔌 Public L2

$60

$60/mo

⚡ DC Fast

$126

$126/mo

⛽ Gasoline

$132

$132/mo

Tips for Charging Your Chevrolet Bolt EV in Montana

Montana's cold climate and charging infrastructure have specific implications for Chevrolet Bolt EV owners. Here are practical tips to maximize range and minimize charging costs in this state:

Montana's charging gaps are real — use A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) to map your entire Montana route before departure.

Glacier and Yellowstone access roads have limited charging. Plan to arrive with a near-full charge.

Montana's winters are severe: -20°F is not uncommon. Range can drop 40–50% in extreme cold — treat the battery like a critical resource.

Bozeman is the most EV-friendly city in Montana, with growing Tesla and third-party infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge a Chevrolet Bolt EV at home in Montana?

At Montana's average residential rate of $0.13/kWh, charging a 2025 Chevrolet Bolt EV at home costs approximately $33/month based on 1,000 miles of driving. A full charge costs $8.45.

How much does it cost to fully charge a Chevrolet Bolt EV?

A full charge of the Chevrolet Bolt EV's 65 kWh battery costs $8.45 at Montana's rate of $0.13/kWh. At a public DC fast charger ($0.49/kWh), that's about $31.85.

Is it cheaper to charge a Chevrolet Bolt EV or drive a gas car in Montana?

Home charging the Chevrolet Bolt EV in Montana costs $0.033/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.13/mile at Montana's gas price of $3.70/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,186/year.

How long does it take to charge a Chevrolet Bolt EV with DC fast charging?

The Chevrolet Bolt EV supports up to 55 kW DC fast charging. A 10–80% charge takes approximately 71 minutes at peak speed. Actual time varies by charger capacity, battery temperature, and current state of charge.

How much does a Chevrolet Bolt EV add to your electric bill in Montana?

Driving 1,000 miles/month in a Chevrolet Bolt EV adds about $33 to your monthly electric bill in Montana. That's 25.6 kWh per 100 miles × $0.13/kWh.

How does cold weather in Montana affect Chevrolet Bolt EV range?

Cold winters in Montana can reduce Chevrolet Bolt EV range by 20–40%. With a 65 kWh battery and 259-mile EPA range, plan for 181–207 miles in cold conditions. Use the scheduled departure feature to pre-heat the cabin while still plugged in to preserve driving range.