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

Quick Answer

Charging a 2025 Chevrolet Bolt EV at home in Tennessee costs approximately $33/month — that's $0.033/mile and saves $1,014/year compared to a 28 MPG gas car at Tennessee's gas price of $3.30/gallon.

Hatchbacks deliver outstanding urban efficiency and are among the most cost-effective EVs to charge daily — especially on shorter commutes. Moderate climates provide near-optimal EV performance year-round. Expect battery range close to EPA estimates and consistent charging costs across seasons.

Cost per Mile

$0.033

home charging

Monthly Cost

$33

1,000 miles/month

Annual Savings

$1,014

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 Tennessee

Tennessee'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)

$3.30/gal

$118

$1,414

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 Tennessee

Tennessee is a fast-growing EV market, driven by Nashville and Knoxville. The state hosts Volkswagen's Chattanooga EV assembly plant and is a major hub for EV battery manufacturing (LG Energy Solutions in Holland). TVA's low electricity rates are a major advantage.

Incentives & Programs

Tennessee has no state EV tax credit. Federal incentives apply. TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) offers some of the lowest electricity rates in the US and partners with utilities on EV programs. Nissan's Smyrna plant (near Nashville) is transitioning to EV production.

Charging Infrastructure

I-40, I-24, and I-75 corridors are well-covered. Nashville and Knoxville have solid charging networks. Memphis is growing. Appalachian rural stretches are more limited.

Grid & Energy Source

TVA's grid is approximately 40% nuclear (with several plants), ~25% natural gas, and growing solar and wind. The nuclear base makes Tennessee EV charging relatively clean among Southern states.

TennesseeElectricity Rates & EV Savings

The average residential electricity rate in Tennessee is $0.13/kWh, which is below the national average of $0.17/kWh. With a gas price of $3.30/gallon, Tennessee ranks as a favorable state for EV ownership.

Moderate climates provide near-optimal EV performance year-round. Expect battery range close to EPA estimates and consistent charging costs across seasons. 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)

$1,414

@ $3.30/gallon in Tennessee

You save every year by driving electric in Tennessee

$1,014/year

That's $85/month saved vs. a 28 MPG gas car

Home vs. DC Fast Charging in Tennessee

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

$118

$118/mo

Tips for Charging Your Chevrolet Bolt EV in Tennessee

Tennessee's moderate 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:

TVA's electricity rates are among the lowest in the US — charging in Tennessee is genuinely cheap.

Nashville's growth has added many Level 2 chargers at newer apartment complexes and commercial developments.

Smoky Mountain terrain (US-441) significantly reduces range — plan for the Gatlinburg/Cades Cove routes with extra charge buffer.

VW Chattanooga staff knowledge of EV maintenance and charging is locally excellent — a good resource for ID.4 owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

At Tennessee'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 Tennessee'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 Tennessee?

Home charging the Chevrolet Bolt EV in Tennessee costs $0.033/mile. A comparable 28 MPG gas car costs $0.12/mile at Tennessee's gas price of $3.30/gallon. EVs save approximately $1,014/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 Tennessee?

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