Thinking about renting a Blink Mobility electric vehicle but concerned about EV charging time and re-charging time? The quickest way to charge an electric vehicle is called DC fast charging. We know electric vehicles save money and prevent air pollution, but for those who have never driven an EV before, knowing how long it can take to recharge the vehicle can be daunting. How long it takes to re-charge depends on several factors: how powerful the charger is, the length of the charging cable, and how much charge the vehicle can handle at once. So, how long does it take to re-charge a Blink Mobility Chevy Bolt?
EV Charging Time
Currently, all of Blink Mobility’s rentable EVs are Chevy Bolts, a mid-size EV that can charge faster than ever before with Blink chargers. The charging speed of the Bolt is influenced by several factors such as battery size and charger type. The Bolt has an estimated 259-mile range and goes from zero to 60 in 6.9 seconds. The Chevy Bolt was the first mainstream EV to have a range longer than 200 miles. The Bolt is small and efficient enough for trips to work, but with a roomy interior and hatchback for moving or long trips. Thanks to a large hatchback area and roomy interior, the Bolt is big enough for up to 4-5 passengers and holds plenty of boxes but is small enough to park almost anywhere. This compact car has even been compared to a cross-over because of how much interior space is usable! It’s the perfect choice for those who want to run errands around town but has enough range to visit friends and family, head to an amusement park or the beach, go to Ikea, and get just about anything done.
Most plug-in hybrids are not equipped to handle DC fast charging, which gives the Bolt an advantage in terms of charging capabilities. For long-distance travel, using a DC charger can significantly reduce charging time compared to home overnight charging.
Blink Mobility offers package deals to save our drivers money. Try the 3-Hour City Sprint, perfect for running errands, visiting friends, or dropping by your favorite museum. Another option is the 5-Hour Break Away, great for going to the beach, moving across town, or a full day of shopping. Blink Mobility’s packages save you 45% on regular rates. It’s important to note that frequent use of fast charging can affect the battery health of the Chevy Bolt.
Need to Re-Charge?
Re-charging the Chevy Bolt is fast and efficient at Blink charging stations. For even faster charging, DC fast chargers can be used, significantly reducing the time needed to recharge. The Blink IQ 200 is a better, faster way than the average Level Two public charger. With the IQ 200, the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV—with an onboard charger power rating of 7.7 kW and a large battery size of 66 kWh—can fully charge in 8.57 hours, half the time of other Level Two chargers. Our IQ 200 charger, which can charge at a rate of up to 65 RPH (miles of range per hour), has 80-amp output on a 100-amp circuit, making charging faster and easier than ever before. The efficiency of the Blink IQ 200 ensures that the EV battery is charged quickly and safely.
Does It Really Take 8 Hours to Re-Charge with DC Fast Charging?
Never re-charged an EV before? Here’s the scoop on how to charge an electric car. Re-charging an EV has more in common with plugging in your laptop than filling an ICEV with gas. Just like laptop and cell phone batteries, EV batteries are most efficient at a 40-80% charge. The state of the EV’s battery, including factors like battery size, state of charge, and environmental conditions, can significantly affect the charging speed and efficiency. Drivers who are used to filling up a gas tank are accustomed to running the tank all the way down and then filling it up completely again, but EV drivers are opportunistic re-chargers. Headed to Disneyland? Use the Blink chargers at Carl’s Jr. at 31010 E. La Palma in Anaheim to grab a 30-minute charge while getting dinner. Going to the beach? Try the Blink Chargers at the Waverly, at 1705 Ocean Ave, while you lie in the sun. EV drivers always keep their cars partially charged and refuel when it’s convenient. How long it takes to recharge your EV is dependent on several factors. The state of the vehicle’s battery system is crucial for maintaining the battery’s lifespan and long-term performance, impacting charging efficiency and time when using DC fast charging. Using a DC fast charger is the quickest way to refuel an electric vehicle, but the charging speed can taper as the battery approaches full charge. The Blink IQ 200 is designed to charge faster than other Level Two chargers, without the damage or expense of Superchargers. The Blink IQ 200 is perfect for getting Blink Mobility drivers back on the road fast, which is why all our stations consist of Blink IQ 200 chargers.
Understanding Electric Vehicles Charging Levels
To better understand EV charge time, it’s essential to know the different levels of EV charging:
- Level 1 Charging: Uses a standard household electrical outlet (120 volts) and provides about 4 miles of range per hour. This method is slow and best for overnight charging at home.
- Level 2 Charging: Requires a dedicated 240-volt outlet and can provide 20-30 miles of range per hour. This is the most common type of public and home charging station and is ideal for daily use.
- DC Fast Charging: Uses direct current (DC) to charge the battery quickly, providing up to 80% charge in about 30 minutes. DC charging is the fastest way to add range to your EV, making it ideal for long trips. Rapid charging can bring your EV battery to 80% capacity in a short amount of time, typically between 20 minutes to 1 hour. When using a DC fast charging station, the unique charging curves of electric vehicles can result in varying charging times based on the specific charging curve and DC charge acceptance rate. The charging speed depends on the power output of the charger, with higher output resulting in quicker refueling times.
Conclusion
EV charge time can vary based on the type of charger and the vehicle’s battery capacity. The EV’s battery state of charge and capacity play crucial roles in determining the overall charging time. With Blink Mobility’s advanced IQ 200 chargers, re-charging your Chevy Bolt is faster and more efficient, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time driving. For more information on EV charging and to explore our rental packages, visit us at blinkmobility.com. Blink Mobility is a fully electric car rental service in L.A.