2020 CHEVROLET BOLT EV ROAD TRIP 5: DC FAST CHARGING AROUND CHICAGO + WISCONSIN

EV Channels Review

This video documents a road trip segment focusing on DC fast charging experiences around Chicago and into Wisconsin, highlighting the challenges of charging infrastructure in less populated areas. The reviewer encountered several station failures, particularly with an EVgo station in Chicago which had poor ratings and ultimately did not work. An Electrify America station in Milwaukee also presented initial issues but was eventually successful, though charging speeds were limited to 50kW. The journey then moved to a Greenlots station in Fond du Lac, WI, which also provided a 50kW charge. The reviewer notes the increasing reliance on per-kilowatt-hour charging rates outside of Massachusetts and the necessity of planning around available, albeit sometimes unreliable, charging options. Despite the charging hiccups, the Chevrolet Bolt EV itself is performing well, maintaining a consistent 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour efficiency. The video concludes with a stop at a visitor center for Level 2 charging while having dinner, indicating a mixed but manageable charging experience as the trip heads towards the Upper Peninsula.