Ever since the Chevrolet Bolt EV debuted in 2017, it's been a great value proposition considering its long range and a relatively low base MSRP. However, in 2017, its DC fast maximum charge rate of 50 kW was acceptable. It certainly wasn't industry-leading, but acceptable nonetheless as most public DC fast charging infrastructure was capped at 50 kW at the time.
A year before the Bolt EV launched, I spoke to the Bolt's chief engineer, Josh Tavel about the decision to limit the fast charge rate to 50 kW, and Tavel explained to me that they could increase the rate if they feel it necessary and if public charging infrastructure matures to deliver higher power.
