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ABOUT CHARGING YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE

You can charge your electric vehicle at home or at certain public places. There are different types (or levels) of charging, and your rate of charge will vary based on which one you use.†

TYPES OF EV CHARGING

When charging your electric vehicle, power from the electrical grid will reach your vehicle through either alternating current (AC; Level 1 or Level 2) charging or direct current fast charging (DC Fast Charging). The specific type of charging supported by your vehicle depends on your vehicle’s capabilities. 

Actual charge times will vary based on battery condition, the output of the charger, your vehicle settings and outside temperature. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations.

  • AC Charging:

    • Level 1: Level 1 charging† can be done at almost any properly equipped standard 3-prong wall outlet (120v). This type of charging, typically done at home, will take the longest amount of time to fully charge your battery, so it’s best for “topping off” after short trips.
    • Level 2: Level 2 charging is faster than Level 1. This type of charging requires a high-power, 4-prong wall outlet (240V; e.g., an appliance outlet) or you can have hardwired charging equipment professionally installed at home or in your preferred charging location. Public stations typically offer this capability.
    • If your vehicle came with an available Dual Level Charge Cord, learn more about using it.
  • DC Fast Charging:

    • DC Fast Charging: The fastest type of charging available is DC Fast Charging. It can only be done at public charging stations. If you’re using a DC Fast Charging station, here are some other things to know. 

FINDING A PUBLIC CHARGING STATION

Public charging stations are typically managed by a charge point operator. The charge point operator may charge you to use the station, either by session time or how many kilowatt-hours(kWh) are used.

There are many features in the myGMC mobile app† to help you locate charging stations, get information about the station (e.g., availability, type) and get directions to the station. Learn more about your vehicle's mobile app.

PLUGGING IN YOUR VEHICLE

  • Make sure your vehicle is in PARK to start charging.
  • Beneath your vehicle’s charging point door, you’ll see one or two connection points, called inlets, depending on your vehicle’s charging capabilities.
  • These inlets let you plug in a charging station’s cord or use the charge cord included with your vehicle to plug into an outlet.
  • If your vehicle came with a Dual Level Charge Cord, learn more about using it.
  • If your vehicle has DC Fast Charging capability, the bottom inlet will have a dust cover that should be removed or flipped down before plugging in.
  • Your vehicle’s charging status indicator will light up when charging begins and you may hear a chirp (if you haven’t disabled it in your vehicle settings). The colour and pattern of the indicator light provide information about the status of charging. Refer to your Owner’s Manual to see what each colour/pattern means.

 

MONITORING YOUR ENERGY AND CHARGING STATUS

There are two key ways to monitor your vehicle’s energy use and charging status:

HOW TO STOP CHARGING AND UNPLUG

To stop charging, you can do the following:

  • Use the charge station stop button (if it has one; not all stations will).
  • Use the charge station app.
  • Use the stop button on the infotainment screen (if it has one).
  • Push the latch release button on the vehicle coupler.
  • Locate the stop button on your vehicle’s centre console touchscreen.
  • Note: You do not have to wait for a charge to complete to stop charging your vehicle. If the charge cord cannot be unplugged from the vehicle, refer to your Owner’s Manual for instructions on how to proceed.
  • To unplug the charge cord, press the latch release button located at the top of the vehicle coupler to interrupt charging and free the coupler for unplugging.

MAXIMIZING YOUR EV RANGE

Your electric vehicle efficiency and subsequent range are influenced by various factors. Some of these factors can be within your control and are similar to the ways you would maximize the gas mileage of a gas-powered vehicle.

It’s important to note that EV range will vary based on outside temperature, terrain, load and driving technique. Here are some tips to help maximize your range:

  • Preheat or precool the cabin while your vehicle is plugged in to reserve the battery energy for driving.
  • Use heated/ventilated seats (if equipped) for cabin comfort instead of your climate controls when possible.
  • Drive at lower speeds on the highway.
  • Accelerate slowly.
  • Use One-Pedal Driving† or Regen On Demand.†
  • Ensure your tires are properly inflated and not excessively worn.

RELATED LINKS AND RESOURCES

How to Use Dual Level Charge Cord How to Use DC Fast Charging
About the Energy App

Q&As

Why does DC Fast Charging start slowing down the longer I’m plugged in?

In order to provide optimal charging rates and to maximize performance and battery life, the rate of charging will start slowing down as your battery fills up. It will charge most quickly when the battery is at a low charge during the beginning of your charge and then gradually slow down.

Why didn’t my vehicle charge completely?

If your vehicle finished charging but was not fully charged, check to make sure your “target charge level” is not set to a reduced amount. This setting will be stored until you change it again.

Does my battery have to be completely empty before I charge it?

No. You can charge your battery from any level, even just to “top off” the charge for your drive. However, the battery may charge slower when it is near the top of its charge.

Can I use Tesla equipment to charge my GM vehicle?

At this time, GM does not recommend using adaptors when charging GM vehicles. GM continues to monitor developments in the industry and will update its recommendations in the future as needed.

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To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner’s Manual for more information about features.

  • Acadia 2010-2021
  • Acadia Limited 2017
  • Canyon 2010-2021
  • Savana Cargo Van 2010-2021
  • Savana Commercial Cutaway 2010-2015
  • Savana Passenger 2010-2021
  • Sierra 1500/2500HD/3500HD 2010-2021    
  • Sierra 1500 Hybrid 2010-2013    
  • Suburban 2010-2021    
  • Terrain 2010-2021    
  • Yukon and Yukon XL 2010-2021    
  • Yukon Hybrid 2010-2013

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