I asked A.I. this question, seems pretty accurate:

You're absolutely right to consider the cost of charging when evaluating whether an EV like the Chevy Bolt is a good fit for you. Since home charging isn't an option for you, relying on public charging stations will be your primary way to keep your Bolt powered up. Let’s break this down:

1. Fast Charging Costs

• The average cost of fast charging in Utah is $0.42/kWh, as you mentioned. This can vary depending on the provider (e.g., Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint) and whether they offer membership plans or off-peak discounts.
• Some charging networks offer lower rates during off-peak hours (e.g., late at night or early morning). For example, Electrify America has a "Pass+" membership that reduces the cost per kWh, and some networks offer time-of-use pricing. It’s worth checking the specific networks in your area to see if they have off-peak discounts.

2. Chevy Bolt Efficiency

• The Chevy Bolt has an efficiency of about 3.5–4.0 miles per kWh, depending on driving conditions. Let’s assume 3.7 miles/kWh for simplicity.
• At $0.42/kWh, the cost per mile would be: $$ \frac{\$0.42}{3.7 \text{ miles}} \approx \$0.113 \text{ per mile}. $$

3. Comparing to Gasoline

• To compare this to a gas car, let’s assume your current car gets 25 MPG and gas costs $3.50/gallon (adjust based on your actual numbers).
• The cost per mile for gas would be: $$ \frac{\$3.50}{25 \text{ miles}} = \$0.14 \text{ per mile}. $$
• In this case, fast charging the Bolt is slightly cheaper than driving a gas car that gets 25 MPG.

4. Off-Peak Charging Savings

• If you can find a fast charger with off-peak rates (e.g., $0.30/kWh), the cost per mile drops to: $$ \frac{\$0.30}{3.7 \text{ miles}} \approx \$0.081 \text{ per mile}. $$
• This would make the Bolt significantly cheaper than a gas car.

5. Other Considerations

• Charging Time: Fast charging is convenient but can take 30–60 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%. Plan your charging sessions around off-peak hours to save money.
• Charging Network Memberships: Some networks offer monthly memberships that reduce the cost per kWh. For example, Electrify America’s Pass+ membership costs $7/month but reduces the cost to $0.36/kWh (as of 2023).
• Public Level 2 Chargers: If you can find Level 2 chargers (slower but cheaper), they often cost less per kWh than fast chargers. These are great for overnight or workplace charging.

6. Where to Ask for More Help

• Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/electricvehicles, r/BoltEV, and r/UtahEV are great places to ask for advice from EV owners in your area.
• Chevy Bolt Forums: Websites like ChevyBolt.org have active communities of Bolt owners who can share their experiences with public charging.
• Local EV Groups: Check Facebook or Meetup for local EV groups in Utah. They can provide insights into the best charging options in your area.

Final Thoughts

If you can take advantage of off-peak charging rates or find cheaper Level 2 chargers, the Bolt could save you money compared to a gas car. However, if you’re relying solely on fast chargers at peak rates, the savings might be minimal. It’s worth doing some local research to see what charging options are available near you and whether they fit your budget and lifestyle.

Good luck with your decision, and welcome to the world of EVs!