Where to Charge Your GMC Electric Vehicle and What Port You'll Use

GMC electric vehicles use either a combined charging system or Tesla's charging standard, depending on the model year

GMC's charging port changed in 2024. Older GMC EVs like the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV (2017–2023) came with a Combined Charging System (CCS) port, which looks like a rectangle with two rounded sides and handles both AC and DC fast charging. Starting in 2024, GMC switched to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), the same port Tesla uses. If you own a 2024 or newer GMC EV, your vehicle has the NACS port built in.

The port itself is located on the side of your vehicle, usually toward the rear. You'll find it behind a small door or panel. The exact location varies slightly by model — check your owner's manual or look for a small lightning bolt symbol on the body panel to find it quickly.

Knowing which port you have matters because it determines which charging networks you can use without an adapter. CCS ports work at most public networks in North America. NACS ports work at Tesla Superchargers and an expanding number of other networks that have adopted the standard. Both ports support home charging with the right equipment.

Key Takeaways

• GMC Bolt models (2017–2023) have a CCS charging port; 2024 and newer GMC EVs have the NACS port that Tesla uses.
• Your charging port is located on the side of your vehicle behind a small door, usually marked with a lightning bolt symbol.
• CCS ports work at most public charging networks; NACS ports work at Tesla Superchargers and networks adopting the new standard.
• Home charging equipment and adapters are available for both port types, though NACS adapters for CCS vehicles may add cost.
• Your owner's manual or the GMC website for your model year will confirm your exact port type and charging specifications.

CCS charging ports on 2017–2023 GMC Bolts

The CCS port on older GMC electric vehicles is a two-part connector. The top section looks like a standard AC charging plug (the kind you see on Level 1 chargers at home). The bottom section has two large pins for DC fast charging. When you plug in, you're using whichever part matches the charger you're connected to.

At home, you'll use the AC portion with a Level 2 charger, which typically adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. At public fast-charging stations, the DC portion kicks in and can add 100+ miles in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the charger's power output and your vehicle's battery size.

CCS is the standard port across most non-Tesla networks in North America, so your Bolt can charge at Electrify America, EVgo, Volta, ChargePoint, and many regional networks. This wide availability is one reason CCS became the dominant standard before NACS emerged.

NACS charging ports on 2024 and newer GMC EVs

The NACS port is smaller and simpler than CCS. It's a single connector that handles AC and DC charging without a separate section. The port itself is about the size of a standard household outlet, making it more compact and easier to handle than the larger CCS connector.

GMC's 2024 lineup — including the Equinox EV and Sierra EV — comes with NACS built in. This means you can charge directly at Tesla Superchargers without an adapter, which is a significant advantage because Tesla's network is the largest fast-charging network in North America with thousands of locations.

NACS is still expanding beyond Tesla. Charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and others are installing NACS ports alongside their existing CCS equipment. Over time, NACS availability will grow, but CCS remains more widespread for now.

Home charging setup for your GMC EV

Home charging is the most convenient option for daily use, regardless of which port your GMC has. You'll need a Level 2 home charger, which requires a 240-volt outlet (the same voltage as an electric dryer or oven). Installation typically costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on whether your home already has 240-volt service near where you park.

For CCS vehicles, you'll use a standard Level 2 charger with a CCS connector. For NACS vehicles, you'll need a Level 2 charger with an NACS connector. Both types are available from manufacturers like Wallbox, ChargePoint, and Tesla (for NACS). Many home chargers come with a mobile app so you can monitor charging remotely and set charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.

Level 1 charging — using a standard household outlet — is also possible with both port types but is very slow, adding only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. Most owners use Level 1 only as a backup.

Using adapters if your port doesn't match the charger

If you have a CCS vehicle and want to charge at a Tesla Supercharger, you'll need a CCS-to-NACS adapter. These adapters are available from third-party manufacturers and typically cost $200 to $400. The adapter plugs into your CCS port and allows you to use NACS chargers, though charging speed may be slightly reduced depending on the adapter's design.

If you have an NACS vehicle and encounter an older CCS-only charger, adapters exist but are less common and may not be as readily available. As NACS adoption spreads, this scenario will become rarer. For now, most NACS vehicle owners can find compatible chargers without adapters in most areas.

Before buying an adapter, check whether the chargers you use most often already support your port type. Many networks now have both CCS and NACS options at the same location, so an adapter may not be necessary for your regular charging routine.

Finding public charging stations near you

Several apps and websites show public charging locations and their port types. PlugShare, ChargeHub, and A Better Route Planner all let you filter by port type (CCS or NACS) and charger speed. Most also show real-time availability so you know whether a charger is in use before you drive there.

Your GMC's built-in navigation system may also show charging stations and their availability. Check your owner's manual for how to access this feature. Tesla's navigation (available on 2024+ models through certain integrations) prioritizes Superchargers, but third-party apps give you more options across all networks.

When planning longer trips, use these apps to map out charging stops in advance. Knowing your vehicle's range and the distance between chargers helps you avoid running low on battery.

Charging speed and what affects it

Charging speed depends on three things: the charger's power output (measured in kilowatts), your vehicle's maximum charging rate, and the battery's current state of charge. A 150 kW DC fast charger will charge faster than a 50 kW charger, but your GMC Bolt or Equinox EV has a maximum charging rate it cannot exceed. Similarly, batteries charge more slowly when very cold or very hot, and they slow down as they approach full capacity.

Level 2 home chargers typically deliver 7 to 11 kW, adding 25 to 30 miles per hour. DC fast chargers at public stations range from 50 kW to 350 kW, adding anywhere from 100 to 200+ miles in 20 to 40 minutes depending on all the factors above.

Cold weather reduces charging speed significantly — sometimes by 20 to 40 percent. Preconditioning your battery (warming it up before charging) helps, and most GMC EVs have a preconditioning feature you can set up through the vehicle's touchscreen or app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a CCS adapter at a Tesla Supercharger with my 2023 GMC Bolt?

Yes. Third-party CCS-to-NACS adapters let you charge at Tesla Superchargers, though you'll need to purchase one separately. Adapters typically cost $200 to $400 and may slightly reduce charging speed. Check the adapter's compatibility with your specific Bolt model before buying.

What's the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging?

Level 1 uses a standard household outlet and adds 2 to 3 miles per hour. Level 2 requires a 240-volt outlet and adds 25 to 30 miles per hour. DC fast charging uses specialized equipment and adds 100+ miles in 20 to 40 minutes. Most owners use Level 2 at home and DC fast charging for road trips.

Will my 2024 GMC EV work at CCS chargers?

Not without an adapter. Your NACS port is designed for NACS chargers and Tesla Superchargers. However, most charging networks are adding NACS ports, so you'll have increasing options without needing an adapter as time goes on.

How do I know if my GMC has CCS or NACS?

Check your owner's manual or look at your vehicle's charging port. CCS ports are larger with a rectangular shape and two distinct sections. NACS ports are smaller and more compact. If your GMC was built before 2024, it almost certainly has CCS. If it's 2024 or newer, it has NACS.

Does cold weather affect how fast my GMC charges?

Yes. Cold temperatures can reduce charging speed by 20 to 40 percent because the battery charges more slowly when cold. Most GMC EVs have a preconditioning feature that warms the battery before charging. Use this feature in winter to improve charging speed.