How to Jump Start a Chevrolet Bolt EV

Steps from the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV owner's manual.

  1. Make sure the other vehicle has a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system, and park the two vehicles so they do not touch.
  2. Set the parking brake, shift into P (Park), and turn the vehicle off along with all lights and accessories in both vehicles.
  3. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the discharged battery positive (+) terminal.
  4. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the good battery positive (+) terminal.
  5. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the good battery negative (–) terminal.
  6. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the discharged battery negative (–) grounding point.
  7. Start the vehicle with the good battery, then try to start the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Source: 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV owner's manual, PDF pages 260, 261. Steps are summarized in our own words (AI-assisted, checked against the cited pages 2026-10-18). Other model years can differ; your manual has the final word.

Confirm with your own manual, dipstick or door-jamb label.
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