EV charging is still a new territory for some people, unlike traditional vehicles. This is especially true for those who have just bought an electric vehicle. New drivers might have some questions about powering up the battery, but don’t worry!
Following a few simple charging tips will keep your battery going longer while making owning an EV an enjoyable experience. This article lists ten EV battery charging best practices or EV charging tips, answering key questions and doubts that new EV drivers have about charging.
10 EV Charging Tips for New Drivers
Understanding basic EV charging best practices is important for new drivers. Here are 10 EV battery charging best practices to get you started:
1. Understand the Cost of Charging
Research the costs of different charging industry, including home and public charging. The cost of each charge depends on the electricity price, battery capacity, charging efficiency, and additional service fees or surcharges in public places.
Electricity prices may vary in different regions and times. Drivers can pay more attention to the electricity price pattern and choose the optimal charging time period. The battery capacity is related to the range of the car. The efficiency of different brands of charging stations also varies.
Understanding these EV battery charging best practices can help reduce charging costs significantly!
2. Develop EV Charging Habits
Generally speaking, nighttime hours are the best time to charge EVs, as they have the lowest electricity rates. You can also recharge for 30 minutes during your lunch break or on weekends to replenish your battery.
Understanding the local electricity pricing policies, especially the differences in peak and valley electricity prices, can help you save on charging costs. Some charging points provide charging software that can adjust charging time based on low electricity prices to save costs.
Moreover, developing a regular charging routine is also one of the top EV battery charging best practices. This helps avoid panic charges later and ensures your battery is always powered up for the week ahead.
3. Pay Attention to the Charging Point’s Location and Temperature
Other EV battery charging best practices include selecting a suitable location and weather for a charging point. Place your EV in the shade whenever possible during charging sessions. This will help avoid battery overheating in direct sunlight.
Also, prioritize indoor or covered charging stations and avoid almost complete battery discharge in the winter. This is because extremely cold outdoor air can impact battery capacity and charging efficiency, resulting in slow charging speeds and delaying your time.
4. Do Not Overcharge
The EV charging management system is designed to stop charging once full capacity is reached. However, continued charging provides no benefits and needlessly shortens battery life over time.
This is because continuing to charge the battery after it is fully charged will cause additional pressure on its internal materials and also generate heat inside the battery. In some cases, overcharging may increase the risk of battery failure.
Make a habit of this EV battery charging best practice: unplug your EV promptly after reaching 80%–90% electricity displayed on the dash or mobile app.
5. Do Not Frequently Use Fast Charging
While DC fast charging can regain hundreds of miles of range within tens of minutes, it’s not always recommended. This is because it produces more heat within the battery and may cause damage to the chemical composition and structure of the battery. Frequent high voltage and high current may also cause significant pressure on the battery.
Saving faster charging for long road trips is one of the most common EV battery charging best practices. Opting for AC charging for routine use is more feasible.
6. Time Your Charge
Another one of the top EV battery charging best practices regarding how to charge an electric car. Although nighttime charging is the best time to charge EVs, it is easy to overcharge. Leveraging an EV charging management system to precisely control the start and stop of charging is useful.
This avoids overcharging while ensuring the battery is fully replenished. Precisely timing your charge using automated schedules helps maximize the battery’s health and range over many years of service.
7. Explore the Nearby Public Charging Network
Utilize maps to locate the network of public Level 2 and DC fast chargers in your city and along travel routes. Explore nearby public charging stations that can provide more charging options when needed and improve flexibility.
Some EV chargers may be busier during peak hours, and understanding these modes can help you avoid congested periods.
Different EV charging solutions may have different billing standards. Thus, understanding this information can help you plan your charging costs. These EV battery charging best practices will streamline your charging experience!
8. Install a Home EV Charging Station
For convenience and control, consider having a dedicated Level 2 EV charger installed at home when you buy a new EV. This encourages nighttime charging habits and provides a full charge on demand for daily commutes and errands.
Home charging relieves reliance on public stations and saves your EV charging costs, no matter public service fees or higher electricity prices.
9. Follow EV Charging Etiquette
Be considerate of others by not prolonging parking at charging stations without charging. Unplug promptly upon a full charge as well. Also, after using the charging cable, correctly roll the cable up and place it back in place to avoid it dragging or twining. This will ensure that you keep the spot available for the next EV driver.
Plus, do not litter or leave personal belongings in the charging area. Proper etiquette is among the top EV battery charging best practices. It maintains goodwill in the growing EV community.
10. Slow Driving Can Save Power
The faster the driving speed, the quicker the battery consumption. This is because the car needs to overcome air resistance during driving, which increases with the increase in vehicle speed.
Secondly, when driving at a slow speed, the discharge rate of the battery is relatively low. Finally, slow driving doesn’t need a larger current output and thus saves electricity.
Select Reliable Residential and Commercial EV Chargers
From residential to bustling commercial spaces, EVB Charger provides different types of electric car chargers. They suit a wide range of vehicles and diverse applications, meeting these EV battery charging best practices.
Our range of residential and commercial charging stations can meet various power-output requirements. For homes, we offer the 22kW Type 2 AC EV Charger – a compact wall-mounted charger that allows you to replenish a 40km range in one hour. Those wanting faster charging can opt for our Dual Socket AC EV Charger.
Businesses have more options. The 2 Guns DC EV Charger with Liquid Cooling is best for frequent usage. It prevents overheating and can withstand external conditions such as high heat, cold, moisture, and dust. For large fleets, the Floor-Mounted 3 Guns DC EV Charger offers high-power charging for three cars simultaneously.
Lastly, those looking to generate additional revenue can use our 2 Guns Advertising DC EV Charger and integrate advertising during charging sessions. All these products come with generous warranty terms to ensure long-lasting performance!
Conclusion
Mastering EV charging best practices helps maximize convenience for new EV drivers. The best electric vehicle charging tips, such as understanding charging costs, developing daily charging habits, and being mindful of location and temperature, will enhance your EV charging experience.
At EVB Charger, our goal is to make the EV transition as simple as possible. Thus, we have reliable options for all EV charging solutions and needs. Visit our website to browse them all. Let EVB Charger be your trusted partner for confidence in electric driving.
