As electric vehicle (EV) ownership is growing very rapidly it is very essential for EV owners to understand how they can use the public charging stations efficiently. Especially if you’re new to EV public charging, your first experience at public charging might be complex. However, you will quickly become an expert at powering up your EV with public charging with a few tips and tricks. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the world of public EV charging, ensuring smooth and efficient charging for you and other drivers.
1. Know Where to Go
One of the first steps is to find the nearest and best charging station for your EV. You can use Google Maps, your EV’s navigation system, or specific apps like ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo for that. However many EV drivers recommend Plugshare, which provides an extensive list of public chargers, along with reviews and updates on station status and nearby amenities. Also if you are planning a longer trip, a Better Route Planner is really helpful too. It helps you to map multiple charging stops along your route.
2. Sign Up Before You Show Up
To make your public charging experience a seamless process, pre-download a charging network’s mobile phone app and set up accounts before you show up at a charging station. Many charging stations, especially slower Level 2 chargers, lack credit card readers. Instead, they often require app or RFID card activation, which can be frustrating if you’re at a charger for the first time and don’t yet have an account. Setting these up ahead of time will save you time and effort when you arrive at the EV charging station.
3. Plan Your Charging Position in Advance
As there are no standard charging post locations among EV. You will see it at various places in the different EV models such as – on the rear quarter panel, front fender, or even some position it the front and center on the nose of the car. So it is essential for one to park their vehicle wisely to avoid blocking other vehicles or chargers, think about how you’ll park before pulling in, especially at busy DC fast-charging stations where cables may be short. Be considerate if the only way to reach the charger is to park at an angle or occupy more than one spot, and always avoid obstructing another charger.
4. Have the App Ready Before Plugging In
For those who are using an app to activate your EV charging at a charging station, have it open and ready before plugging in. Some stations, like those in the Electrify America network, require you to plug in first, but delays with app connections can cause the charger to time out. To avoid last minute hassle, initiate your charging session on your app before connecting the vehicle.
5. Start Low and Stop Early for DC Fast Charging
An EV charges faster when its battery is nearly at an empty stage and the speed slows down as it reaches to fully charge. So you can take advantage of it to maximize charging speed, arrive with your battery at a low charge (around 10%) and unplug once you reach about 80% capacity. The initial charge rate is much faster, but it slows significantly as the battery fills. Stopping at 80% not only saves you time but also frees up the charger for other drivers.
6. Choose the Right Charger for Your EV
Not all fast EV chargers are the same. The power output of a DC fast charger can vary from 20 kW to 350 kW, and while higher power is generally faster. But not all EVs can take advantage of it. For example, a Chevy Bolt EV has a maximum charging rate of 55 kW, so using a 350-kW charger is unnecessary and could prevent a vehicle that can charge faster from using it. Check your EV’s charging capacity and choose a charger that matches is a great way to make your public charging useful and easy.
7. Precondition Your Battery for Optimal Charging Speed
EVs charge fastest when their batteries are warm. For example, lithium-ion batteries need to be at operating temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit for quickest DC fast charging. If you’re planning to use a fast charger, use the preconditioning feature in your EV (if available) to heat the battery while you’re en route. However there are some EVs that are able to automatically start “precondition” the battery if you set a fast-charging station as the destination on your GPS. While in some features of precondition activities with manual settings.
8. Be Prepared for Limited Cellular Service
Also there are some charging stations that might be located in remote areas or underground garages. So it might be difficult for you to initiate charging, especially those in remote areas or parking garages, due to weak or no cell service. Having a backup RFID card for your regular charging networks is a good idea in these situations, as is keeping note of the charger number and finding an area with signal to activate remotely if needed. Also there are some charging networks that will also mail you a membership card that can start a session without using a phone.
9. Keep a Pack of Wipes in Your EV
It might sound like something out of the box. But unlike traditional gas stations, public charging sites are often unattended. You may encounter messy cables or plug handles that have been exposed to weather or birds. So keeping a pack of wipes or paper towels on hand will help you stay clean and comfortable during the charging process.
10. Lower Charging Power to Avoid Interruptions on Level 2 Stations
If your Level 2 charging session frequently stops, it could be due to the station’s power limitations. Lowering your EV’s power draw from the charging settings (look for terms like “AC,” “amps,” or “current”) may resolve the issue. This adjustment can also be helpful at campsites where shared power sources are used.
11. Don’t Treat Charging Stations Like Reserved Parking Spots
It’s tempting to park at a charging spot for convenience, but these spaces are strictly for those needing to charge. Parking at a charger without plugging in or leaving your EV at the station long after it’s charged blocks access for other EV drivers who may urgently need a charge. Set up notifications on your app to alert you when charging is complete and move your vehicle promptly.
With more people adopting EVs, courtesy and consideration at public charging stations go a long way. Following these tips will not only make your charging experience smoother but also help foster a more efficient and friendly charging environment for everyone. As you become accustomed to public EV charging, it will become second nature, and you’ll be helping lead the way for new EV drivers adjusting to this new, eco-friendly lifestyle.
