Your first experience with electric cars will definitely involve some learning, but when it comes to charging, the learning process might be a bit trickier than other aspects. There might be so many questions in your mind. First, where would you charge your car? For how long? What happens when you come to a public charging station for the first time?
Fortunately, once you know how to charge an electric car properly, everything will be easier than you expect. This EV charging guide for beginners will help you understand exactly that.
Understanding Your EV Charging Options
It is important to be familiar with the various types of chargers before learning how to charge an electric car. This will depend on your parking space and also the amount of driving you do daily.
- Home AC charging: Ideal for overnight charging, especially if you have a personal charger at home.
- Public AC charging: Suitable for charging at workplaces, hotels, malls, parking facilities, etc., where you can park your car for several hours.
- DC fast charging: Best suited for charging at public charging stations, highways, and other such places where saving time is a priority.
The charging capacity of your vehicle dictates how much power it can take. A powerful charger might not be able to charge all EVs at their maximum rate; therefore, it is important to consult your vehicle manual before choosing a charger.
Check Your Vehicle's Connector Before Plugging In
The charging port for each electric car is different. Before going to a charging station or buying a home EV charger, find out which charging ports your car supports and what charging standards it works with.
Type 2 is commonly used for AC charging, and CCS2 for DC fast charging. However, some cars may have GB/T charging connectors, especially the ones imported from China. The difference is important, as a port may be suitable for one car but not another.
Additionally, your vehicle manual will provide you with information about the maximum amount of power that your car is capable of handling in terms of AC and DC charging. You can use this information while selecting the right charging equipment.
While considering options for charging equipment for your home/office environment, you need to consider the charging port and power requirements of your car. This is how you can choose the right EV charging solutions.
How to Use an EV Charging Station for the First Time
While your first charging session might feel strange, in general, the process is not actually very complicated. To learn how to charge an electric car at a public station, you have to know the proper steps. The procedure depends both on the charging network and your electric car.
Step 1: Choose the right station. Use a mobile charging app or an EV charging map to find a station nearby and see whether there is enough space for you to plug in your car and whether it offers the connector you need.
Step 2: Park conveniently. Make sure that you don't stretch the cable too much or create any obstruction for people walking by.
Step 3: Plug the charger into your electric vehicle. You will have to open the charging port of your car and connect the cable, based on the instructions given on the charger. There are charging stations where the cable is already attached, and there are those where you have to bring the cable yourself. So, you should also understand which EV charging cable length works best for you.
Step 4: Begin charging. Depending on the specific network, you will have to scan a QR code, download an app, use an RFID card, or follow instructions displayed by the charging device. Confirm that the charging session has started by checking your dashboard or the charging app.
Step 5: Terminate the session properly. Stop the charging process using the vehicle, the charger, or an app, as instructed. If needed, unlock the charging cable and disconnect it from the vehicle. Return the cable to its proper place.
If charging doesn't begin, don't repeatedly force the connector. Check the station's instructions, confirm that authentication is complete, and look for an error message.
Making Home Charging Part of Your Routine
One of the advantages of owning an electric vehicle is that it allows convenient charging at home. Charging your electric vehicle at home makes EV charging a convenient part of your everyday routine instead of being another headache to take care of.
First, determine the space available for parking as well as the average distance that you will cover. It is advisable to have your electrical power supply and circuit capacity evaluated by a certified electrician before purchasing the right EV charger. It is not safe to assume that an average household outlet would suit you for long periods of charging.
Once the charger is installed, you should connect your vehicle according to the instructions. If the schedule option is available, you should choose the most convenient times for your routine or electricity tariffs.
Drivers who are planning to have a home EV charger should consider Blaupunkt EV home charging stations along with their needs for charging and their electrical supply.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?
Factors affecting charging time include battery capacity, current battery state, power used to charge, and temperature. Your vehicle's maximum charging rate also affects how quickly it can accept energy.
For example, charging 30 kWh of energy using an effective power of 7 kW will take about 4.3 hours in ideal situations. The actual time required could be more than this due to fluctuations in power and energy loss during charging.
DC fast charging is quite efficient in reducing charging time, especially for longer drives. Charging rate usually becomes slower when your battery is almost full. It is advisable to charge sufficiently to get to the destination without having to worry too much.
Small Habits That Make EV Charging Easier
You do not have to recharge your car to 100% every time. You should follow the instructions provided by the car manufacturer on the recommended way of charging daily, as the perfect charging procedure might differ depending on the battery and car.
Moreover, you should know the price of charging before starting a charging session. This is because some charging stations charge based on the energy used, while others charge on other factors like parking and idling charges.
Lastly, be prepared in advance for long trips. Locate the charging stations on the roads and have your favorite charging application handy for a smooth process.