Charging an electric car has never been easier. It is no longer a matter of guessing which plug to use or how much power the car can take.
As more electric cars are on the road worldwide, electric vehicle charging stations are becoming ubiquitous. You can now charge your EV in every country in North America and many parts of Europe and Asia.
Electric cars are designed to travel long distances using electricity instead of gasoline. Charging of the electric car can be done as often as needed without the concern of a dead battery. When you have worked hard to drive that far, it is nice to know that you can plug in at home or work and recharge.
Steps on How to Charge an Electric Car
Step 1: Charge your EV
When you Plug into Charge on your EV, the charging screen displays the current state of charge (SOC) and how far along it is in the charging process. Some stations at public lots display a list of other EVs plugged in.
So, if you're waiting for a charge but someone else is ahead of you, you can look at their status and see how long it will take them to finish charging. It is excellent information to have, especially in a public situation.
Step 2: Find a Charging Station
Using your charger knife, remove the wrapper for the cable and plug it in to charge. When finished, the LED charging light will start blinking green. It is normal and indicates that you're charging. If you have an EV with ENERGY STAR®, this light will indicate whether your EV is fully charged or not. A fully charged car shows a red light instead of a blinking green light.
Step 3: Set your Charging Timer
When you think an hour has passed, unplug your charger and set the timer. The timer on your EV tells you how long it will take to charge for completing your current charge level. To set the timer, select the value of hours and minutes on the remaining screen.
Once you have selected a time, the process begins, and when finished automatically, it will reset itself for the next time. Then you can set the value back again for another hour.
Step 4: Unplug your Charger
When you are ready to leave, plug in your charger, and the LED will turn green. You can even plug it in as you unload your vehicle. The station will warn that you're too close and not plug in. It is, so they don't get burned by an overcharged car. It's a good idea to install an outlet at home to charge your EV overnight.
You can purchase a charging station installation from your local electric utility. You should be able to contact them for information on where the stations are located in your area and what the options are for charging at home.
Step 5: Check your EV
One of the essential parts of charging an EV is checking the amount of charge in the battery. The EV dashboard will provide you with more information.
If a car is overcharged and plugged in all the time, it can suffer some damage to the battery and require replacement. It is essential to check your EV at least once a month.
Step 6: Charge your EVA Properly
Plug in the charging station, then remove the charger from the wall. Check your car's dashboard to see the amount of charge you are putting into your car. When it is finished, unplug the charging station from your EV and remove it from your car.
Charging times vary based on traffic flow, available charging stations, and the actual time. If you are traveling more than 60 miles (96 kilometers), a public electric car charger may be the easiest way to replenish your EV's battery.
By plugging in at home, however, you can save money by not paying for gas. To determine how long it will take to charge a car with a certain amount of miles fully, check the manufacturer's website or call them during business hours for information.
