Unlocking the Secrets to Effortless & Error-Free EV Charging

With the introduction of exciting new electric vehicles in the market, it's natural to have a lot of questions. For those who are new to owning an EV, there will be a learning curve in terms of developing new driving habits, reducing visits to gas stations, and establishing an efficient charging routine. However, embracing new technology also brings its fair share of challenges, and it's important to avoid common mistakes when it comes to EV charging.

The feeling of driving a new car is exhilarating, with a focus on maintaining a clean interior, avoiding dirty windows, and preventing scratches. Car enthusiasts often prioritize regular oil changes and meticulously care for their new wheels. However, owning an electric vehicle presents entirely different challenges. These include understanding the optimal charging methods, familiarizing oneself with EV charging speeds and cable types, and being cautious about over-charging. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of a few key considerations.

Watch Out for Overcharging

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Fortunately, the majority of EVs currently on the market are equipped with advanced systems and software to assist their owners. However, it is important to remain vigilant and avoid common errors, such as overcharging.

The battery found in your EV is comparable to that of a smartphone, but it necessitates different charging practices. It is not advisable to leave it on the charger overnight, as this could gradually reduce its lifespan and lead to battery deterioration. Fortunately, electric vehicles in the United States typically come with a minimum 8-year battery warranty, and most should outlive this warranty period with ease.

Manufacturers often recommend following the 80-20 rule for electric vehicles. This means only charging up to 80% unless going on a long road trip, and avoiding letting the battery go below 20%. By adhering to this rule, the lifespan of the battery will be preserved compared to constantly charging to 100%. While electric vehicles require maintenance, they are generally easier to care for than traditional gasoline-powered cars. Just as maintaining the engine is vital for an internal combustion engine car, ensuring the health of the battery is crucial for an electric vehicle.

Slow Level 1 Charging At Home

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Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at home is considerably more cost-effective than refueling with gasoline and even cheaper than using a public charging station. However, if your home is not equipped with modern upgrades or a faster level 2 charger, you will be limited to slow level 1 charging through a regular 120V wall outlet. Fortunately, every EV in the US comes with a charging cable for this purpose, and most owners make use of it.

While it is convenient that owners can charge their EV at home without the need for expensive garage upgrades or the installation of a faster charger, it becomes apparent quite quickly that a slow charge may not suffice for daily commutes or weekend trips.

Modern EVs offer incredibly fast recharging capabilities. However, using the slow level 1 charger at home not only consumes a significant amount of time, but it also poses risks. The outlet cables can become excessively hot, and they may not be designed specifically for electric vehicles. This increases the likelihood of overheating, short circuits, and other potential issues. To mitigate these risks and enjoy faster charging, it is highly recommended to upgrade your home with a more efficient level 2 wall charger.

Using Fast Charging Too Often

Tyler Hayes

Maintaining balance is crucial in all aspects of life, and this principle also holds true for your new EV. It's important to exercise moderation, even when it comes to utilizing fast charging stations. Constantly relying on them can expedite battery deterioration due to the high influx of electricity. Simply because there is a convenient Tesla Supercharger station or DC fast charger at your workplace, it does not imply the necessity of using it on a daily basis or for every single charging session.

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Extreme temperatures, whether frigid cold or scorching heat, can have detrimental effects on the battery of an electric vehicle (EV). Additionally, using the fastest charging option generates excessive heat. To mitigate these risks, most EVs are equipped with battery cooling systems and temperature-detecting software that regulate charging speeds. Nonetheless, it is advisable to prioritize safety instead of taking unnecessary chances.

Chemical reactions taking place within a lithium-ion battery not only impact its capacity but also contribute to its degradation over time. Despite the temptation to frequently utilize fast charging, it is wise to restrict its usage to situations that truly demand it, such as during a road trip or when facing a depleted battery while commuting. Opting for slower yet still adequately efficient level 2 charging speeds at home or public charging stations is preferable.

Charging During Peak Hours

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As we all are aware, electricity during peak hours is the most expensive in the majority of states. You probably already have the habit of doing your laundry at night and adjusting the AC when you're not at home. When you own an electric vehicle (EV), it's important to incorporate this into your routine as well. Making use of off-peak charging can significantly save you money.

Avoid connecting your EV to the charger as soon as you arrive home at 5 p.m., as this is a peak time in most parts of the country. Instead, wait a few hours and take advantage of lower rates during the later part of the evening. However, I understand that many people may not be able to or prefer not to charge their EV between 10 p.m. and midnight, even though that's when prices will decrease the most.

Leaving Your EV Plugged In Overnight

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Although it is generally acceptable to plug in your electric vehicle overnight, particularly when using a slower level 2 charger for a significant amount of charging, it is advisable to prevent it from remaining at 100% charge for extended periods of time. If you are aware that your vehicle will reach full charge by a specific time, be cautious and disconnect it once it reaches that threshold.

Using public fast chargers at a shopping mall follows the same principle. Despite their accessibility, it's not always advisable to use them. Keeping your vehicle plugged in and charging for several hours while you shop is not ideal. This practice is detrimental to your battery, EV cooling system, the power grid, and other people who may need to use the charging station.

Although your vehicle has the intelligence to stop charging at a certain level, it still produces heat and puts unnecessary strain on the charging system. To ensure the longevity of your battery, it is important to avoid overcharging or leaving it plugged in at 100% for excessive periods of time.

Don't Let Your EV Battery Get to Zero

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It is important to avoid completely draining any lithium-ion battery, whether it is in your smartphone, smartwatch, laptop, or the vehicle you have parked in the garage. Allowing the battery cells to die permanently can diminish the overall capacity of the device or vehicle. Although the decrease may be minimal at first, it can accumulate over time, resulting in a significant loss of range. After approximately ten years of charging an electric car, the battery will naturally deteriorate, typically retaining only about 80-90% of its original capacity, which is considered normal.

Frequently letting the battery reach zero charge may expedite this degradation process, leading to a shorter range sooner than anticipated. Fortunately, most modern electric vehicles are designed to prevent this damage by either halting movement or prompting the user to find a charger before the battery is completely depleted. In essence, it is programmed to prevent the battery from reaching a true 0% charge. Nonetheless, it is still advisable to always keep the battery level above 10-20% remaining capacity.

Take Care of the Battery

When it comes to electric vehicles, the battery is crucial and costly. Therefore, it is important to take measures to prolong the life of your EV battery. Neglecting seemingly minor aspects mentioned earlier can gradually or collectively result in reduced range or a shorter lifespan for your vehicle. Hence, steer clear of these common mistakes and relish the pleasure of your new, luxurious car, truck, or SUV.