Know the Basics - How to Charge Your EV!

In theory, charging an EV is no more difficult than charging your mobile phone. You plug one end of the charging cable into a power source, the other into your car, and wait until the battery is full. For home charging, it really is that easy. A Level 2 home charging station ensures your car's battery charges quickly, leaving you to enjoy the full range of your EV with minimal fuss.

Running Out of Charge

But what if you don't have a home charging unit, or you run low before getting there? Your EV has clever features built in to prevent this. It will warn you when your charge is getting low. Keep driving and it automatically shifts into "economy mode," reducing maximum speed while increasing regenerative braking. Your car is doing everything it can to get you to that charging point safely.

Know Your Car's Compatibility

Unless you own a Tesla (in which case, head for a Supercharger), you're best served at a Level 3 DC Fast Charging station — charging is quicker there, though a little more expensive. Not all public locations have Level 3 charging, so you may face a longer wait depending on where you plug in. Also keep in mind that different stations require different connectors, such as CHAdeMO or CCS/SAE. Know which one your vehicle uses before you need it.

Finding a Charging Station

If your car is internet-connected, use its built-in navigation to find the nearest charging stations. Google Maps works well too. Charging networks like ChargePoint and Blink have their own apps, while independent apps like ChargeHub and PlugShare let you search across all networks. Use filters to exclude stations incompatible with your EV, and the app will tell you whether chargers are free or in use.

Powering Up — Step by Step

Once parked at a charging unit: turn off the ignition, plug the connector cable into both ends, activate the charger (often via RFID card or network app), and wait for your battery to reach the desired level. Then unplug and you're on your way. Most Level 3 chargers require a network membership but will still take at least 30 minutes to get you back on the road, depending on your vehicle.

Happy driving!