Properly charging your electric vehicle not only extends battery life, but also ensures safe and efficient operation of your vehicle. In this article, we will consider the main recommendations and tips for charging an electric car.
1. Selection of charging equipment
There are three main levels of charging stations, each suitable for different situations:
Level 1 (ordinary outlet):
Use a standard outlet (120V in North America, 220-240V in other countries).
Ecoline 20 suitable for slow charging at home.
Does not require special equipment, but is the slowest way to charge.
Level 2 (specialized charging stations):
Uses a voltage of 220-240 V.
Requires installation of a special charging station.
Provides faster charging and is optimal for daily use at home or at work.
Level 3 (fast charging stations):
Uses 480V or higher.
Available at public charging stations and provides very fast charging.
Not suitable for home use due to high cost and power.
2. Preparation for charging
Before charging, make sure to follow these steps:
Checking the charging equipment:
Make sure that the charging station and the cable are not damaged.
Use only certified equipment for charging an electric vehicle.
Car parking:
Park the vehicle in a safe place where an outlet or charging station is available for connection.
Weather protection:
Charge the vehicle in a location protected from precipitation or use charging equipment with an appropriate degree of protection.
3. Charging process
Follow these steps to properly connect your electric vehicle to the charging station:
Cable connection:
Connect the charging cable to an outlet or charging station.
Connect the other end of the cable to the car’s charging port.
Checking the indication:
Make sure that the charging process has started by following the indicators on the car’s dashboard or at the charging station.
Most electric cars have light indicators that show the charging status.
Charging monitoring:
If possible, use the vehicle manufacturer’s app to monitor the charging process.
This will allow you to monitor the charge level and receive notifications when charging is complete.
4. Tips for efficient charging
Avoid fully discharging and charging to 100%:
Keep the battery charged between 20-80% to extend its life.
Full discharges and charging up to 100% are useful only for long trips.
Use the charging timer:
Use the charging timer to optimize charging time and avoid peak loads on the grid.
Some charging stations and electric vehicles allow you to set the start time of charging.
Choose slow charging for daily use:
Use level 1 or 2 charging stations for daily charging at home or at work.
Level 3 charging (fast charging) is intended for long trips and emergency situations.
Monitor the temperature:
Avoid charging the battery in extreme temperatures to prevent rapid wear.
If possible, charge your car indoors or in the shade during the summer.
