No More Awkward Conversations While Charging Your EV in Public
How to charge an EV in public? Let’s start by acknowledging the importance of using public EV chargers. While owning a home charging station is convenient, it’s not always possible for those living in apartments or without access to a garage. Public charging stations, on the other hand, provide a much-needed solution to this problem.
However, using a public EV charger can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re new to the world of electric cars. The good news is that it’s not as complicated as it may seem. First and foremost, you’ll need to locate the public charger. This can be done through a variety of apps and websites that map out the locations of charging stations.
Once you’ve found a charging station, it’s important to check if it’s compatible with your EV. Not all charging stations are created equal, and some may not be compatible with your car’s charging port. It’s best to double-check before you pull up to the charger.
Assuming the charging station is compatible, the next step is to plug in your car.
It’s also worth noting that charging times can vary depending on the type of charger. Fast chargers, for example, can charge your car in a matter of minutes, while other chargers may take several hours to fully charge your battery.
How to use public electric car charging stations
Juicing Up: Navigating Public EV Charging Stations Like a Pro by Getting Your Hands on the Charging Cable
Arriving at a public charging station can be a bit overwhelming, but fear not! Your first step is to locate the charging cable. While the cable is often attached to the charger itself, some charging stations require you to use your own cable to connect your car to the charger. This is where it’s important to check what’s used in your region and the type of charger you’re using.
If you’re unsure about which cable to use, consult your car’s manual or reach out to the manufacturer for guidance. They may even provide a handy storage compartment in your car’s boot to keep the cable readily available for charging on the go.
It’s worth noting that different charging stations may require different types of connectors, so it’s important to do your research beforehand. Some stations may only offer a Type 2 connector, while others may offer both Type 1 and Type 2 connectors. Being prepared with the right cable and connector can save you time and frustration when it’s time to charge up.
Power Up: How to Connect Your EV to a Public Charging Station and Get Juiced Up on the Go”
Now that you’ve located the charging cable, it’s time to connect your car to the charging station. If the cable is already built-in to the charger, simply connect it to your car’s charging port. This port can typically be found in the same location where a petrol car’s fuel cap would be located, either on the left or right side of the vehicle. However, it’s worth noting that some car models may have their charging port located in unique places, such as under the badge at the front.
It’s important to check that the charging plug is compatible with your car’s charging port before attempting to connect them. Many EVs have different connectors for regular and fast charging, so it’s best to double-check before plugging in. If the plug doesn’t fit, don’t force it, as it may not be the right cable for your car.
If you’re using your own cable, you’ll need to connect it to both the charging station and your car. The charging station’s socket is typically visible. It may have a protective cover that needs to be lifted before plugging in.
Some charging stations may require you to start the charging process manually, either through an app or by pressing a physical button on the charger. Once you’ve started the charging process, you can sit back, relax, and let your car juice up.
Read More: how to measure EV charging stations performance
Charge On-The-Go: How to Authenticate and Start Your EV Charging Session at Public Charging Stations
After connecting your car to the charging station, the next step is to authenticate yourself to start the charging session. This is typically done through a keycard, fob, or smartphone app, depending on the charging station. Some stations even offer the option to start the session directly by touching your debit or credit card.
Once the charger has identified you, charging will begin, and you’ll be able to monitor the process on the car’s dashboard, the charging station, or the app. The charging process is often reflected by LEDs on the charger and some car models.
Different charging stations may require different authentication methods. So it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the specific charging station you’ll be using beforehand. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to double-check your payment method to ensure that you’re using the correct card or app to avoid any issues with payment.
How to End Your EV Charging Session at Public Charging Stations
Once your EV has reached the desired level of charge, it’s time to end the charging session. Ending the charging session is typically done the same way as starting it, by swiping your card or fob on the charging station or stopping it through the app.
While charging, the charging cable is typically locked to the car to prevent theft and minimize the risk of electric shock. Once you’re done charging, you may need to unlock the cable from the car’s dashboard before removing it.
The final step is to unplug the cable and return it to the charger. By taking care to properly store the charging cable, you can help ensure that it’s ready for future charging sessions.