Electric Car Charging Tips – Charge Your EV the Smart Way

As we enter 2023, the popularity of electric vehicles continues to surge, with more and more people making the switch to eco-friendly transportation options. In fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that the number of electric cars on the road worldwide will reach 145 million by 2030, up from just 11 million in 2020. With this increase in electric vehicle ownership comes a growing need for electric car charging infrastructure and knowledge of best practices for electric car charging. In this article, we will explore some useful electric car charging tips to help you make the most of your electric vehicle's range and charging capabilities and ultimately how long the battery will last.

1. Conserve your batteries with eco mode

Although every electric vehicle has a slightly different eco mode, their aim is to reduce power consumption and improve mileage by limiting the power supplied to the motor and energy-intensive features. In the winter, eco-modes actually make driving safer. As the power to the motor is reduced, acceleration becomes slower, reducing the possibility of wheel spin and providing extra safety for drivers in the winter months.

2. Take advantage of off-peak charging

Another important tip for electric car charging is to make use of off-peak charging rates. Many utility companies offer discounted rates for charging during off-peak hours (usually at night), which can help lower your charging costs and reduce strain on the electrical grid during peak hours.

3. Powering the future with community charging

Joining a community charging platform can be an ideal solution if you do not own a home charger or can't access a public charging station. By using apps such as Co Charger or JustChange, you can rent someone else's charger on a pay-per-use basis. Just use a community charging app to reserve your spot and charge your car using their outlet!

Also, if you install an EV home charger in your driveway, you can become a 'host'. This not only allows you to make money from your charger, but also helps increase the availability of charging points in your area, increasing convenience for EV drivers.

4. Don’t run out of juice

Keeping an eye on your battery's health is important for maximising its lifespan. Avoid letting the battery run down to zero, as this can damage the battery. Also, try to avoid charging the battery to 100% on a regular basis as this can also cause damage.

5. Take advantage of charging apps

To make charging your electric vehicle easier, it's a good idea to download the best EV charging apps before you set out on your journey. This way, you can easily top up and make payments without any hassle. Taking some time to familiarise yourself with these apps can also save you time in the long run and ensure a smoother and more efficient charging experience.

6. Go easy on the charging speed

When charging your electric car, it's also important to be mindful of the charging speed. Fast charging can put more strain on your car's battery, which can reduce its lifespan over time. It's a good idea to use fast charging only when you need it, such as when you're on a long road trip or in a hurry. For daily use, it's best to stick with slower charging methods to extend your battery's lifespan.

7. Use the right charging equipment

There are several types of charging equipment available, including Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast chargers. Level 1 chargers plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and take longer to charge your electric car, while Level 2 chargers are powered by a 240-volt outlet and can provide up to 25 miles of range after a single hour of charging.

DC fast chargers are the fastest option and can charge your car up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. However, not all electric cars are compatible with DC fast chargers, so check your car's manual to find out which charging equipment is best for your vehicle.

8. Choose your route wisely

Range anxiety is a major concern for electric car drivers. To avoid running out of charge, it's important to plan your route carefully and make sure you have enough charge to get to your destination and back. Use apps or websites that calculate the range of your vehicle and show you nearby charging stations.

Charge with confidence

Electric car charging is an essential aspect of owning an electric vehicle. With these electric car charging tips in mind, you can enjoy the many benefits of electric vehicle ownership, including lower costs, reduced emissions and a quieter, smoother driving experience.

If you wish to find out about Bluedrop’s Fleet Insurance for your electric vehicles, visit our Fleet Insurance page.