7 Common EV Charging Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Did you know that nearly 2.3 million electric cars were sold in the first quarter of 2023?
Electric vehicle charging is a lot different from charging an internal combustion vehicle. If you’re new to EVs, you may not know how to charge EVs.
To make sure you don’t make these mistakes, we’re going to cover all the common EV charging mistakes you’ll want to avoid. By doing so, you’ll still have a great and enjoyable driving experience in your new EV.
So, read on!
1. Forget to Turn off the Charging Station
In the flurry of your daily duties, it’s easy to overlook turning off the charging station after plugging in your electric car. This can cause safety issues, as the charging station could overheat and melt the surrounding components.
Habit formation can be an effective method to instill the habit of remembering this task in your daily routine. To keep the charging station off and maintain a secure environment, you can set an alert or a reminder to unplug it once your EV has finished charging. Keeping track of your charging times can reduce the chances of leaving the charging station on longer than necessary.
By being aware of how long your EV takes to charge and setting a timer, you can avoid any dangerous situations. With these simple steps, you can ensure your electric vehicle is properly charged.
2. Incorrect Wiring of the Station or Using the Wrong Type of Outlet
Incorrectly wiring the station or using the wrong type of outlet can create a safety hazard. It is important to make sure the charger is properly grounded and protected from inclement weather.
Not taking into account environmental factors such as humidity, extreme temperatures, and corrosive substances can cause the components of the charging station to malfunction or degrade quickly.
It’s also important to ensure that the cables and connectors used are compatible with your vehicle. Lastly, check the voltage at the breaker box before attempting to charge at the station.
By following these steps, you can ensure a proper and safe electric vehicle charging station installation.
3. Using an Extension Cord to Increase the Cord Length
Using an extension cord to increase the cord length of an electric vehicle (EV) should avoid rapid EV charging stations. Extension cords can be a hazard.
It does not rate them for the amount of power running through them, as they can overheat and become a fire hazard. In addition, extension cords can be subject to wear and tear, which can create small exposed areas along the cord that can be dangerous.
To lower their danger, EV charge owners should buy the right charger for their vehicles. Also, sell extension cables and cord covers that are rated for the load. The most critical factor in using an EV charger is safety, so be sure to always follow proper safety protocols.
4. Forget to Remove the Charging Dock after Charging
Forgetting to remove the charging dock after charging can be an all too common mistake. This can lead to excess electricity going to waste, including energy that could have been used to charge another electric vehicle. To ensure that no electricity gets wasted, it’s important to remember to unplug your charging dock once the charging process is complete.
This may need checking the green lights to ensure that the dock is off and that it is not providing power to your electric vehicle. It’s wise to use a charging dock with a built-in timer if the station doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature. It should set this timer to turn off after the charging is complete, ensuring that any charging dock left behind won’t waste electricity.
5. Not Charging the Vehicle Regularly
A common EV charging mistake is not charging the vehicle regularly. If an EV owner drives the vehicle below the small charge, it can cause the battery to perish quicker and limit the car’s range. To prevent this, it is important to plug in the vehicle or through a timer based on the needs of the driver or the driver’s battery health.
To make the entire process easier, it’s recommended to buy a plug-in timer to charge during off-peak times when utilities offer special rates.
Set the timer to charge when an EV driver presumes it will be home for a long period, like overnight. Or, use a smart grid service or car charging app for one-time charging of the vehicle whenever necessary.
6. Not Reading The Reading Location Reviews
Not reading the reviews of an EV charging location reviews is one of the most common mistakes EV drivers make. Many drivers assume an EV charge management station will be reliable regardless of its location or recent reviews.
However, this can be dangerous, as some charging EVs in public may not be adequately maintained or offer unsanitary restroom facilities.
To avoid this issue, EV drivers should read reviews of charging locations before visiting and avoid any suspicious or negative reviews. Additionally, drivers should check the websites and read reviews of individual charging locations. This review reading practice not only helps you avoid unappealing locations but ensures you’ll find a reliable charging station for your EV.
7. Not Consulting a Professional Installer When Buying it
Purchasing an electric vehicle, one common mistake of customers is not asking for a qualified installation. It is important to seek advice from an expert who is familiar with the devices and has the know-how to install the charger in the best possible way.
Making the most of the grid’s power supply would guarantee that the charger is positioned in a suitable area and that the wiring is properly fitted.
Avoid These Common EV Charging Mistakes Today
It is important to stay informed on common EV charging mistakes and how to best avoid them. The best place to start is by finding out what is compatible with your vehicle and asking for advice from a seasoned installation or dealership. When considering all aspects of EV charging, this can help reduce any potential conflicts and get you back on the road.
Start your EV charging journey today, and be mindful of the potential mistakes within the process.
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