Essential Tips and Etiquette for Using Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, the importance of public electric vehicle charging stations is increasingly apparent. To make the most of these charging facilities, it is crucial to understand how to use them correctly and to follow proper etiquette. This article provides detailed tips and guidelines to help you use public electric vehicle charging stations efficiently and enhance your charging experience.

How to Use Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Finding a Charging Station

Whether you're driving in the city or planning a road trip with your EV, finding a convenient charging station is essential.

Fortunately, various charging network apps and vehicle navigation systems can help you locate nearby public electric vehicle charging stations with ease.

These tools can search for stations based on connector types, charging speeds, or proximity to other locations like hotels. They also provide real-time information about the availability of charging stations and their compatibility with your vehicle.

For electric vehicle charging stations in the U.S. and Canada, you can browse this link.

For additional resources, check out apps that can help you find the nearest EV chargers here.

Example: Using Google Maps to Find a Charging Station

Search Example: Locate public electric vehicle charging stations near Kansas City Ice Rink.

Steps:

1.Search for charging stations around the Kansas City Ice Rink destination and narrow the search to a convenient distance from the destination.

2.Type "electric vehicle charger" into the search bar and execute the search.

3.The pins and details for all charging stations will appear in the sidebar.

Steps to Start Charging

1.Park Your Vehicle Correctly

Park your vehicle properly in the designated charging spot. These spots are designed to ensure a secure connection between your vehicle and the charging equipment. Proper parking helps prevent the charging cable from being overstretched or damaged, ensuring a stable charging process. Parking in the designated area also reduces safety risks during charging, such as avoiding accidental collisions with other vehicles and protecting the charging equipment.

2.Connect the Charging Cable to the Vehicle’s Charging Port

Locate the Charging Port: Find the charging port on your electric vehicle, which is typically located at the front, side, or rear of the vehicle. The exact location can vary depending on the vehicle model.

Prepare the Charging Cable: Ensure the charging cable is compatible with the charging station and select the appropriate type(e.g., Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMO, or CCS) as needed.

Remove the Charging Cable: Take the charging cable from the charging station and check that it and the connector are clean, undamaged, and free of debris.

Inspect the Charging Port: Ensure the vehicle’s charging port is clean and free of dust or debris.

Note: Different countries may use different types of cables and plugs . Check the type used in your area.

3.Follow the Instructions on the Charging Device’s Screen

This may involve using a membership card, mobile app, or contactless payment method.

Monitor Charging Progress

Once your vehicle is connected to the charging station, you can begin charging.

 Most public electric vehicle charging stations allow you to monitor the charging progress via the device’s display or a mobile app.

 This helps you track how much power has been delivered to your vehicle and how much time remains until the battery is fully charged.

Ending Charging

• Complete Charging: Follow the prompts on the charging device to determine when the vehicle is fully charged.
• Disconnect the Charging Cable: Follow the instructions to disconnect the cable. Gently press the release button (if available) to remove the cable from the vehicle’s charging port.
• Tidy Up: After disconnecting the cable, ensure the charging station area is clean for the next user.

Tips for Efficient Use of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Best Charging Times

1.Avoid Peak Hours

• Peak Hours: Typically, peak hours are during the weekday morning rush (7 AM to 9 AM) and evening rush (5 PM to 7 PM). Charging stations may be very busy, leading to longer wait times.

• Off-Peak Hours: Consider using charging stations during midday (11 AM to 2 PM) or late evening (after 7 PM) on weekdays. These times are usually less crowded, and charging speeds may be faster, reducing wait times.

2.Consider Charging Needs

• Long-Distance Travel: If you are on a long trip and need fast charging, use DC fast-charging stations and plan your trip to avoid peak times.

• Daily Charging: For daily use, off-peak times are more suitable, allowing you to choose based on your schedule.

• Charging Types: Different charging stations (Level 1, Level 2, DC fast charging) have different speeds. Choose a station and time that fits your charging needs to ensure efficiency.

3.Utilize Electricity Pricing and Policies

Charging Network Discounts: Networks like ChargePoint and EVgo often provide promotions, such as waiving initial charging fees or offering discount vouchers.

Occasionally, governments or charging networks offer discounts or incentives to encourage charging during specific times.

For example, California utilities like PG&E and SCE offer time-of-use pricing incentives for EV charging, encouraging owners to charge during off-peak hours (e.g., nighttime).

• PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric)

Time-of-Use Discounts: PG&E offers the “EV Rate” plan, which includes two types of time-of-use pricing:
“EV2-A” Plan: Prices are divided into peak (4 AM to 9 AM, 4 PM to 9 PM) and off-peak hours (9 PM to 4 AM). Off-peak rates are lower, potentially about 50% less than peak rates.
Peak rates might be $0.30/kWh, while off-peak rates are $0.15/kWh.

• SCE (Southern California Edison)

TOU-D Plan: SCE offers a “TOU-D” plan with pricing divided into peak, mid-peak, and off-peak periods:
Off-Peak Hours: Typically 8 PM to 8 AM, with the lowest charging prices.
Off-peak rates are usually 40%-50% lower than peak rates. For example, peak rates might be $0.35/kWh, while off-peak rates are $0.20/kWh.

Discounts during off-peak hours are usually 30%-50% lower than peak times. The exact discount depends on the utility and pricing plan.

Maximizing Battery Life

1.Avoid Overcharging

Charge to 80%: Aim to charge the battery to around 80% rather than fully charging it. Charging close to 100% involves higher voltage, which can negatively impact battery health.

Set Charging Targets: Many EVs and charging network apps allow you to set charging targets to avoid overcharging.

2.Avoid Deep Discharging

Maintain 20%-80% Charge Range: Avoid letting the battery level drop close to 0%, as deep discharging can accelerate battery degradation.

Regular Charging: Keep the battery level between 20%-80% to help extend battery life.

3.Choose Appropriate Charging Speed

Use Fast Charging Cautiously: Although fast charging (e.g., DC fast charging) is convenient, frequent use can stress the battery. Use slower charging speeds (e.g., Level 2 charging) when possible, unless in urgent situations.

Avoid High-Temperature Charging: If possible, avoid fast charging in high temperatures, as heat can increase the battery's thermal load and affect its lifespan.

Utilizing Charging Network Apps

Using charging network apps at public electric vehicle charging stations can significantly enhance charging efficiency and convenience.

1.Start and Stop Charging

Remote Control: Apps allow you to start and stop charging remotely, which is useful in extreme weather conditions, as you can control charging from inside your car.
Payment Function: Use the app to pay for charging fees. Most charging network apps support contactless payment, making transactions easy and quick.

2.Check Charging Station Status

Real-Time Information: View the real-time status and availability of charging stations. Apps usually provide information on each station’s occupancy, helping you avoid full stations.
Device Status: Get information about the charging equipment’s status, including whether it is working properly or if there are any faults or maintenance issues.

3.View Charging Costs

Cost Estimates: Apps often show estimated charging costs, including the price per kilowatt-hour and total fees, helping you understand costs before charging.
Cost Records: Record and review charging history to track expenses and plan accordingly.

4.Get Charging Station Feedback

User Reviews: Read reviews and ratings from other users to gauge the quality of the charging station’s service and the reliability of the equipment.
Report Issues: Report any problems with the charging equipment to the charging network operator through the app to help them address issues promptly.

Charging Station Etiquette for Electric Vehicle Owners

Fair Sharing of Charging Stations

Public electric vehicle charging stations are a shared resource. Once your vehicle is fully charged, promptly move it to allow others to use the charging station.

If you are not charging, avoid using the charging spot as a regular parking space.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Follow Station Rules: Adhere to the rules and signage at the charging station to avoid unnecessary issues and conflicts.

• Be Aware of Other Users: Pay attention to the behavior of other users to avoid potential safety hazards, such as improper actions that might lead to collisions or damage to charging equipment.

• Respect the Surroundings: Do not unplug other vehicles’ chargers without permission. Report any issues with the charging station to the provider immediately.

Report Problems and Malfunctions

If you encounter any issues with the charging station, such as equipment malfunctions or safety concerns, report these problems to the charging station operator or through the charging network app.

Conclusion

Public electric vehicle charging stations provide convenient and reliable charging solutions for electric vehicle owners. By understanding how these stations work, mastering usage tips, and following proper etiquette, you can enhance your experience while using them.

As an innovative energy company, we are committed to offering high-quality energy solutions to help you better adapt to the era of electric vehicles. If you have any related energy needs or questions, please contact us. We will provide you with professional support and services.