Charging Tips

Every electric vehicle owner or prospective owner should be familiar with the specifics of operation throughout the year. Most EV manufacturers state the maximum range on a single charge under ideal driving conditions. EV drivers should be aware that they often will not be able to travel the distance advertised by the manufacturer as the single-charge range. However, there are exceptions when an electric vehicle can exceed the stated range. Energy consumption depends on factors such as terrain, weather, speed, and driving style.

Most electric vehicles on the market are designed for urban use due to their battery capacity and vehicle design. For operating an electric vehicle in urban conditions, a small battery capacity is sufficient in most cases, as charging stations are available in many locations and you can top up the vehicle during lunch breaks, for example. It is beneficial to charge your electric vehicle to 80% and not discharge below 20% to extend battery life. Charging the battery to 100% is recommended only right before a long trip when you will need those extra percent. Additionally, avoid using DC charging whenever possible to preserve battery longevity. The safest way to charge is from a regular household outlet, also known as Schuko, as the battery charges slowly.

Any change in operating conditions can lead to increased electricity consumption. For instance, if you change your EV’s tires to non-standard ones or switch to larger rims, you will immediately notice a difference in consumption. It is also important to maintain the tire pressure specified by the manufacturer. During the winter season, when you switch to winter tires, consumption increases and the vehicle covers a shorter distance.

Sub-zero temperatures also affect the consumption and charging of an electric vehicle. If an electric vehicle is not charging at the maximum speed specified by the manufacturer, this may be due to low battery temperature. To charge the vehicle at maximum speed, the battery needs to be warmed up. Most electric vehicles have air or liquid battery heating systems. The battery also warms up during driving.

Electric vehicles often do not charge at maximum speed when the battery level is below 10% or above 90%. The first and last percentages are the slowest to charge because this is how the electric vehicle protects and balances the battery cells.

In warm weather, especially during the summer season, maximum range on a single charge as well as maximum charging speed can be achieved. However, very high temperatures also affect range. For some electric vehicles with air-cooled batteries, it is important to know where the cooling air comes from. If it comes from the cabin and does not pass through the air conditioning system, it is advisable not to charge at DC stations with the windows closed on hot days, because the air temperature inside the cabin is high and can literally damage the battery cells. You can also turn on the air conditioning beforehand to cool the cabin, but in this case energy consumption during charging will increase.

Electric vehicles equipped with air conditioning-based battery cooling have the ability to maintain optimal battery temperature during summer, and charging on hot days is not problematic.

It is recommended to plan your journey before traveling long distances — where and when you can charge, always having a backup charging option, and how long you will need to charge to avoid extended stays at a single location. It is useful to know that in the absence of charging stations, you can find a regular Schuko outlet in underground parking garages of shopping centers and similar locations. Even slow charging can be the only option for reaching your final destination.

When charging an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid from a regular Schuko outlet, make sure the vehicle is connected properly. Additionally, the charging adapter checks for grounding in the electrical system, and without grounding, charging will not be permitted. When charging at EV stations, make sure the vehicle is connected and charging. Different stations are activated in different ways — it may be a card, an app, a website, or pressing a button on the station’s control panel.

This information was compiled from our personal experience!