If you are one of the many new EV owners in Australia, we’ve put together the best tips for EV charging to get you started. Our tips are easy and efficient and will help you maximise the time between charges, protect your EV’s battery, and eliminate hassle.
Whether you are researching an EV purchase or ready to hit the road with your new electric vehicle, here are 10 charging tips for EVs to help get you started.
Tips for Charging EV: Our 10 Best Recommendations
- Know Your Electric Vehicle
- Consider Installing a Home EV Charging Station
- Research Your Charging Options
- Consider Off-Peak Times When Using Public Charging Stations
- Plan Charging Stops and Routes
- Carry an Emergency Charging Cable
- Download EV Apps
- Take Care of Your Battery
- Drive Efficiently
- Learn EV Charging Etiquette
1. Know Your Electric Vehicle
We know it can be overwhelming if you are a new EV owner. If you only take one tip away from our list, here is what to remember:
- What is the EV’s range?
- What is the EV’s maximum charge rate?
Understanding your EV’s charge rate and range will help you plan trips better, minimise unexpected stops, and optimise charging times.
For instance, if your EV has a maximum charge rate of 50kW per hour, this is the fastest it can charge. Even if you plug it into a 150kWh charge point, your EV will only charge at 50kWh.
2. Consider Installing a Home EV Charging Station
Home EV charging stations are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their convenience and reliability. Charging your EV overnight in your own home allows you to enjoy a full battery when you wake up and save on public charging costs.
Learn more about home EV charging stations in our guide here: How to Prepare Your Home for EV Charging – EV Charging Systems.
3. Research Your Charging Options
If you are still in the research phase of purchasing an EV, it is important to understand the different charging options.
Do you want a home charging station? Do you have numerous public charging stations near you? Do you want to use AC or DC charging?
Not sure how to sort through charging options? Our licensed EV electricians are happy to help or check out our easy-to-understand guide on AC vs DC charging: AC vs DC EV Chargers: Understanding the Differences.
4. Consider Off-Peak Times When Using Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations are a convenient option for charging your electric vehicle on the road. However, popular public charging stations in Australia can fill up quickly during peak charging hours. If possible, plan your charging stops to take advantage of off-peak charging times.
Peak charging times in Australia vary, but here is a general idea:
- Weekday Peak EV Charging Times: Mornings (8 AM–11 AM) and late afternoon/early evening hours (4 PM–10 PM)
- Off-Peak Charging Hours: Early mornings, late evenings and nights
5. Plan Charging Stops and Routes
Planning your stops and routes ahead of time helps ensure a smooth, efficient trip. We recommend always having a clear route, GPS, and a good map for reference.
To help plan EV trips, consider these factors:
- Your EV’s range and charging rate
- Your average driving speed
- The terrain
- The weather
- Charging station locations
You May Also Like: 10 Tips for a Stress-Free EV Road Trip
6. Carry an Emergency Charging Cable
We recommend purchasing important EV accessories, such as charging cables and adaptors. These can be used in case of emergencies, such as stopping at a public charging station that doesn’t offer a compatible cable.
7. Download EV Apps
EV apps can be a great resource for planning routes and checking traffic conditions and weather. Certain apps offer additional benefits, such as making sure your is compatible or seeing which charging stations are currently in use.
Here are a few of our favourite EV apps:
- Evie App — Find the nearest charger, activate charging sessions, see real-time charging progress, make secure payments, and view your complete charging history
- ChargeNet App — View almost 300 charge points, see which chargers are currently being used, and more
- Plugshare App — Find public charging stations regardless of network, filter charging stations based on available activities while charging, find compatible chargers
- Power Trip App — Find charging stations, plan your route and schedule stops, and optimise charging times
8. Take Care of Your Battery
The wrong habits can deplete the lifespan of your EV lithium-ion battery. While some degradation is normal over time, certain charging choices can hasten this process.
Tips for taking care of EV batteries include:
- Avoid charging your EV to a full 100% to allow regenerative braking to capture additional kinetic energy
- Aim to keep your battery charged between 20% to 80%
- Consult your EV’s owner manual to determine the optimal charge level
- Limit how often you use quick charging as quick charging can be tougher on your EV battery
- Aim to drive longer distances between charging stops
- Never let your EV battery deplete completely
- If you plug in your EV to charge overnight, set a timer to shut it off once it is charged to make sure it isn’t on the charger too long
9. Drive Efficiently
Driving your EV efficiently can maximise your range and cut down on charging breaks. Driving aggressively or with improper tyre pressure will consume excess energy and drain the battery faster.
Tips for efficient EV driving include:
- Check to make sure your tyres are properly inflated
- Avoid harsh braking
- Utilise your EV’s eco-mode option
- Avoid fast acceleration
10. Learn EV Charging Etiquette
Knowing and following EV charging etiquette ensures a better charging experience for everyone.
Here are important EV charging etiquette tips to keep in mind:
- When your charging session is finished, unplug your EV and quickly exit the charging space
- Don’t park in front of a charging station you aren’t using
- Consider using an app to monitor charging process so you can move your EV as soon as it is done charging
- Don’t unplug or touch other EVs
- Be mindful of charging or parking time limits
- Follow all safety guidelines during the charging process
- Keep the charging area tidy (wind the cord when done so it isn’t a tripping hazard)
- Avoid parking illegally to reach the EV charger
- Report any problems or damage to the station operator
Start Your EV Journey with Turnkey EV Charger Installation Perth
Getting an electric vehicle is exciting and we hope our tips for EV charging tips help you feel confident as you hit the road.
Contact us with questions or to get started with your EV charging journey. From EV home station installs to charger repairs, infrastructure, and maintenance, our licensed EV electricians offer full-service charging support.
