It’s important to know where your car’s charging port is (and how to access it) before you get out on the road. If you’re not sure where to find the charging port on a particular model, flip through the owner’s manual that came with the vehicle.
Don’t forget to close the port once again when you’re done charging your vehicle. It should lock itself automatically.
Exact charging times will vary depending on the current level of your vehicle’s battery and the charging level you’re using. Charging levels (usually denominated into Level 1, Level 2, and “fast charging”) refer the the amount of voltage being directed into the battery. [3] X Research source It takes roughly 7-8 hours of charging to take a battery from empty to full with Level 1 charging. With Level 2 charging, charging times drop to about 4 hours, while fast charging can take as little as 30 minutes. [4] X Research source You’ll know your car’s battery is finished charging when the battery indicator on the dashboard display is full.
The length of your daily commute, access to outlets in your usual parking area, and availability of public charging stations are all important factors to consider when deciding which model of electric car is right for you. [5] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Use sites like PlugShare[6] X Research source and ChargeHub[7] X Research source to locate a charging station in the immediate vicinity anytime you’re away from home.
Your vehicle may not start successfully if the battery is below a certain level. The minimum battery level needed to start the car will vary depending on the exact model and battery type. You’ll turn off the car the same way once you’ve reached your destination. Make sure the parking brake is disengaged before you put the car in motion.
In most electric cars, you can switch between drive settings using a paddle shifter found next to the steering wheel or console. [10] X Research source Hybrid vehicles typically make use of the same gears as conventional internal combustion engine vehicles—Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), Drive (D), and Low (L).
It may take a few outings before you get used to the improved acceleration of an electric car if you’re used to driving a conventional car or truck. More responsive acceleration is especially useful for city driving, where you’ll often be dealing with stop-and-go traffic. [12] X Research source Electric cars have a lot of pickup at acceleration. In fact, the smallest electric car can go from zero to sixty in a quicker time than a big engine. You should not press down too hard on the accelerator because you may accidentally bump into something.
Avoid mashing the brakes or coming to an abrupt halt as much as possible, as this only makes your car less efficient. Electric cars use a revolutionary braking system known as “regenerative braking,” which means that each time you slow down, a small amount of energy is captured and redirected back into the battery. [14] X Research source Learning to brake fluidly will not only improve your car’s potential range, but also the lifespan of its friction brakes (if equipped).
Turn your lights on as soon as it gets dark to make yourself easier to see. Always slow down when passing cyclists and pedestrians, and consider honking or flashing your lights to let them know that you’re approaching.
Level 1 and Level 2 charging are the slowest but most convenient charging options, as they can be accessed using most standard wall outlets. This is how you’ll charge your electric car the majority of the time. Fast charging is typically only available at dedicated charging stations, but these sites are common enough for you to usually be able to find one when you need it.
When planning longer trips, always factor your car’s maximum range into your travel distance to determine how many stops you’ll need to make along the way. [18] X Research source Always disconnect your car from the charger as soon as you’re done charging, if possible. Leaving it plugged up after it reaches 100% places a lot of strain on the battery. Over time, this can actually reduce its total capacity. Sites like PlugShare[19] X Research source and ChargeHub[20] X Research source make it easy to track down the closest charging station anytime you’re away from home.
Since amenities like the radio and air conditioning are so taxing on its sole power source, your electric car might not make the best vehicle for road trips.
If possible, keep your electric car in a climate-controlled garage when you’re not driving it. Not only will this slow down wear to the battery, it will also keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature so you won’t have to run the heat or A/C the next time you get behind the wheel. [23] X Research source Cold has a much more negative effect on battery life than heat. In fact, freezing conditions can reduce your electric car’s overall range by 20-30%.
