EV Charging 101: How To Charge Your EV in Public
4 min read
Do you own an EV and look forward to charging it regularly? Well, even though you own a home charging solution, there will be times when you’ll need to charge it in public. So, there are a plethora of things to take care of while charging them in public. Thus, this comprehensive guide covers all such crucial aspects and the core steps of charging your electric vehicle (EV) easily in a public charging station. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Something About Public EV Charging
Public EV charging refers to when you are able to connect your EV to a charging station in a public place. Unlike a home charger, you do not own the charger and everyone with an electric vehicle has access to the charger. There are several types of charging stations under the domain of public EV charging.
You can look on your map for several public charging stations in any region. For example, you have to type the term “charging stations San Antonio” to locate all the public charging stations and pin down the one that caters to all your needs.
Steps To Use A Public Charger To Charge Your EV
Look For A Charging Cable
After arriving at the charging station with your EV, you have to look for a charging cable. Most of the time, the cable will be attached to the charger itself. If you cannot find a charging cable at the station, then you have to use your own. Most of the manufacturers provide a charging cable when you buy an electric vehicle. You can find it in the boot of your EV.
The cable and connectors vary according to the region so it is advised to check the type of charges and cables in your current region.
Connect Your EV To The Charger
The next step is to connect the EV to the charger via the charging cable. If the cable is attached to the charging station then you have to connect the connector to the power socket on the car. Different cars come with separate connectors for regular and fast charging. So, if the connector is not fitting in the socket properly, then don’t use any force on it. You can damage the connector and the power socket on your car. However, if the connector on the charging stations fits in then it is compatible with your car.
If you are using your own charging cable then you have to connect both sides of the cable. One end will go into the power socket while the other will be connected to the charging station.
Start The Charging Session With Proper Authentication
When you have connected your EV to the charging station, then you have to start the session by authenticating yourself. You can use your keycard or smartphone app to authenticate yourself at the charging station to begin the session. At some stations, you can start the session by touching your debit or credit card directly. Once the session is started, you can check the progress of charging in your EV dashboard or your EV app.
End The Charging Session
When your EV is charged to the required level according to your needs, you can end the charging session. You can complete the payment with a debit card or use any type of mode according to your preference.
While charging the cable is locked to your EV to prevent any misuse, theft, and any unfortunate accidents. So, you have to unlock the cable from your EV dashboard before you remove it from the socket.
If you are using your own cable, disconnect it from both ends and secure it in your EV. Otherwise, remove the cable from your car and put it back at the charging station.
The Final Verdict
Although you’ll find EV charging to be more feasible, it is a fully refreshing experience that makes your life a lot easier on the road. We just hope that this article shares all the valuable pointers for a hassle-free public charging experience. You will love the flexibility and enjoy public charging in the best way.
