5 mistakes to avoid when charging your electric car

Not charging your EV correctly can not only affect the performance of your vehicle, but also compromise the lifespan and efficiency of the battery. To avoid such issues, you need to know what the most common charging mistakes are so that you can avoid them. Here are the 5 key mistakes to avoid in order to protect your EV and guarantee an optimum driving experience.

1. You always charge up to 100% or let the battery run down completely

One of the most common errors you should avoid is constantly charging your electric vehicle to 100% or letting the battery run down completely. The lithium-ion batteries used in most EVs function best when they are maintained within an optimum charging bracket, which is usually located between 20% and 80%. Frequently charging your battery up to 100% or letting it go completely flat can speed up premature ageing and reduce its capacity to store energy.

2. You charge too long with a charger plugged into a domestic power outlet

Charging at home is a practical solution – but you shouldn’t leave your EV plugged in too long. Chargers connected to domestic power outlets usually have a lower power rating than public charging stations and rapid chargers. Overlong charging from a domestic power outlet can lead to the socket overheating and may even damage the charger itself. You are therefore advised to keep an eye on your EV when charging and not leave it plugged in unnecessarily. If you often need to charge over long periods of time, you should think about investing in a cable for domestic power outlets equipped with an overheating detection system or a power socket specifically designed for charging electric vehicles to guarantee safe charging.

3. You resort to rapid charging too often

When you are in a hurry, rapid charging is a highly practical solution, but constantly using this option can have a negative impact on the health of your battery. Rapid charging refers to charging solutions such as DC charging stations with a power rating exceeding 22 kW. Rapid charging induces additional stress on the battery cells, which can reduce the battery’s lifespan. It is therefore preferable to go for rapid charging only when it’s necessary and to opt for slow or fast charging methods whenever this is possible.

4. You use a damaged cable or socket

When you charge your EV, we recommend that you use a cable in good condition and an appropriate power socket. Using a damaged cable or socket can lead to less efficient charging, energy losses and even fire hazards. Check the state of your cable and socket regularly and replace them if they are damaged.

5. You charge in extreme weather conditions

The weather can also have an impact on charging your electric vehicle. If you charge your EV in the blazing sun or the freezing cold, this can lead to your battery being excessively overheated or cooled, which can reduce its efficiency and lifespan. Whenever possible, try to park your vehicle in the shade when charging in hot weather and opt for solutions to protect your battery in very cold weather.

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By avoiding these five common mistakes when charging your electric vehicle, you can optimise the performance of your battery and prolong its life. Regular charging in line with the EV manufacturer’s recommendations will contribute to making sure you enjoy a long-lasting, reliable EV driving experience.